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Coronavirus (Covid-19) is the new talk of the town. With more than 162 countries affected and thousands of lives gone essential steps must be taken for its precaution and prevention. The states have officially banned traveling to and fro from the affected countries to avoid any Coronavirus affected case in their country.
Similarly, the N-95 masks are available in every shop and market with necessary precaution guidelines on the internet to mark people safe from this deadly disease. Recently, Saudi Arabia took a significant step and restricted any pilgrimage in Makkah and Madinah to avoid gathering and chances of Coronavirus.
The country is trying its level best to have no case of Coronavirus. Under these circumstances, the Ministry of Islamic affairs issued a statement to reduce the prayer time and Friday sermon to 15 minute. However, with the increasing infection in the country the officials have passed a new statement. What is it about? Please read the article below to know how the kingdom is keen in assisting its citizens and Saudi expats.
Congregation Prayer to be Dismissed in Saudi Arabia
According to Saudi News Agency (SPA), Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr Abdul Latif al-Shaykh has issued a new statement which states that,
A temporary ban has been placed on Friday prayers in all mosques (including Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid-e-Nabwi. All the imams and muadhin have been instructed accordingly.
Will Friday Prayer be Offered in Congregation and Allowed in Two Holy Mosques?
No, even the Friday prayer will be under this ban. All the mosques will call a single Adhan for Zuhr prayer instead of Friday prayer. Before two Holy Mosques were exempted from this bus. However, the Friday prayers has been suspended in the two holy mosques. According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA),
The Cleric board gave the fatwa of dismissing the two Adhan for Jummah prayer in accordance with Coronavirus pandemic.
Why is this New Decision made by the Officials?
The new decision is made on the basis of fatwa from the prominent clerics of Saudi Arabia. This decision is a part of precautionary measure to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Who Passed the Fatwa of Banning Congregation Prayer?
There’s an institution of the Cleric established in Saudi Arabia. It is also known as the leading Ulama board. Its members and chiefs are appointed by servant Herman Sharifin. Religious matters are discussed on the basis of which fatwa is issued by them.
When is the New Decision taken by the Officials?
According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) a meeting conducted on Tuesday in Riyadh presided by various eminent Islamic scholars along with the Interior ministry and Islamic affairs ministry took this decision after reviewing the present condition of Coronavirus in the country.
Will the Two Grand Holy Mosques Follow the Same Ban?
Yes, the two grand holy mosques Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid-e-Nabwi Sharif will not perform Friday prayers.
Are these Decisions in Accordance with the Teachings of Islam?
Yes, the scholars gave the references of Quran and Hadith supporting the different decisions including reducing the time between prayers, shortening the Friday sermon, closing the doors of Mosque, changing the Adhan advising people to stay at home and banning the obligatory prayers there.
How will People Offer Friday Prayers if Mosques will be Closed?
The scholars informed the people to offer 4 Rakah at home during the period of ban. It is because the Health Minister warned the dangers of the Corona virus, as it was rapidly transmitted resulting in doubling of the infection.
What did the Islamic Scholars Advised the People?
Saudi scholars have advised the local citizens and Saudi expats to fully comply with the security and precautionary measures of the arranged by the relevant institutions and cooperate with them.
It is important for all of us to follow the advice and stay safe and protected. It is the responsibility of every citizen to protect themselves and others. Please share the article and subscribe us for daily updates.
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