Government extends nationwide ban on mass prayers in mosques

Islamic Ministry, on Thursday, announced an extension to the nationwide ban on mass prayers in mosques imposed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Islamic Ministry issued a statement this afternoon, announcing that mass prayers in mosques were to be suspended nationwide until May 14.

The decision was taken under counsel from the Fatwa Council and other Islamic scholars.

It comes a day after the Director General of Public Health ordered a 14-day extension to the lockdown on the Greater Male’ Region, as COVID-19 continues to spread in Male’ and several residential islands outside of the capital, and Maldives marked its first COVID-19 fatality.

Islamic Ministry had advised people to remain diligent in performing daily prayers at home, and to increase sunnah prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran and other religious practices.

Islamic Ministry’s ban on mass prayers had originally applied only to the Greater Male’ Region and resort islands. It was later expanded to include Addu City and Fuvahmulah, and on April 19 - all mosques nationwide.