Congregational prayers to recommence from Maghrib prayers tomorrow

Islamic Ministry of the Maldives has announced that congregational prayers will be permitted in the Maldives starting from the Maghrib prayers tomorrow night.

Carpets laid inside mosques will be removed, according to a circular by the Islamic Ministry.

Mosques are also to be cleaned before and after every prayer. Hand hygiene arrangements must also be made at mosques. Air conditioners inside mosques are to be used occasionally. The Ministry circular also read that the airflow of mosques must be maintained despite the use of Air conditioners, by opening windows for an appropriate amount of time.

Health authorities have also announced precautions to be taken by worshippers.

The precautions to be taken include:

• Ablution at home
• Bringing prayer mats to mosques
• Elderly people to not attend mosques
• Those with symptoms of cold, fever, sneezing and cough to refrain from attending mosques
• Wearing masks when attending the mosques
• Refrain from spending unnecessary time at the mosques
• Refrain from collective gathering inside mosques.
• refrain from usi8ng books inside the mosque.

The Ministry had earlier stated that while arrangements for ablution would still be available in mosques, it was not the recommended option due to the safety of everyone.