The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world today. Among the things that were affected are places of worship that were temporarily shut down all over the world, to prevent the spread of the virus. This year's Eid-ul Fitr celebration is also different from previous years due to mosque closures, as Muslims are encouraged to do their Eid prayers at home instead.
As more countries are slowly lifting restrictions, some of the mosques all over the world have reopened. Despite the reopening of the mosques, strict measures have been put in place to reduce the risk of contagion of the virus. Some of these mosques have implemented social distancing measures when praying, as well as other rules in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
Here are several mosques that have reopened after the Covid-19 closure.
Image Credit: Al-Aqsa Mosque on Facebook
After more than a 2-month closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Al-Aqsa Mosque has reopened its doors to worshippers last Sunday, 31st May. According to The Council of Islamic Waqf, this was due to the slowed local spread of the virus which allowed for entry restrictions to be lifted and the Al-Aqsa mosque to be reopened. However, precautionary measures have been put in place by the Jordan-appointed council. Worshippers have to wear face masks and bring their own prayer mats. This is part of the effort to prevent further spread of the virus at Islam’s third holiest site.
Image Credit: Ryan Pradipta Putra on Unsplash
Saudi Arabia has reopened its doors to worshippers but stricter measures have been imposed to reduce the contagion of the virus. Al Masjid An-Nabawi was one amongst 90,000 mosques that have reopened for prayers in Saudi Arabia.
Prior to the reopening of mosques, worshippers were informed of the new rules in place for public prayers via text messages by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Worshippers had to comply with social distancing measures such as praying two metres (6.5ft) apart and avoiding greeting each other with hugs and handshakes. They also had to perform ablution at home since the washrooms are closed in the mosque. Mosques will also open for 15 minutes before the five daily prayers and will close 10 minutes after they conclude. Friday sermons and prayers will also last no longer than 15 minutes.
Image Credit: Osman Köycü on Unsplash
The mosques in Turkey reopened last Friday for mass prayers, as the country eased restrictions. There were hundreds of worshippers who performed mass prayers outside the historical Blue Mosque for the first time since its closure - all wearing protective masks. Since May, Turkey has been shifting towards a “new normal” by loosening lockdown measures in the country. Most public places have since reopened across the country.
Image Credit: Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) on Facebook
Most mosques in Singapore have reopened on Monday, 1 June 2020 but with precautionary measures in place. There are limited private prayer spaces, worshippers have to wear a mask and bring their own personal prayer items, as well as carry a scannable identification or a smartphone. There is also a priority given to those whose jobs require them to be on the move such as taxi drivers and delivery riders.
During the first phase of the post-circuit breaker period, daily communal prayers and congregational Friday prayers will not be conducted which is in line with the national guidelines for places of worship. According to MUIS, this will be organized in the later phases when the situation permits. The reopening of the mosque, with stricter precautionary measures in place, is in line with Phase One of Post-Circuit Breaker where Singapore slowly resumes activities.
The government in Nigeria has since lifted restrictions placed on religious gatherings during the pandemic. Mosques, together with churches and hotels, are now free to open but with stricter measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus. Worshippers have to wear face masks, maintain social distancing as well as maintaining personal hygiene by thoroughly washing and sanitizing their hands before joining their congregation. Also, according to Sani Aliyu, chairman of the Task Force, places of worship like churches and mosques are only allowed to operate between 5am and 8pm daily, with Friday prayers in mosques not exceeding one hour.
Daily updates on the reopening of mosques all over the world will be provided so be sure to download the HalalTrip App to stay updated, here! Stay safe and stay healthy.
