COVID-19: Saudi Arabia Suspends Ramadan Prayers, Urges Muslims to Pray at Home

Saudi Arabia on Monday announced the suspension of Taraweeh prayers in Mecca and Medina during the Ramadan.

Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, is expected to begin on April 23.

However, owing to increasing cases of COVID-19 globally, Saudi’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, in a statement, announced that the suspension of the important prayer during Ramadan is to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

The minister of Islamic affairs, Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh, said the prayers will be performed at home for health safety.

In Islam, Taraweeh prayers are very important and rewarding during the Holy month.

“The suspension of performing the five daily prayers at mosques is more important than the suspension of Taraweeh prayers.

“We ask Allah the Almighty to accept Taraweeh prayers whether held at mosques, or homes, which we think is better for people’s health. We ask Allah the Almighty to accept prayers from all of us and protect humanity from this epidemic that hit the entire world.

“This is a precaution in line with the prohibition of gatherings, so that funeral prayers take place at cemeteries should not exceed five to six of the deceased’s relatives, and the rest pray at their homes,” the statement read in part.

As of Monday, Saudi Arabia has 4,934 cases and 65 deaths related to Coronavirus.