No Eidgah jamaat this year, Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in mosques only

Like last year, the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers will have to be offered in mosques this year too, instead of Eidgahs or open spaces.

An order in this regard was issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Monday. 

The ministry said it was necessary to follow the health guidelines in the current Covid-19 situation. 

Though the Islamic Sharia encourages performing the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in congregation at the Eidgah or in an open space, at present the risk of coronavirus infection is very high.

For this reason, instead of Eidgah or any open space, people are being requested to perform Eid prayers in their nearest mosques. If necessary, more than one congregation can be held in the same mosques.

Some instructions have been issued for performing prayers in mosques.

The mosques must be cleaned throughout with disinfectants before the prayers, and carpets cannot be laid during Eid jamaat. The worshippers must bring their own praying mats and caps.

Soap, hand sanitizer should be kept at the place of ablution in the mosques to ensure prevention of coronavirus infection. Hand sanitizer, soap and water for handwashing should be kept at the entrance of the mosques as well.

Everyone has to perform ablution at their home before coming to the mosque. When performing ablution, everyone should wash their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.

Worshippers must come to the mosques wearing masks  to attend Eid prayers. When standing in queue during Eid jamaat, everyone must follow social distancing rules and hygiene rules.

Children, elderlies, anyone who is sick and anyone engaged in the service of the sick are not allowed to participate in the Eid prayers.

To ensure public safety, the guidelines of the Directorate General of Health Services, local administration and law enforcement must be followed.

People are requested to avoid hugging and shaking hands at the end of congregations to prevent coronavirus infection. 

It is to be noted that due to the rise in Covid-19 deaths and cases, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed that a maximum of 20 worshippers can take part in the congregational prayers at each time in the mosque. 

This instruction will be valid for performing prayers in the mosques until further instructions.

A maximum of 20 worshippers including the Khatib, Imam, Hafez, Muazzin and Khadim will participate in Tarabi prayers in Ramadan. Worshippers will take part in the Friday prayers following social distancing and hygiene rules.

However, in many mosques, higher number of worshippers are seen gathering for Tarabi and Jumma prayers.