Offer Eid prayers in nearest mosques: Religious affairs ministry directs

The government today issued some directives, including asking people to offer Eid prayers at their nearest mosques instead of a Eidgah or open spaces while maintaining recommended health guidelines, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued the directives in this regard. It suggested disinfecting mosques before the Eid prayer and using carpets.

Devotees have been asked to bring prayer mats from home. Besides, arrangements should be made at the entrances of the mosques for washing hands, it said.

The devotees must wear masks inside mosques and avoid using prayer mats and caps that were stored earlier there.

Children, elderly people, people with physical ailments, and those involved in taking care of the sick will not be allowed to attend the Eid prayer.

Besides, the devotees were requested to not shake hands or embrace others after the prayers, a common practice during Eid throughout the world.

The ministry urged Imams and managing committees of mosques to ensure proper implementation of the directives.

The authorities concerned should also follow the directives of the fisheries and livestock ministry while sacrificing animals.

Local administrations, law enforcement agencies, public representatives, staffers of the Islamic Foundation and managing committees of mosques will implement the directives.

This year, the main congregation of Eid will be held at the Baitul Mukarram national mosque instead of the National Eidgah due to the coronavirus outbreak.