During the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan, all mosques will still remain closed to ensure the safety of the faithful. Congregational prayers are also suspended.
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The Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque is exempted from the closure. However, the Friday prayers, and isha Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers will be held exclusively. Only 40 people will be allowed inside the mosque, including the imam and the mosque’s employees.
Activities for Ramadan Announced
The Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs announced that during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the mosques will remain closed and congregational prayers will be suspended. This will be implemented while the pandemic is ongoing. Meanwhile, the call for prayers (Adhan) will continue in all mosques.
Only one mosque is exempted from the closure. According to the Ministry, the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque will be open. But limited number of people will be allowed for the Friday prayers and isha, Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers. Only 40 people, including the imams and mosque’s employees can participate. These prayers will be transmitted through television and radio channels, according to The Peninsula Qatar.
Group gathering is temporarily banned, to prevent the spread of the virus. When it is safe for the people to go out again, the mosques will be reopened upon the advice of the health officials.
Based on a separate report from The Peninsula Qatar, the Ministry sent a circular to all mosques to implement good hygiene practices. The guidelines include: removing objects that may cause the spread of infections to the people; opening the ventilation windows before and after each prayer to ensure that mosques will be well-ventilated; decreasing waiting time for praying; and closing the doors of mosques to the faithful after each prayer. Doors will be reopened before the start of the next prayer call.
Work Hours during Ramadan
Meanwhile, the official working hours for Ramadan will be as follows:
- The government sector will work for 4 hours, starting from 9 AM to 1 PM.
- The private sector will work for 6 hours, starting from 9 AM to 3 PM.
But these working hours are not applicable to some establishments such as pharmacies, supermarkets, contracting sectors, and stores selling food. Previously announced exception to the work hours will still be observed.
Another recent decision is to require people to wear masks when going to supermarkets. Both shoppers and employees are required to don the mask. This requirement also applies to other working sectors providing services, wherein employees, workers and clients should also wear face masks.
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