Saudi Arabia allows Mosques to hold sermons and lessons for 10 minutes

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Mosques have been allowed to hold sermons, lectures and lessons for up to 10 minutes only, as of today, Wednesday.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced that sermons and lessons are permitted in mosques across the Kingdom, provided that they are held immediately after the prayer, and for a maximum of 10 minutes.

“Sermons, lectures and lessons are allowed now but should not exceed 10 minutes. They should consistent with the protocols for the duration of mosques opening that does not exceed half an hour,” said Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Aqil, the ministry’s undersecretary.

He affirmed that the decision to allow the resumption of sermons, lessons and lectures in mosques is conditional on adherence to the protocols for the period of opening and closing of mosques.

Al Aqil said that workshops and Holy Quran memorisation lessons will continue through distance learning until further notice.

On May 31, mosques reopened their doors to worshippers for the first time after more than two months amid strict measures requiring the use of face masks and personal prayer rugs, avoiding handshakes and keeping a distance of at least 2 metres between worshippers.

The reopening of mosques, except for the holy city of Mecca, was taken as the Kingdom eased restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Three days ago, mosques in Mecca reopened their doors after a three-month shutdown as the Kingdom has further relaxed coronavirus-related restrictions.