COVID-19: Saudi Arabia approves performing Taraweeh in Mecca, Medina holy mosques
Saudi Arabia plans to ease curfew hours in several cities during Ramadan
Dubai: Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz on Wednesday approved the holding of Taraweeh prayers at the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina without public attendance amid preventive measures due to the spread of coronavirus.
King Salman approved performing Taraweeh, special night prayers performed during the holy month of Ramadan, but will be shortened to 10 Rakat instead of 20, completing the Holy Quran in Tahajjud prayer, and cancelled Itikaf — the Islamic practice of secluding oneself in the mosque to pray — at both mosques.
Tarawih prayer will be performed by Sheikhs and staff of the two Mosques, while public attendance is still restricted at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.
Curfew times amended
Curfew time during the holy month of Ramadan was amended to 9am in the morning until 5pm, for cities which are under curfew restrictions.
In cities which are under total lockdown, residents are only allowed to leave the house for groceries and medical supplies. Only one person is allowed to leave with a driver, from 9am till 5 pm, and movement will be limited inside their neighbourhoods.
Saudi Arabia has recorded a total of 12,772 coronavirus cases, including 114 deaths and 1,812 recoveries.