Saudi Arabia: Taraweeh prayers cut to 30 minutes at all mosques during Ramadan
New directive has been taken based on the recommendation of Ministry of Health
Dubai: The maximum duration of Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan in all mosques across Saudi Arabia shall not be more than 30 minutes, said Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Sheikh.
In a circular issued yesterday to all officials of the ministry and mosque imams in all regions of the Kingdom, the minister said that the new directive has been taken based on the recommendation of Ministry of Health.
The MoH has also recommended that the taraweeh and Qiyam Al Layl prayers, shall be performed along with Isha prayers in all mosques of the Kingdom. This is to reduce the length of the worshipers’ presence inside mosques, thus reducing the chances of the risks of spreading the virus during Ramadan.
Strict implementation
The circular also stipulated that all branch directors of the ministry as well as mosque imams should be notified of MoH recommendations. “All precautionary measures and preventive protocols that have been issued by the ministry in previous circulars shall be followed up with strict implementation” the circular said.
The ministry also advised employees of mosques and worshipers to take all precautionary measures when going to mosques such as bringing special prayer mats, wearing mask, and maintaining physical distancing.