FRIDAY prayers will resume in select mosques across Bahrain from next week under strict guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Mosques operating under the Sunni Waqf Directorate and the Jaffari Waqf Directorate have been directed to make the necessary arrangements to reopen their doors from June 5.
This will be closely monitored and based on a thorough assessment a decision will be taken on when to fully reopen places of worship.
Mosques have been closed to worshippers since March as part of precautionary measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry gave the order yesterday following directives from His Majesty King Hamad during a meeting with Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa at Sakhir Palace.
It comes as 200 mosques around the country have been cleaned and disinfected by volunteers as part of preparations to reopen for worshippers.
The voluntary teams finished cleaning the mosques under the Jaffari Waqf Directorate in partnership with Basma Cleaning and Maintenance Services Company.
“The Royal orders to resume Friday prayers from the King require the implementation of preventive health protection measures to combat the spread of the pandemic as instructed by the National Task Force,” said the ministry in a circular.
“The decision to hold Friday prayers has come in consultation with the Supreme Islamic Council in that it would be the first phase with thorough assessment concerning the next steps.
“An arrangement with the two Waqf directorates has been made for the selected mosques.”
Jaffari Waqf Directorate board of trustees chairman Yousif Al Saleh said all measures are being introduced to safeguard and protect the well-being and health of worshippers.
Partnership
“We, and through volunteers in partnership with Basma, have cleaned, disinfected and sanitised 200 mosques across the country,” he said yesterday.
“Mosques now follow the highest standards of medical and health precautions in preparation for the opening time and further advancements that would see more mosques allowed to open in the coming phase.
“All instructions and guidelines have been placed carefully to protect worshippers.”
The directorate’s acting director general Saeed Al Mansoor said an awareness campaign will also be launched on the new measures.
“People have to respect the new rules for their safety and that of others,” he added.
During Ramadan the Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Centre (the Grand Mosque) was opened for select prayers including Friday, Isha (evening), taraweeh (special prayers performed during Ramadan) and Eid Al Fitr prayers.
Only five people, along with the imam, were allowed inside while the prayers were broadcast live on local radio, television and online platforms.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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