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Doha: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has said that all prayers will begin after five minutes of azan (call to prayer).
The mosques will remain closed after five minutes of the end of each prayer for cleaning, disinfection and preparation for next prayer.
This came in a fresh circular issued by the Mosques Management Department to Imams and Muezzins yesterday.
“You are requested to follow preventive and precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19,” said the Department in the circular.
The preventive measures are in place like carrying personal prayer mat, wearing face mask, showing green status on Ehteraz and maintaining social distancing. Five time prayers and Friday prayer will continue to be held in mosques.
The worshipers should be urged to not bring children below 12 years in all prayers. It is not allowed to distribute water or foods inside mosques or holding mass Iftar tables inside or outside mosques.
Taraweeh prayer, tahajjud (Qiyamullail) and I'itekaf are not allowed in mosques. Doors of prayer halls will be closed by the beginning of prayer or when it reaches a required capacity.
Women prayer areas, bathroom, ablution place and water coolers will remain closed. Personal mat and copy of holy Quran should not be left in the mosques.
The department urged people to follow the instruction so the mosques would remain open for prayers.
