Saudi Arabia’s grand mufti says Ramadan prayers to be held at home

Al-Monitor Staff

Saudis attend prayers marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan in Central Riyadh September 20, 2009. Eid al-fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset. REUTERS/Fahad Shadeed (SAUDI ARABIA RELIGION SOCIETY) - GM1E59K16BL01 — Saudis attend prayers marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan in central Riyadh, Sept. 20, 2009. — REUTERS/Fahad Shadeed

Prayers during the month of Ramadan should take place at home, Saudi Arabia’s grand mufti said, as the number of coronavirus cases in the kingdom topped 7,000 on Friday.

The highest religious authority in Saudi Arabia, Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh, said the evening and Eid al-Fitr prayers will not be held in mosques or large groups this year.

The kingdom reported 762 new cases of the coronavirus Friday, bringing the total number to 7,142 with 87 deaths.

Congregational and weekly Friday prayers inside mosques were already banned under restrictions announced by the Saudi government in March. Weeks later, Saudi Arabia announced it would no longer issue visas for Muslims wanting to visit the holy sites of Mecca and Medina.

Saudi Arabia’s grand mufti says Ramadan prayers to be held at home

As the number of coronavirus cases in the kingdom surpasses 7,000, the country's grand mufti suspended group prayers in mosques.

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