The government today called upon people to offer Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at mosques this year instead of open grounds or Eidgah in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The Religious Affairs Ministry issued a circular in this connection today.
The ministry in the circular said while the Islamic Shariah encourages offering of Eid prayers in the Eidgah or open spaces, this year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic people were requested to offer Eid prayers at nearby mosques this year.
This move comes in consideration to the risk of lives of worshipers. If necessary, more than one jamaat can be formed at the same mosque, said the circular.
According to the instructions, carpets cannot be laid in the mosque during Eid prayers. The entire mosque should be cleaned and disinfected before prayers and everyone will have to bring their own prayer mat (jainamaz).
There should be soap or hand sanitisers at the entrance of each and every mosque and people will have to maintain distance and follow health guidelines during offering of prayers.
People were also asked to perform ablution at home and they will have to wear masks at the mosques.
Elderly people, children, ailing persons and their caregivers, should not come to mosques to offer Eid prayers, the circular added.
People were advised not to use the caps or mats provided inside the mosques.
The ministry also requested people to avoid hugging and shaking hands at the end of Eid prayers.
