Religious Affairs Ministry Issues Instructions for Eid Congregation

Eid-ul-Azha prayers can be offered in Eidgahs, open spaces and mosques subject to hygienic conditions to prevent coronavirus infection.

The directive was issued in an emergency notification of the religion ministry on Tuesday (July 13th).

Last year, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha prayers were offered in mosques instead of open spaces due to the surge of coronavirus infection.

The special directive of the Ministry of Religion said, "Considering the situation of coronavirus-borne disease (Covid-19) infection, the Cabinet Division has issued instructions on June 30 and July 5 imposing some restrictions." In view of this, considering the current Covid-19 infection situation in the country, following the hygiene rules issued by the Department of Health Services, it has been requested to take necessary steps to perform Jamaat for the holy Eid-ul-Azhar prayers of 1442 AH / 2021 under the following conditions.

A. Considering the local situation of Coronavirus (Covid-19) and the risk to the lives of the worshipers, the local administration decides to hold Eid-ul-Azhar Jamaat at Mosque, Eidgah or open space in accordance with the hygiene rules issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) after discussion and coordination with public representatives and dignitaries will be accepted.

B. Carpets cannot be laid in the mosque for Eid prayers. The entire mosque should be disinfected before disinfection. The worshipers will each bring prayer mat on their own responsibility.

C. Everyone has to perform ablution from their home and come to the mosque / Eidgah. When performing ablution, hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

D. Soap, water and hand sanitizer should be kept at the place of ablution in the mosque / Eidgah to prevent the transmission of coronavirus.

E. Soap and water with hand sanitizer / hand washing system should be kept at the entrance of the mosque / Eidgah.

F. Worshipers who come to Jamaat for Eid prayers must wear a mask. Prayer mat and hats reserved in the mosque cannot be used.

G. Social distance and hygiene rules must be followed while standing in congregation during Eid prayers. One should stand in a row.

H. Children, the elderly, the sick and those engaged in the service of the sick were discouraged from participating in the Eid prayers in Jamaat.

I. The guidelines of the health care department, local administration and law enforcement agencies must be followed to ensure public safety.

J. To prevent coronavirus infection, hugging and shaking hands should be avoided after Eid Jamaat.

K. To save ourselves from this global catastrophe of the Coronavirus pandemic, we need to repent more, recite Astagfirullah and the Qur'an, and seek forgiveness at the court of the Almighty after the Eid prayers for our wrongdoings.

L. Khatib, Imam, Mosque / Eidgah Management Committee and local administration should ensure implementation of the instructions.

In case of violation of the said instructions, the local administration and the law enforcement agencies will take legal action against the responsible persons. The local administration, law enforcement agencies, Islamic Foundation officials and the management committee of the respective mosques are requested to implement the guidelines to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.