Coronavirus: 9 Instructions for Performing Prayers at Mosque

Due to the increase in coronavirus infection, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a notification with 9 instructions to perform prayers in Jamaat in the mosque. At the same time, religious institutions of other religions have been asked to follow proper hygiene and physical distance.

This was said in a notification signed by the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain on Tuesday (June 26).

The notification states:

1. Hand sanitizers, soap, and water with a hand washing system should be kept at the entrance of the mosque and worshipers must go to the mosque after wearing masks.
2. Everyone should perform ablution from their home, perform sunnat prayers at home and go to the mosque and wash their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds while performing ablution.
3. Carpets cannot be laid in the mosque. Before the five daily prayers, the entire mosque has to be cleaned with disinfectant, the worshipers have to take the Jainamaz on their own responsibility.
4. Social distance must be ensured in standing in the line of prayers.
5. Children, the elderly, any sick person and those engaged in the service of the sick will refrain from participating in Jamaat.
6. Soap-hand sanitizer should be kept in the toilet of the mosque to prevent infection. Jainamaz and hats reserved in the mosque cannot be used.
7. The guidelines of the Cabinet Division, Health Services Division, local administration and law enforcement agencies must be followed to ensure public safety.
8. Khatibs, Imams and worshipers will offer prayers at the court of the Almighty after the prayers to be saved from the coronavirus epidemic.
9. Honorable Khatib, Imam and Mosque Management Committee will ensure the implementation of the issues.

All other religious institutions must adhere to the rules of hygiene and physical distance, including wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands with hand sanitizer and soap.

In case of violation of these instructions, the local administration and law enforcement agencies will take legal action against the responsible persons. The local administration, law enforcement, Islamic Foundation officials and the management committee of the mosque concerned have been requested to implement the directive to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.