Combating coronavirus: Al Fateh Mosque in Bahrain to re-open for Friday prayers

Manama - Those attending prayers will have to wear masks and maintain social distancing.

Al Fateh Mosque will be re-opened for Friday prayers, but only the imam and five people will perform the prayers, the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Bahrain has said.

"Al Fateh Mosque will be opened for Friday prayers by the imam and a limited number of no more than five people with the obligation to wear masks and under the supervision of the competent health authorities," Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa said.

"The aim is to broadcast the sermon through audio-visual media and enable listeners and viewers to benefit from it."

The decision was taken in light of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and following consultations with the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and in light of the recommendations of the national medical team to address coronavirus (Covid-19), the minister said.

The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs on Sunday said there was no objection to re-opening Al Fateh Mosque for a limited number of people under strict rules adopted by Bahrain regarding gatherings (no more than five people), social distancing (at least two meters) and wearing face masks as it combats the coronavirus pandemic.

The ongoing circumstances suspended Friday and group prayers and gatherings, which led people to pray at home.

On March 10, the council said there was no objection to suspending prayers in mosques.

"If a virus spreads among people - God forbid - and becomes an epidemic, and human gatherings are a sure cause of infection, it is permissible to prevent Friday prayers, group prayers and gatherings, and people must commit to praying in their homes until the epidemic virus is eliminated," the council said.

• Bahrain