Friday prayers in FT to proceed, guidelines issued

CORONAVIRUS | Friday prayers will proceed today albeit with a shorter sermon and exemption for those who display symptoms associated with the Covid-19 infection. 

In a statement today, Islamic Affairs Minister Zulkifli Mohamad said the congregation should perform wuduk (ablution) at home, sanitise their hands and don face masks. 

Zulkifli said the decision was made following an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Perlis and Singapore have called off Friday prayers today in an effort to prevent the spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus. 

The Health Ministry has recommended against large public gatherings. 

Covid-19 prayer session

Meanwhile, Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yaakob said all the mosques in the state will conduct Sunat Hajat prayers on Covid-19 after the Friday prayers today.

Taking to Facebook this morning, he said the mass prayer session will be held for the wellbeing of the nation to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

He said the state level prayer session will be conducted at Muhammmadi Mosque, Kota Bharu.

It is expected the Kelantan crown prince Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra and the state leadership, including Ahmad himself, will attend.

Yesterday, the Catholic church suspended all public masses and other church-related gatherings in the Peninsula until March 29.

Perlis Islamic authorities announced this morning that today’s Friday prayers should be replaced by Zohor prayers at home.

When questioned on Perlis' decision, Zulkifli said his ministry wanted to reach a common understanding.

"I understand... it is just that we are not racing to issue conflicting statements with one another but we wish to harmonise (our views) and take a stand that is comprehensive and appropriate, that will ensure the situation, religious obligations and (address) what we are facing," he said.

In Singapore, all mosques in the island republic have been closed for five days for cleaning. Iran, too, among the worst-hit countries with the outbreak after China, have cancelled Friday prayers in major cities.

Over 130,000 people have been infected worldwide with over 4,900 deaths.

Although the majority of cases are in China, the disease is rapidly spreading across the globe with Italy, Iran and South Korea among other countries recording the highest number of cases and fatalities. - Mkini