Perlis to replace Friday prayers today with Zohor at home

CORONAVIRUS | Perlis is the first state to replace the Friday prayers today with the Zohor prayers at home after Health Ministry advised against holding mass gatherings.

"In Perlis, the Friday prayer for this week will be replaced by Zohor prayer," said state Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abudin.

Asri also uploaded a letter issued by Perlis State Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council (Maips) on his Facebook account today.

According to the letter, Maips made the decision after taking into consideration the Health Ministry's view on the development of Covid-19. The decision was also guided by the state Fatwa Committee.

Maips said the matter was consented and was instructed by the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail.

"The Health Ministry had asked to avoid holding any mass gatherings including religious activity," it said. 

"As such, the mosque management in Perlis must avoid from implementing any mass gathering activity for the time being." 

Muslims are told to perform their Zohor prayers at their own houses.

Yesterday, Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Mohamad (below) said the Friday prayers will continue as usual but the mosques have to take precautions.

This includes shortening the sermons and mosques are advised to provide hand sanitisers at the entrance.

It was reported that two participants who attended a religious gathering, which took place from Feb 28 to March 1, were tested positive for Covid-19.

Brunei’s Health Ministry had confirmed the country’s first Covid-19 patient, who tested positive on Monday, had attended the same gathering in Seri Petaling.

All State Health Departments are now tracking down over 5,000 Malaysians who participated in the gathering, which was also attended by 10,000 people from several countries.

As of yesterday, Malaysia recorded a total of 158 cases of Covid-19. - Mkini