All the mosques across Pakistan will remain open during Ramadan with strict observance of the coronavirus-induced SOPs. Religious Affairs Minister Noorul Haq Qadri announced it on Monday.
The minister was speaking at a Hifz-o-Qirat contest in Islamabad. He advised the citizens to follow the precautionary measures while performing the religious obligations. Qadri said the faithful adhered to the SOPs in mosques during the holy month last year.
“The coronavirus SOPs were implemented in mosques last year. Mosques will be open to the faithful this year too. He added that full implementation of the SOPs will be ensured,” he stressed. The minister urged the people not to drop guard against the pandemic, according to a report by The Express Tribune.
Mosques to follow SOPs
The minister confirmed the government was waiting for a response from Saudi Arabia for signing agreements related to the Hajj. “After getting a green signal from the Saudi government, the hajj agreement will be made,” he added.
Qadri said the culture of Quran recitation would discourage the culture of singing and dancing. He added that after COVID-19 pandemic, famous Qaris from Egypt and other countries will also come to Pakistan.
In the Hifz-o-Qirat contest, a total of 14 scholars were selected for the recitation of the Holy Quran during ‘Qayam- ul-Lail’ at Faisal Masjid during the final 10 days of Ramadan. The contest was held at the Dawah Academy.
Ramadan in the Muslim world
Saudi Arabia on Monday announced the plan for the next month of Ramadan amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kingdom has also suspended collective Iftar and i’tikaaf in the two holy mosques. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques made the announcement.
According to the Saudi Gazette, he said that the suspension would continue during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. At the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina.
Ramadan is one of the most important months for Muslims. However, amid the crisis of COVID-19, last year the holy month was not the same, unfortunately.
Story Credits: The Express Tribune
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