Ramadan 2021 in UAE: Dubai Releases New Rules for Praying in Mosques

As the beginning of Ramadan this year draws near, UAE residents including authorities are ensuring that preparations are carried out for the second year that the country will celebrate the holy month in a pandemic. In line with this, the government has announced a new set of rules for praying in mosques in the Gulf state.

At a press briefing, UAE authorities announced that it would be launching an intensive inspection campaign during the month that would hold violators culpable and take strict action against them.

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Ramadan 2021 in UAE: Dubai Releases New Rules for Praying in Mosques

New Rules for Praying in Mosques in the UAE For Ramadan 2021

In line with this, Isha prayers will be offered five minutes after the call for prayer (Azan) during the holy month of Ramadan in Dubai. Mosques will be closed immediately after Taraweeh prayers are completed, the Khaleej Times reported.

According to the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD), Isha and Taraweeh prayers can be performed in mosques, provided that worshippers continue to observe precautionary guidelines, including wearing of face masks and maintaining physical distancing. The maximum duration of both prayers in mosques has been capped at 30 minutes.

The authority added that worshipers who pray in mosques must bring their own prayer mats. While in the mosque, worshipers must strictly avoid handshakes and any other physical greetings that violate physical distancing protocols. They also need to keep a safe distance from other worshipers guided by the floor stickers.

As per Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, here is the full list of guidelines:

  • Mosques will remain open from the time of azan until the end of obligatory prayer.
  • The maximum duration of Isha and Taraweeh prayers in mosques is capped at 30 minutes.
  • Isha prayers will be held five minutes after the azan.
  • The mosque’s doors will be kept open from the beginning of the azan until the end of congregational obligatory prayer.
  • Performing a second congregational prayer or praying alone after the completion of main prayers is not allowed; this is so that worshippers will not crowd the venue.
  • All mosques will close immediately after the prayers.
  • The distribution of food or any other items such as face masks at the entrance of the mosque is strictly prohibited.
  • Individuals with chronic illnesses or compromised immunity are discouraged from praying in mosques to avoid crowds.

As per Dr Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, all mosques will be frequently sterilised throughout the day during Ramadan “to ensure the highest levels of safety and prevention in the community”.

Meanwhile, lectures and seminars in mosques remain suspended. However, the faithful have the opportunity to virtually participate in conferences. In mosques, they are also advised to read the Quran through intelligent devices.

In line with this, Al Shaibani added that the department will evaluate the situation before making a decision on Qiyam-ul-layl (late night prayers) performed during the last ten days of Ramadan.

READ ALSO: List of UAE Public Holidays 2021