The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai on Monday (November 30) announced that a total of 766 mosques will reopen to host Friday prayers as per the instructions of the Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management. This decision was announced after the said authority has established a set of procedures to be followed by worshippers.
Part of the Islamic traditions observed in the UAE are the five daily prayers (called salat), which are considered among the most important obligations of the Islamic faith.
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Friday Prayers in UAE to be Hosted by 766 Mosques at 30% Capacity Starting December 4
According to the announcement, the suspension of Friday prayers and sermons has been lifted for 766 mosques in Dubai that will now follow strict COVID-19 safety precautions granted that worshippers adhere to social distancing and hygiene measures and wear masks to maintain public health and safety, the Khaleej Times reported.
In line with this, Dr. Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Director-General of the IACAD, said: “In order to accommodate more worshippers, we have also allowed Friday prayers to be conducted in 60 other mosques that were previously only meant for the five daily prayers.”
Dr. Amid also noted that Friday’s sermon and prayer combined should not exceed 10 minutes, as emphasized by the UAE authorities last week.
Moreover, mosque workers and volunteers will be stationed at different mosques to organize the entry and exit of worshippers.
And in the event that the space inside the mosque gets full, volunteers will direct the worshippers to use the external squares of the mosque such as the outer courtyards to ensure a safe distance of two meters between worshippers.
Friday Worship and Prayer Guidelines
As per the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), mosques in the UAE will reopen for worshippers 30 minutes before the Friday prayer and will close 30 minutes later.
Among the safety guidelines for worshippers include the proper wearing of face masks at all times during the Friday prayer, maintaining a two-meter distance, and carrying their own prayer mat.
Meanwhile, the NCEMA also announced that toilets, places of ablution, and women’s prayer halls at mosques will remain closed.
And finally, authorities have urged the elderly, children, those suffering from chronic diseases as well as people with weak immunity to stay and conduct their prayers from home. Mosques located in industrial areas will remain closed until further notice.
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