Syrian Ministry of Religious Endowments suspends Eid prayer over coronavirus fears

North-Press Agency

On Monday, the Religious Scientific Council in the Syrian Ministry of Religious Endowments decided to suspend the Eid al-Fitr prayer in mosques as part of the precautionary measures to combat coronavirus.

The Council decided to suspend the prayer in mosques to avoid risks, according to a statement published on its official Facebook account.

It added that it is possible to pray at home, with family or individually.

In accordance with mandatory health measures, the Council assured the necessity of giving Eid al-Fitr charity before the prayer.

On May 8th, by a decision of the Ministry, mosques were opened only for Friday prayers in accordance to health rules such as wearing masks and the lack of attendance of those showing coronavirus symptoms, while keeping a distance of at least 1.5 meters between worshippers.

In mid-March, as part of a precautionary measure against the coronavirus, the ministry suspended Friday prayer and sermons and group prayer in Syria's mosques.