Religious Affairs Ministry issues guidelines over Eid-ul-Adha prayer

The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Tuesday issued guidelines over Eid-ul-Adha prayers during the coronavirus pandemic for everyone to follow. 

Considering the urgency of the matter, Eid-ul-Adha prayers should be performed in local mosques instead of the Eidgahs or open spaces this year, read a circular from the ministry. 

It also added that multiple jamaats may be arranged in the mosques so that everyone is able to perform their Eid prayers. 

The ministry asked mosque authorities to clean the mosques in their entirety with disinfectant before prayers, and not to lay out any carpets. It also asked all Muslim devotees to bring their own janamaz and recommended them not to use topi and janamaz provided by the mosque. 

The devotees have been asked to perform their wudu at home and wash their hands for at least 20 seconds before coming to the mosque. They will have to wear masks while inside the mosque.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged the mosque authorities to keep soaps or hand sanitisers at the entrance of the mosque. Social distancing must be maintained while performing prayers. 

It urged the mosque authorities to make sure that everyone follows the health guidelines. 

The ministry also asked devotees to avoid the ritual of embracing each other or shaking hands after performing their prayers. All mosque committees have been asked to arrange separate routes for entering and exiting the mosques.

It also urged everyone to follow the instructions from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock while sacrificing animals after the Eid prayer.