Male: The Maldives' Ministry of Islamic Affairs has extended the suspension on congregational prayers at mosques in the capital and inhabited resorts until May 14.

In a statement released on Thursday, the ministry noted that the suspension comes as a precautionary measure against the Covid-19, sweeping steadily across the globe. It was based on the ever-changing Covid-19 situation in the country.

As such, under the recommendation of Islamic scholars as well, the suspension will remain in effect from April 19 to May 14 and congregational prayers will be prohibited at mosques during all prayer times.

However, Imams are allowed to do prayer calls and call on the people to “pray at home” over the megaphone.

Authorities decided to suspend congregational prayers at mosques in all inhabited islands on March 18 and it was initially set to expire on March 28. However, it has been extended several times since.

The ministry has urged citizens to frequently pray at home, especially Sunnah prayers while advising citizens to increase prayers of supplication as well. Further, the people have been instructed to follow orders of the relevant authorities, as it is for the sake of public health.

The ministry earlier stated that congregational prayers will resume as soon as the situation simmers down.

The ministry’s announcement coincides with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s decision to extend the government holidays until May 14 from May 3 onward.

These measures are followed by the lockdown declared across the Greater Malé Region on April 15. Since then, the lockdown has been extended twice and it is set to expire on May 14.

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