Male: The government of Maldives has extended the suspension on congregational prayers at mosques in the capital and inhabited islands to an additional fortnight.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs noted that the suspension comes as a precautionary measure against the Covid-19, sweeping steadily across the globe and is based on the ever-changing situation in the country.

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 and most recently, it was to expire on May 14.

As such, under the recommendation of Islamic scholars as well, the suspension will remain in effect from May 14 to May 28 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.

Further, the people have been instructed to follow orders of the relevant authorities, as it is for the sake of public health.

The ministry has urged citizens to frequently pray at home, especially Sunnah prayers while advising citizens to increase prayers of supplication as well. The ministry earlier stated that congregational prayers will resume as soon as the situation simmers down.

These measures are followed by the lockdown declared across the Greater Malé Region on April 15. Since then, the lockdown has been extended several times and it is set to expire on May 28.

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