Male: The Maldives Islamic Ministry on Monday urged people to perform the Eid al-Fitr prayer at home in the wake of the nationwide ban on mass prayers in mosques to curb the spread of COVID-19.

According to the Islamic Calendar, Ed al-Fitr this year falls on Sunday, May 24.  In this regard, the Islamic Ministry issued a statement regarding the performance of Eid prayer on Monday afternoon, in which it noted that while Eid prayer congregations were greatly encouraged in Islam, the COVID-19 pandemic had made it necessary to cease social gatherings and prayer congregations in mosques. 

They also directed people to stay at home in order to curb and contain the spread of the virus, which has so far infected over 1,000 people in the archipelago. Four virus-related deaths have been reported.

 “Where circumstances prevent Eid prayer congregations, it is obligated that the purpose is fulfilled by the people within the confines of their homes,’ reads the statement, signed by Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali.

Eid prayer at home must be performed the same way it is performed in congregations in mosques and other communal locations, with the exception of the delivery of a sermon.

“Eid prayer will be performed without the call to prayer or iqamah. One can perform the prayer solo, but it is advisable that the prayer is performed with other residents of your home,” the statement said.