Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — People can offer Taraweeh and Eid prayers in their homes in case if it is impossible to hold them in mosques in view of the precautionary measures taken by the authorities to combat coronavirus, opined Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of the Council of Senior Scholars, Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

Al-Sheikh expressed his opinion in response to a query by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance which is receiving a number of inquiries and questions with regard to Taraweeh prayers in the holy month of Ramadan in light of the prevailing coronavirus situation.

Speaking particularly about Taraweeh prayers, the Grand Mufti said that since it is not possible to offer them in mosques this year with the coronavirus prevention measures in place, people can very well pray in their homes to make the most of the blessed nights during the holy month. He added that it is proven that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offered Qiyam Al-Layl prayers at his home and at it’s no secret that Taraweeh prayer is Sunnah not obligatory.

And with regard to Eid prayer, Al-Sheikh opined that if the prevailing situation continues and it’s not possible to hold it in open prayer areas and special mosques, the prayer can be offered at home not to be followed by sermon. He cited a previous fatwa issued by Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Iftaa stating that if a person misses it and wants to make it up, it is desirable that he does it and should pray it in the proper manner but without a sermon following it.

Responding to a third supplementary question as to what is the last time to pay zakat and commencement of takbeer for Eid in case if prayers are not conducted in cities except the Two Holy Mosques, he said that takbeer can begin with the sunset on the last day of Ramadan and zakat can be paid till the morning on the day of Eid and the prayer should be held after the sunset.