Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has denied, through its official account on Twitter, rumors about lifting of suspension of Friday prayers and congregational prayers at mosques during the month of Ramadan. “There is no truth in what is being circulated on social media about setting a specific date for the resumption of prayers in mosques, and the decision to suspend prayers is still in force. The current maintenance, cleaning and sterilization works is part of the precautionary and preventive measures taken by the ministry to stem the spread of coronavirus,” the statement said.

Last month, the ministry temporarily suspended congregational prayers in mosques and restricted opening of mosques for performing the first call for prayer (adhan) as part of the precautionary measures taken by the Kingdom to prevent the spread of coronavirus. All the mosques across the Kingdom remain closed for prayers except the Two Holy Mosques that are open for Friday prayers and congregational prayers with the participation of a limited number of the officials of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and cleaning workers.

Meanwhile, many Saudis have converted sitting rooms in their homes into prayer areas to perform obligatory prayers and special Ramadan prayers of Taraweeh in the wake of the suspension of prayers at mosques. It is a novel experience for the family members to perform the prayers together where parents and children take their turn to lead the prayers, in a way embracing the spiritual ambiance of the blessed holy month.

The social media platforms are frequently posting pictures of prayer areas that families created in their homes to perform the congregational prayers as well as to recite the Holy Qur’an during the holy month.