Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali says if the current situation persists in Male’, congregational Tarawih prayer cannot be held in the area during the coming Ramadan as Maldivians prepare for an unprecedented holy month.
Speaking to the media, the Minister said a lot of people have raised concerns regarding congregational Tarawih prayers in Male’ area during the coming Ramadan. But he said if the current situation of the Covid-19 crisis persists in the capital city, congregational Tarawih prayers cannot be held in the mosques and individuals should strive to complete these prayers in the safety of their homes.
The Minister also said if the situation in the atolls remained the same, congregational Tarawih prayers would be allowed in these islands. But he said if the situation took a turn for the worse, then the Ministry would ban such congregational prayers in the islands too.
The Ministry had earlier extended the restriction on the congregational prayers and Friday prayers in the Male’ Area till the 30th of this month. Congregational prayers have now been banned in Addu City and Fuvamulah as well.
Meanwhile, Islamic Minister said the Ministry was making arrangement that would allow individuals to make zakat payments online from the safely of their homes. The Minister said it was talking to telecom giants Ooredoo and Dhiraagu as well as BML about these arrangements.
