Limited number of mosques to open for prayers from June 15: Awqaf

Qatar yesterday announced a four-stage plan of the gradual lifting of restrictions in place against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Speaking at a press conference, the Spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, Her Excellency, Lolwah Al-Khater said with the preventive and precautionary measures implemented over the last few weeks, Qatar was able to effectively manage the situation.

While the time has come to gradually ease the restrictions, social distancing rules, and other measures, including the use of the Ehteraz app to enter public places will remain in effect, HE the Spokesperson highlighted.

The four phases of easing restrictions in Qatar are: Phase 1 -June 15 - Phase 2 -July 1 - Phase 3 -August 1 - Phase 4 -September 1

In line with the State's plan, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs announced that a limited number of mosques will be reopened for prayers in the first phase, from June 15. However, the mosques will remain closed for Friday prayers.

The mosques will comply will all rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the worshippers against COVID-19.

In a video posted on its twitter page, Awqaf highlighted some procedures for worshippers to follow and keep safe.

بفضل من الله نبشركم بإعادة فتح المساجد للصلوات (بإستثناء صلاة الجمعة) إبتداء من يوم الاثنين القادم 15 يونيو وبعدد محدد من المساجد سيتم الإعلان عنها لاحقاً، وذلك وفق إجراءات إحترازية محددة يوضحها هذا الفيديو.#وزارة_الأوقاف#سلامتك_هي_سلامتي #لأجل_قطر_كلنا_في_البيت pic.twitter.com/9RnJhfiM3N

— وزارة الأوقاف - قطر (@AwqafM) June 8, 2020

“We inform you that the mosques will be reopened for prayers (with the exception of Friday prayers) starting from next Monday, June 15, and a specific number of mosques which will be announced later, according to specific precautionary measures illustrated in this video,” the Ministry said.

According to the guidelines issued by Awqaf, worshippers will be required to make ablution at home. The bathroom and ablution places of the mosques will remain closed.

Worshippers should avoid going to the mosques earlier than the prayer time, as the mosques will only open with the call to prayer. 

Worshippers must also avoid crowding the mosque and keep a distance of two meters from others.

Further, the Ministry underlined that shaking hands even with gloves on must be avoided and worshippers should cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

To enter the mosques, worshippers will need to show their Ehteraz app.

Moreover, worshippers are asked to bring their own prayer mat and refrain from sharing it with others or leaving it in the mosque.

While in the mosques, all worshippers need to wear a face mask.

Worshippers are also asked to bring their own copy of the Holy Quran, which should not be shared with others.

Furthermore, Awqaf also confirmed that in the third phase, from August, 54 mosques in the country will be allowed to hold Friday prayers.

Finally, in the fourth phase, which starts in September, all mosques will be opened for prayers, including Friday prayers.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself. 

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Source: The Peninsula