The government on Thursday urged Muslim devotees to avoid Eidgah or other open places for Eid congregations and offer prayers at mosques maintaining recommended health advice.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued an emergency notification in this regard, saying the decision was taken due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

“Although the Islamic Sharia encourages offering Eid prayer at Eidgahs or open places, the devotees are now requested to offer their prayers at nearby mosques due to the coronavirus situation,” the notification said, adding that there can be several Eid jamaats, if necessary.

It also suggested disinfecting mosques before the Eid prayer and not rolling out carpets on the floors. 

The devotees have been urged to bring prayer mats from home. Besides, arrangements should be made at the entrances of the mosques for washing hands, the notification added.

Also read: Govt lifts restriction on offering prayers at mosques

The devotees must wear masks inside mosques and avoid using prayer mats and caps that were stored earlier there.

Children, elderly people, people with physical ailment, and those who are involved in taking care of the sick will not be allowed to attend the Eid prayer.

Apart from these, the devotees were requested to shun handshaking and hugging after the prayer which has been a common practice throughout the world.

Also read: Muslims join Jum’a prayers at mosques after a month

The ministry urged Imams and managing committees of mosques to ensure proper implementation of the directives.