22 April 2020 10:35 am
With the Ramadan, the annual fasting month of Muslims approaching, the Wakf Board of Sri Lanka has instructed the trustees of mosques around the country not to open up the mosques for public, in the light of spreading of the COVID19 pandemic in the country.
The Wakf Board, the State body that administers mosques in the country has issued several special directives for the mosques to be followed during the month of Ramadan which would probably begin on Saturday, depending on the sighting of the new moon.
Director of Muslim Mosques and Charitable Trusts or Wakfs and Director, Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs M.b.m.ashraff has further instructed the trustees of mosques in a special statement, not to have any congregational prayer including the daily five times prayer, Friday (Jummah) prayer and Tharaweeh prayer or the congregational prayer performed during the nights of the month of Ramadan.
Other congregational activities such as ifthar programmes and distributing Porridge (Kanji) also would not be carried out in mosque premises during this year’s Ramadan, according to the directives of the Wakf Board.
Mr.ashraff has also requested the trustees of mosques to duly notify the Muslims living in the respective areas, of these guidelines, and educate and encourage them to adhere to instructions and directions given by health and defence authorities in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.