PUTRAJAYA: Weekly Friday prayers at mosques can still be performed, with precaution and guidelines, to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri said Friday prayers were still obligatory, but mosques have been urged to take necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of the congregation.
“Several recommendations that have been made are to shorten the Friday sermons, and for people to take their wudhu’ (ablution) at home.
“We have also asked mosques to prepare hand sanitisers and face masks,” he said after a Tausiyah Am for staff of agencies under his wing at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, here, today.
The former Federal Territories Mufti added that those showing Covid-19 symptoms need not go for Friday prayers, as sick people were exempted from attending.
“So for now, there is no need to cancel Friday prayers at mosques,” he added.
Zulkifli said the issue of Friday prayers was among five other working papers related to Covid-19, which would be submitted to the National Fatwa Council.
Other items include shaking hands, organising wedding receptions, handling an infected person’s remains, and others.
The recommendations, he said, would be announced in two to three days.
Zulkifli said if the Health Ministry announces that the Covid-19 situation had worsened, Friday prayers may be cancelled but must be replaced with Zohor prayers at their own homes.
In this regard, he added, any ban or directive must come with several guidelines, including a formal ban issued by authorities such as the Health Ministry.
“This ban must also include any other public gathering whether formal or not. The outbreak must also show its effect and that many people must already be tested positive in the area.”
Earlier at his talk, Zulkifli urged all staff to ensure good governance and integrity, and to work towards making religious agencies more professional and successful.