Earlier this month, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced that Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan will only be performed at home as the suspension of prayers at mosques would not be lifted until the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Abdul Latif Al Sheikh, stated : “The suspension of performing the five daily prayers at mosques is more important than the suspension of Taraweeh prayers. We ask Allah the Almighty to accept Taraweeh prayers whether held at mosques, or homes, which we think is better for people’s health. We ask Allah the Almighty to accept prayers from all of us and protect humanity from this epidemic that hit the entire world,”
On the other hand, Pakistan seems to be moving in the opposite direction of the world. Leaders and top islamic clerics are ‘warning’ the government against banning congregations like taraweeh prayers during ramzan.
In a joint statement, Sahibzada Dr Abul Khair Muhammad Azad, Senator Sirjaul Haq, Prof Sajid Meer and Allama Sajid Naqvi said that at a time when the lockdown restrictions were being eased and people were queuing up outside banks, in the markets and shops, and goods transport and construction activity had been practically allowed, the plans of the federal and provincial governments to ban regular prayers and Taraweeh at the mosques was questionable.
Considering the fact that 60 % of the Coronavirus cases in Pakistan have been linked to muslims who have returned from pilgrimages, you would think the government would impose stricter restrictions on gatherings in mosques, regardless of ramzan.
Clerics belonging to Wafaqul Madaris Al Arabia and representing various seminaries, political and non-political parties announced on Monday that they will not tolerate any restrictions during the holy month.
More than 50 senior clerics of Rawalpindi and Islamabad warned the government not to further the idea of restricting congregations in mosques.