KUCHING: Friday congregational prayers across the state will be replaced with Zuhur prayers at home, said Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) in a statement issued yesterday.
“All religious activities including Friday prayers and congregational prayers at mosques and surau as well as premises that allow for prayers in the state are to be suspended for 15 days starting March 17.
“Friday prayers across the state today will be replaced by Zuhur prayers at home. This 15-day period is subjected to the advice of the Health Ministry,” it said.
The decision was made after obtaining the views and advice from the Health Ministry on Covid-19 and MIS at the Sarawak Fatwa Committee Board meeting, chaired by the Mufti of Sarawak Sahibus Samahah Datuk Kipli Yassin on Monday.
The mufti said it was an obligation for every Muslim to comply with the instructions and guidelines issued by the government to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak.
“Azan will still need to be broadcast for every prayer at the mosque and surau. However, only imam, bilal and marbot are allowed to pray in the mosque or surau,” he added.
Kipli stressed that all mosque and surau committees were required to clean and sanitise their areas.
“The committees must cooperate with the Health Ministry and the cleaning and sanitisation work must be conducted with not more than 20 people,” he said.
Noting the spread of fake Covid-19 news, the mufti added, “We urge all Muslims not to spread any unverified news, especially involving the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak as it can cause panic to the public.
“Muslims must keep their obligatory prayers five times a day, obey Allah SWT orders and increase good deeds as well as seek forgiveness from Allah SWT, pray and believe in Him.”
