Decision to Suspend Friday Prayers in Egypt to Be Reconsidered

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Egypt’s Awqaf Minister Mohamed Mokhtar Guma promised on Sunday to reconsider the decision to suspend Friday prayers if worshipers abide by set precautions to curb the outbreak of COVID-19.

In a statement, the minister said he will discuss the issue with the Coronavirus crisis management committee at the cabinet in case worshipers were fully committed to necessary precautions.

He said next Friday prayers will be held at Sultan Hassan Mosque in the presence of limited number of the ministry staffers and will be aired live, Egypt Today reported.

Egypt began easing coronavirus-related restrictions as of Saturday.

Mosques were allowed to reopen for daily prayers but will not be allowed to host Friday congregational prayers.

They will be opened only 10 minutes ahead of the call to prayer, and shut down 10 minutes after the prayers conclude.

All mosques must close their doors 30 minutes at most after the call to prayer.