Saudi reduces Taraweeh rakats amid coronavirus outbreak

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has decided to reduce the duration of Taraweeh prayers to 10 rakats for the month Ramadan amid coronavirus outbreak.

As per details, the special prayers will be offered in the Masjid al-Haram and Masjid-e-Nabwi during Ramadan month.

However, Taraweeh, special night prayers performed during the holy month of Ramadan, will be held without public attendance at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, said Abdul Rahman As-Sudais, President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.

Taraweeh will be performed mainly with staff, As-Sudais said in a statement.

He also added that itikaf, an Islamic practice of secluding oneself in the mosque to pray, has been canceled at both mosques.

It also said that the Umrah pilgrimage will remain suspended until further notice.

It may be mentioned here that coronavirus pandemic has affected more than 2.4 million people around the world, with over 170,000 casualties. _Agencies


Dhaka/AKA