Festive prayers for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha in Chechnya will be held in strict compliance with the mask regime and social distance due to the pandemic, a representative of the Religious Board of Muslims of Chechnya told RIA Novosti.
The Chechen authorities announced two days off in connection with the Eid al-Adha holiday - July 30 and 31. Celebrations have not been canceled, but authorities have warned of the need for strict compliance with safety standards in the face of a pandemic. Earlier, in June, the Muftiate of the Republic lifted the ban on collective prayers in mosques imposed due to the coronavirus, retaining restrictions for the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
"Festive prayers are usually held in major mosques of the Republic, the muftiat called on the faithful to strictly observe precautions, social distance and mask regime. Imams of mosques are responsible for compliance with the measures. To maintain social distance, mosques have special markings," the source said.
He stressed that the local TV channel Grozny will broadcast live the holiday prayer from the Heart of Chechnya mosque, "to create a festive atmosphere in homes, including for those who could not come to the mosque for health reasons or because of age."
In addition, in Chechnya, at the initiative of the Republic's leadership, charity events will be held, animals will be distributed to perform the rite of sacrifice, the government of Chechnya told RIA Novosti.
"The Akhmat-Haji Kadyrov Foundation has purchased more than 20 thousand sheep, which will be distributed not only to the poor and orphans, but also to those who have made a significant contribution to the fight against the pandemic. These are doctors, volunteers, and journalists, " the government noted.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of the 12th month of the Muslim lunar calendar, Dhul-Hijjah, and marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, but this year many Muslims were unable to perform the Hajj: the Saudi authorities for the first time canceled the pilgrimage to the shrines of Mecca and Medina for foreigners due to the threat of the spread of the coronavirus, the representative of the muftiat recalled.
According to him, in this regard, the Muftiate returned to the residents of Chechnya documents and money submitted to the Hajj Committee for organizing the pilgrimage.
"Thousands of people in Chechnya were not able to perform the Hajj, unfortunately, because of the threat to people's health. They had to take the documents, but we are very much hoping for the mercy of Allah, and next year Muslims from all over the world will be able to visit the main shrines, we can only pray for this, and we call on everyone to do so," said the representative of the Muftiate.
Eid al-Adha (in Arabic) is one of the main Muslim holidays. It lasts for three days. This year, it starts on July 31. It is customary to sacrifice sheep, oxen, or camels on a holiday.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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