The Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation has decided to temporarily suspend Friday and other collective prayers in mosques in Moscow. This decision, as noted in a special statement of the First Deputy Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation Damir Mukhetdinov, was made in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
"It is with a heavy heart that we take this forced measure, but it is necessary. In a number of countries, including Muslim countries, the virus spreaded during collective services. We must not repeat this in our city, because the Prophet taught us: "You must not harm yourself or others", the statement reads.
Five prayers by the Imam on duty on an individual basis will continue.
Believers, however, are urged to postpone ceremonies and memorial events. The performance of funeral rites and janaza-namaz is not suspended, but a minimum number of believers should attend them.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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