There is no ban on collective prayers on the occasion of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr in Russia this year, while sanitary rules should be observed in mosques, the head of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Russia, moscow mufti Albir Krganov.
The month of Ramadan, a time of strict fasting and intense prayer, runs from 12 April to 12 May in 2021. The next day is Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast, also known in Russia as Uraza Bayram. Traditionally, mass prayers are held in mosques on this holiday. However, last year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, worshippers were not allowed into mosques for festive prayers.
‘This year there is no ban on collective prayers (in Russia for Eid al-Fitr – ed.), but they are held in compliance with the requirements of Rospotrebnadzor. Restrictions related to the pandemic are still relevant: wearing masks, gloves, observing social distancing, including in mosques’, Krganov said.
He also noted that there would be no additional sites for festive prayers in Moscow this year. It will be possible to pray at four sites - Yardiam Mosque on Khachaturyan Street, Mosque on Tatarskaya Street, Moscow Cathedral Mosque on Prospekt Mira and Mosque on Poklonnaya Hill. He predicts that about 250 thousand people would take part in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr in the city.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from RIA Novosti