FT mosques allowed congregational prayers without physical distancing from April 1

Congregational and tarawih prayers will be allowed without physical distancing at all mosques and suraus in the federal territories from April 1, in line with the transition to the endemic phase.

The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) said this was one of six new rulings that had received the consent of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Jawi director Mohd Ajib Ismail said it was also based on current guidelines and SOPs for activities at mosques and suraus.

Congregants are encouraged to bring and use their own prayer mats when performing prayers at mosques and suraus, he said in a statement today.

Attendance at mosques and suraus is allowed without any age limit for those who have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

“Mosques and suraus are allowed to perform tarawih prayers up to 20 rakaat (unit of prayer) in the month of Ramadan, while qiamullail (the act of worship during the last part of the night) is allowed from midnight,” he said.

He added that breaking fast, moreh (supper) after tarawih prayers and sahur (pre-dawn meal) are also allowed at mosques and surau although food should be prepared in packages.

Quran reciting activities at mosques and suraus are also allowed at any suitable time and in small groups.

“All permission is subject to the SOPs set in accordance with the advice of the health ministry and the National Security Council,” he said.