Pandemic bans Eid prayers in 4 Arab countries

By Ibrahim al-Khazen
ISTANBUL (AA) – Four Arab countries have banned the Eid Al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) prayers amid fears of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Authorities in Mauritania, Morocco, Oman and Tunisia said the Eid prayers will not be held as a precautionary measure to stem the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan will hold the Eid prayers under precautionary measures, including limiting the prayer time and holding the sermon in open courtyards.

Prayers will also be held in Algeria, Palestine, Libya and Djibouti, while Bahrain said it will allow the prayers inside one mosque with a limited number of worshippers.

Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen and the Comoros have yet to announce their decision on holding the Eid prayers.

Since December 2019, the pandemic has claimed over 4.08 million lives in 192 countries and regions, with more than 190.18million cases reported, according to the US’ Johns Hopkins University.

Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara