Saudi Arabia Extends Suspension Of Prayers In Two Holy Mosques in Ramadan

Grand Mosque (Masjid Al-Haram) in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque (Al Masjid Al-Nabawi) will broadcast the call for prayer (adhan) throughout the month but would remain closed to worshippers.

An aerial view shows deserted roads in the Saudi holy city of Mecca. FILE PIC/AFP.

Riyadh, April 21: In an attempt to control the outbreak of Covid-19, the Presidency of the Affairs of Two Holy Mosques has extended the suspension of prayers during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. What is being announced for Ramadan 2020? According to news agency ANI , President General of the Two Holy Mosques, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, said,  the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al-Haram) in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque (Al Masjid Al-Nabawi) will broadcast the call for prayer (adhan) throughout the month but would remain closed to worshippers. In March, the authority began taking strict measures to ensure coordination between parties that were concerned with the safety of pilgrims. Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque are the considered the holiest places in Islam. Both places will conduct Ramadan prayers without worshippers since precautionary measures are taken and disinfection operations are underway. Earlier also in the measures taken by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it had suspended entry to the Kingdom for the purpose of Umrah and a temporary visit to the Prophet’s Mosque. What is the significance of the Holy Mosques? The Grand Mosque or al-Masjid al-Haram, Qibla in Mecca, Saudi Arabia has been constructed close to Prophet Ibrahim Kabah, the holiest shrine in Islam. Muslims across the world visit the Grand Mosque during their pilgrimages Umra and Hajj. While the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah has deep religious significance since it is the second mosque built by Prophet Muhammad in the first year of Hijrah, known as the Prophet’s migration with his followers from Makkah to Madinah. This Mosque is considered as the Prophet’s final resting place along with the first two caliphs (religious rulers) under the iconic green tomb built by the Ottomans. Millions of visitors throng to these Holy sites for paying visits every year.