The government of Maldives is to allow congregational prayers across the Maldives except for the Greater Malé Region and two other islands, from June 15.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s Fala Surukhee programme, the Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali revealed that congregational prayers can be allowed in islands placed under Covid-19 monitoring only 14 days after the period is lifted.

The ministry allowed congregational prayers earlier, across all islands except seven and currently, prayers in congregation are only banned in the Greater Malé Region, Narudhoo island in Shaviyani atoll and Manadhoo island in Noonu atoll.

June 13 will mark 14 days since monitoring measures were lifted from Narudhoo, hence, congregational prayers will be allowed from then on.

Further, prayers will be allowed in Manadhoo island on June 15 as the required period expires then.

The minister added that discussions are underway with experts to open up mosques in the capital, given that lockdown easing has begun.

The ministry has urged worshippers to make ablutions or “Wudu” from home and ensure social distancing as well as refraining from visiting the mosques for prayers if flu symptoms are observed.

Doctors have also instructed individuals to carry their own prayer mats.

The suspension of congregational prayers at mosques was extended and set to end on June 11, following the extension of the State of Public Health Emergency declared across the nation on March 12, for a third time.

The ministry has urged citizens to frequently pray at home, especially Sunnah prayers while advising citizens to increase prayers of supplication as well. The ministry earlier stated that congregational prayers will resume as soon as a change is observed in the circumstances.