Coronavirus outbreak: Govt issues 13-point instructions for Eid-ul-Azha prayer

-- No Eid prayers in open spaces or at Eidgahs; pray at nearest mosque 

-- Authorities concerned must disinfect every mosque before and after prayers 

-- Perform ablution at home 

-- Take your own prayer mat 

-- Wear a mask 

-- Elderly people, children, ailing persons and their caregivers, should not go to mosques

The government today issued a 13-point instruction, including directing authorities concerned to not hold Eid-ul-Azha jamaat in open spaces and asking citizens to perform their Eid prayers at the nearest mosques.

The new directives -- which look to curb the spread of Covid-19 -- were issued by the religious affairs ministry in an emergency circular.

The local administration, law enforcement agencies, public representatives, officials of the Islamic Foundation and the management committee of the respective mosques have been asked to implement the instructions.

According to the guidelines, this year's Eid-ul-Azha prayers should be performed at the nearest mosques instead of at any Eidgah or open space considering the risk to the lives of people. If necessary, more than one jamaat can be formed at the same mosque.

According to the instructions, carpets cannot be laid in the mosque during Eid prayers. The entire mosque should be cleaned and disinfected before the prayers and every one will have to bring their own prayer rugs (janamaz) on their own responsibility.

There should be soap or hand sanitisers at the entrance of every mosque and people will have to maintain distance and follow health guidelines during offering prayers.

Besides, people will have to perform ablution at home. People will have to wear masks before going to mosques.

Elderly people, children, ailing persons and their caregivers, should not come to mosques to offer Eid prayers.

People are advised not to use the caps and mats given inside the mosques.

Besides, in the case of animal sacrifice, the instructions of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has to be followed properly.