Ramadan 2021: Covid patients 'prohibited' from attending Taraweeh, Eid prayers at mosques

Abu Dhabi - Authorities following up on health precautionary measures required at mosques.

It is prohibited under the Islamic Sharia, for a person infected with Covid-19 or anyone suspected of having contracted the virus, to attend daily congregational prayers, Taraweeh or Eid prayers, said a senior Islamic scholar.

During a press briefing on Monday ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Dr. Omar Habtoor Dheeb Al Darei, a member of the UAE Council for Fatwa, also noted that taking the Covid-19 jab while fasting is permissible and it does not invalidate or break one’s fast.

“Taking the Covid-19 vaccine will not break someone’s fast and doesn’t affect the health of the fasting person,” said Al Darei.

“But if the person experiences some side-effects after taking the vaccine and needs to break the fast, it is permissible for them to break the fast and then make up for it by fasting another day.”

The official noted that those who are eligible for taking the Covid-19 vaccine, but are reluctant to get the jab, were risking committing sins, because they might spread the disease to other people, which will greatly harm them yet they had the ability to prevent the disease or reduce its effects.

The briefing was held by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) to reveal details for the preparations for the Holy month of Ramadan.

Efforts are being made to ensure a safe and healthy environment in mosques during Ramadan.

Dr. Muhammad Matar Al Kaabi, Chairman of Awqaf, reaffirmed the authority’s keenness to make mosques a safe environment for worshippers during Ramadan.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Awqaf has been adhering to all the precautionary measures put in place by the competent authorities in the country to prevent the spread of the virus,” he said.

“We have been coordinating with the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) in doing everything possible to ensure the safety and health of worshipers, including the continuous sterilisation of all mosques since they gradually re-opened.”