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UAE issues new Ramadan fasting, prayer guidelines amid coronavirus pandemic

Abu Dhabi - UAE council issues guidelines for residents, frontline workers on fasting and prayers.

Muslims who have symptoms of Covid-19 may choose not to fast during the holy month of Ramadan, the UAE Council for Fatwa has said.
In a virtual meeting held to discuss the coronavirus situation, the council said all adults must fast during the holy month. However, coronavirus patients may opt not to do so.
"If a doctor asks a person not to fast as it might affect his immunity, then the person has the right not to fast during Ramadan," said the council. "Workers in the health sectors also have the Islamic right to choose not to fast during their work days."
The council issued another Fatwa, saying that Muslims can perform Taraweeh prayers in their houses, either individually or as a group with people in the same house. They can also read, holding the Holy Qur'an while praying.
In a third Fatwa, the council said Eid prayers may also be performed at home, adding that gatherings are prohibited.
"Friday prayers cannot be performed at home and people must perform normal noon prayers instead," the Fatwa council clarified.
Additionally, the council said that Zakat payment can be paid earlier in such circumstances, as well as Zakat Al Fitr, to help people in such hard situations.