Morocco Considers Limiting Friday Prayers Amid Coronavirus Concerns

"All events, with the participation of more than 1,000 people in a confined space, will be prohibited for the month of March 2020," reads the statement published by the Ministry of the Interior. Even if the authority does not currently mention a suspension of Friday prayers, the subject is already being debated among Muslim worshippers.

Overall, opinions are divided on the measure. Le360, which has conducted a survey on the matter, reports that for some, closing places of worship to protect Muslims and prevent the spread of the Coronavirus is not a problem.

On the other hand, others think it is not necessary to go to this extreme. For the latter, the facilities in the mosques are such that there is no risk for Muslims.

The former Salafist, Abou Hafs, goes further to explain that from a religious point of view, the suspension of Friday prayers presents no harm, as long as it would represent any risk to the health of Moroccans.

This Friday’s prayer was held as usual.