Morocco Suspends Ramadan Tarawih Prayers in Mosques Due to COVID-19 Concerns

The supererogatory (Tarawih) prayers during the month of Ramadan in the mosques are replaced by prayer at home. This is a decision of the Supreme Council of Ulema. It aims to protect the faithful from contamination by the coronavirus. The Council specified in a press release that the preservation of life takes precedence over any other act, including gathering for supererogatory prayers and the Sunnas of worship, informs apanews.net.

A group prayer, according to Sharia, is considered the one performed by more than one believer. However, given the current health crisis, the Council recommends in place of the Tarawih, prayer at home, individually or collectively, with family members, to avoid any risk.

The Council recalls that the provisions of Sharia stipulate compliance with the order of the Imam of the Ummah and to follow his advice and guidance. It specifies that acts of worship to Allah, whatever they may be, are not deprived of rewards in case of inability to perform them. The obligatory acts such as Hajj are concerned.

The protection of the lives of the faithful and the practice of religion are major concerns for the Imarat Al Mouminine who is watching over the health situation of the kingdom, the Council said.