Ministry permits collective prayers in all islands except Male'

Islamic Ministry has permitted collective prayers in mosques across all islands of the country starting from Monday, with the exception of the capital Male’ City.

Previously, the islands of Narudhoo and Manadhoo were not permitted to conduct collective prayers due to the monitoring status placed on both islands. The monitoring mechanisms have since been lifted and after a period of 14 days, the Islamic Ministry has announced that collective prayers can now be resumed in the islands.

An official from the Islamic Ministry confirmed to Sun that when the 14-day period on the islands expired on Saturday and Monday, collective prayers would be resumed. The 14-day period would expire in Narudhoo on Saturday, while the 14-day period on Manadhoo will expire on Monday. 

HPA had ordered the temporary suspension of prayers in mosques across all islands after COVID-19 began to spread across the country in late March. The Ministry later permitted collective prayers in all but seven islands of the country on May 24. 

Islamic Ministry still advises worshippers to wear masks when going to mosques. HPA also announced that sickly and elderly individuals should refrain from going to mosques.