RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia suspends prayers inside all but the holiest two mosques in Islam as the kingdom steps up efforts to contain the new coronavirus, state media reports.
Mosques will be temporarily shut for the five daily Islamic prayers as well as the weekly Friday prayers, the official Saudi Press Agency says, citing the council of senior scholars — the kingdom’s highest religious body.
It says mosques will continue to issue the ritual call to prayer.
The decision seeks to direct worshipers to pray at home but does not affect prayers in Mecca’s Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, it adds.
The announcement risks riling fringe hardliners for whom religion trumps health considerations.
Saudi Arabia has reported 171 coronavirus cases, but no deaths so far.
— AFP
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