By Leen Alfaisal

and Ismaeel Naar

DUBAI — The temporary closure of mosques in some countries across the Islamic World is considered a “religious duty” in light of the global coronavirus pandemic, according to Mohammed Al-Issa, secretary general of the Makkah-based Muslim World League.

“This is considered a religious duty dictated by the Islamic Shariah and its general and specific rules. Everybody knows that this pandemic requires taking every measure of precaution including preventing any form of gathering with no exception,” Al-Issa said in a video clip exclusive to Al Arabiya.

“The Islamic Shariah advises people whose mouths smell after eating to not go to communal prayer let alone if they were infected with a fatal virus which everybody has been warned about with no exceptions. Everyone is subjected to the dangers of this virus,” Al-Issa said.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday confirmed it was suspending all prayers inside mosques across the Kingdom, with the exception of those at the Two Holy Mosques, as a measure against the spread of the coronavirus. ‑‑ Al Arabiya English