MANAMA — Mosques will re-open across Bahrain for the Fajr (Dawn), Dhuhr (Noon) and Asr (Afternoon) prayers, starting Thursday (March. 4).

The decision is based on the opinions of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the recommendations of the National Medical taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVD-19) and following consultations with the Sunni and Jaafari endowments, the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments said.

The ministry stressed the importance of adhering to all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all and added that decisions would be subject to periodic review based on developments.

Congregational and Friday prayers were suspended in Bahrain on March 28 after mosques were shut to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

Fajr prayers were allowed back in mosques on Aug. 28, Dhuhr on Nov. 1 and Asr on Dec. 6.

However, prayers and religious events at mosques were suspended on Feb. 11 to protect the elderly people in light of spiking infections.

Physically-able Muslims are required to perform five prayers daily in mosques — Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghreb (sunset) and Isha (evening). — Bahrain News Agency