Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh has directed that the maximum duration of taraweeh prayers (special night prayers) during Ramadan in all mosques across the Kingdom shall be 30 minutes.

In a circular issued on Sunday to all officials of the ministry and mosque imams in all regions of the Kingdom, the minister said that the new directive is based on a telegram received from Minister of Health on Sunday that contains a statement from the committee, which is concerned with studying the precautionary measures necessary to stem the spread of coronavirus.

The MoH statement has recommended that the taraweeh and Qiyam Al-Layl prayers, which do not exceed 30 minutes, shall be performed along with Isha prayers in all mosques in the Kingdom, in order to reduce the length of the worshipers’ presence, which contributes to reducing the chances of the risks of spreading the virus during the blessed month of Ramadan.

The circular also stipulated that all branch directors of the ministry as well as mosque imams should be notified to adhere to the content of the statement. It also confirmed that all precautionary measures and preventive protocols that have been issued by the ministry in previous circulars shall be followed up with their strict implementation.

The ministry directed employees of mosques and worshipers to take all precautionary measures when they go to mosques such as bringing special prayer mats, wearing mask, and maintaining physical distancing.