Congregational prayers without physical distancing allowed in Terengganu from April 1

KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu will allow Friday and obligatory prayers at mosques and surau to be performed without having to observe physical distancing following the country’s transition into the endemic phase beginning April 1.

Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Maidam) president Datuk Shaikh Harun Shaikh Ismail said children aged seven and above could perform prayers in mosques and surau, with the attendance of their parents.

He added that mosque and surau committees were encouraged to set special control measures for the children.

Sheikh Harun said all religious classes and related activities would be allowed with regular capacity of congregants, however, religious classes or talks that require a large number of worshippers needed to get written permission from the state Religious Affairs Department (JHEAT).

He added that activities involving the community such as “gotong royong” and feasts following the activities were also permitted.

In addition, he said, marriage solemnisation ceremonies in mosques, surau and private premises could be hosted with an unlimited number of guests.

According to him, religious activities throughout the Ramadan month such as tarawih prayers, breaking of fast events, Quran recitation in groups, among others, are also allowed as well as Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayers that can be performed by male and female worshippers and children aged seven and above, without having to observe the physical distancing rule.

He said Muslims in Terengganu were also permitted to visit graves and perform funeral prayers without physical distancing. - Bernama