Ramadan 2022: Egypt to Allow Mass Prayers
Egypt’s Ministry of Religious Endowments announced on Monday that the anti-COVID rules related to mosques and special prayers during Ramadan that were issued last year will be in effect during the holy month this year.
The ministry also announced it would re-open women’s prayer areas at mosques during Ramadan, ending a two-year ban, if precautionary measures are followed.
In Ramadan 2021, the ministry allowed in-mosque daily prayers and mass night prayers (Taraweeh) during Ramadan under precautionary measures against COVID-19 and on the condition that Taraweeh prayers not exceed half-an-hour.
On the other hand, the ban on Ramadan charity banquets – which are traditionally held publicly in the streets – is still in effect.
Late-night prayers (Tahajjud), or seclusion in mosques for a period of time in Ramadan (Itikaf), will not be allowed either.
In Ramadan 2020, the government allowed Taraweeh prayers at some authorised mosques with a limited number of worshipers, and banned it elsewhere nationwide. It also banned the Tahajjud, Itikaf and Ramadan charity banquets last year.
Women’s prayer areas at mosques were closed in 2020 in an attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Ramadan 2022 will start in Egypt on 2 April.
Source: Ahram Online
