Ramadan 1442 H In Mecca: Mass Iftar Abolished, Masjidil Haram Sterilized 10 Times A Day

The atmosphere inside the Grand Mosque during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Wikimedia Commons/Prof. Mortel)

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia will undergo the second Holy Month of Ramadan in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of policies were taken related to the implementation of worship during Ramadan this time, to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

Iftar, suhoor, and i'tikaf for this year are abolished in mosques throughout the kingdom during Ramadan. Addressing The National News on Tuesday, April 13, Islamic Affairs Minister Abdullatif Al-Sheikh said a large gathering to break the fast every day during Ramadan would not take place inside the royal mosque this year.

This also applies to eating suhoor and Itikaf which usually take place on the last 10 days of Ramadan. The goal is to prevent an increase in cases of COVID-19 infection.

I'tikaf is the practice of staying in the mosque for several days at once for prayer and reflection, which is often done in the last 10 days of Ramadan.

The yard area of the Grand Mosque. (Wikimedia Commons/Prof. Mortel)

Related to Tarawih Prayer, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah grants permission for the implementation of Tarawih Prayer in the Grand Mosque and The Prophet's Mosque with a number of conditions. Prospective pilgrims must have obtained at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Prospective pilgrims must also obtain permission that can be obtained online through Tawakkalna and Eatmarna applications. Pilgrims must arrive on time or will lose their quota. Meanwhile, children are not allowed to enter and be in the yard of the Grand Mosque and The Prophet's Mosque, as reported by Arab News.

The number of rakaat and Tarawih Prayer time is also limited. The number of rakaat is limited to 10 rakaat plus 3 rakaat of Salat Witir. Prayer times are limited to a maximum of 30 minutes throughout the royal mosque. If you enter the mosque without permission, there is a fine of 1,000 riyals or about Rp. 3.9 million.

During Ramadan, the Grand Mosque in Makkah will be sterilized 10 times a day using 60,000 liters of cleaning materials. In addition, there are 30 thermal cameras to scan for signs of fever among the number of visitors, to keep everyone safe from COVID-19. The application of social distance, the use of masks, and carrying prayer mats are mandatory for all worshipers.