Bahrain's Al Fateh mosque to hold Isha, Taraweeh prayers throughout Ramadan

Manama - Ramadan is likely to start on April 24, subject to the sighting of the moon.

Al Fateh Mosque will be opened for Isha and Taraweeh prayers throughout the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Bahrain has said.

The announcement was made one day after the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments said that Al Fateh would re-open for the Friday prayers.

However, the Friday, Isha and Taraweeh prayers will be limited to the imam and to five people with the obligation to wear masks and under the supervision of the competent health authorities.

The aim is to broadcast the Friday sermon and the Ramadan Isha and Taraweeh prayers through audio-visual media and enable listeners and viewers to benefit from them.

Under the decision to re-open the mosque, the strict rules adopted by Bahrain regarding gatherings (no more than five people), social distancing (at least two meters) and wearing face masks as it combats the coronavirus pandemic will be applied.

Last month, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs said there was no objection to suspending prayers in mosques.

"If a virus spreads among people - God forbid - and becomes an epidemic, and human gatherings are a sure cause of infection, it is permissible to prevent Friday prayers, group prayers and gatherings, and people must commit to praying in their homes until the epidemic virus is eliminated," the council said.

Ramadan, the ninth month on the lunar-based Islamic calendar, is expected to start on April 24, depending in the sighting of the moon.

• Ramadan 2021
• Bahrain