Saudi minister calls on worshippers to respect safety measures in mosques

Saudi cleric Hammoud Al-Labban recites the call to prayer at an empty al-Mirabi Mosque in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, May 28, 2020. (Reuters)
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Updated 28 May 2020
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Saudi minister calls on worshippers to respect safety measures in mosques

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's minister of Islamic affairs called on Muslims to respect ongoing preventative measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) inside mosques as the Kingdom eases some restrictions.

Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh said worshipers should bring their own prayer mats, wear masks and wash their hands prior to coming to the mosque to ensure the safety of other worshippers. 

Al-Asheikh said preventative measures will remain in place to ensure a safe return of worshipers to mosques for Friday prayers from May 31 until June 20, except in Makkah. 

Worshippers must keep two meters apart and leave a row of space empty between each row, he said.

The minister said the elderly and children under 15 should continue to avoid going to the mosque. 

The instructions follow other announcements in the Kingdom relaxing aspects of the lockdown, including reducing curfews and allowing freer movement of people.





 


Girl Scouts contribute to serving pilgrims

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Girl Scouts contribute to serving pilgrims

RIYADH: The Saudi Girl Scouts are currently participating in the Ramadan public service camp organized by the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

The volunteer program runs until the end of the month and aims to serve Umrah performers and worshippers while supporting the concerned authorities in providing the best services to them.

The Girl Scouts’ participation in the camp represents an extension of the association’s approach to empowering Saudi women and providing opportunities for them to engage in various scouting and volunteer programs and activities.

This aligns with the objectives of Vision 2030, which aims to boost women’s empowerment and enhance their presence in community and development work.

The Girl Scouts have demonstrated their ability to excel and contribute effectively by providing field and humanitarian services to Umrah performers alongside male scouts and scout leaders.

Their efforts include supporting the security authorities and assisting the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, helping to organize and facilitate the movement of visitors, and providing guidance and on-site services.