Minister of Religious Endowments Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa has dismissed the ministry’s official spokesperson Ahmad Al-Qadi following the latter’s inaccurate statements on reopening mosques for prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.
Al-Qadi had told media outlets that the ministry is considering opening mosques for Tarawih prayers in Ramadan to start later this week. The Ministry, however, has denied the statement.
Gomaa also confirmed that the suspension of gatherings, including for Tarawih prayers during Ramadan, will not be lifted. The decision falls in line with government precautions to curb the further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
He added that mosques will remain closed until further notice, with Tarawih prayers in mosques this year not valid.
In March, Egypt joined other countries around the world by calling off daily prayers and Friday congregations at mosques and shutting down churches nationwide. The move is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to avoid crowding and curb the coronavirus outbreak.
