Friday prayers resume after 18 months

Hundreds of believers from various walks of life gathered for Friday prayers in over 360 mosques in the Sultanate after nearly 18 months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With prayers on their lips and hopes of a better future, people arrived at the mosques from 10am expecting a heavy rush with prayer rugs.

Oman had paused all group prayers, weddings and other public gatherings and events in March 2020 to control the spread of the Covid-19. Although prayers in the mosques were later allowed to resume, Jumah prayers were on hold.

The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in charge of the mosques in the country made the announcement last week that some mosques would be opened for Friday prayers after the Supreme Committee tasked with formulating strategies against the pandemic gave nod to the same in the wake of the subsiding number of Covid-19 cases.

There were volunteers to check the vaccination cards or the proof of vaccination of those who arrived to offer prayers and ensured that their temperatures were normal and that they carried their prayer mats.

Only 50 per cent of the capacity was allowed while strict vigilance on social distancing was maintained.

Friday’s mass congregations are so important as they are considered to be a common man’s Haj on Fridays. Muslims believe Friday was chosen by God as a dedicated day of worship when the virtues of Islamic equality, unity, love, collaboration and discipline are reassured.

The Holy Quran calls Friday as a sacred day of worship in a chapter called “Al-Jumah,” meaning the day of congregation, which is also the word for Friday in Arabic. It states, “O you who believe! When you are called to congregational (Friday) prayer, hasten to the remembrance of God and leave off trade.”