Saudi Arabia has suspended Tarawih prayers at the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, Anadolu Agency reported.
Tarawih, special night prayers performed during the holy month, will be held without public attendance at the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi), said Abdul Rahman As-Sudais, president of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.
Tarawih will be performed mainly with staff, As-Sudais said in a statement on Twitter.
The statement also said that itikaf, the Islamic practice of secluding oneself in the mosque to pray, has been cancelled at both mosques.
It also said that Umrah will remain suspended until further notice.
READ: Saudi Arabia suspends umrah due to COVID-19 concerns
READ: Saudi Arabia suspends prayers at two holy mosques
READ: COVID-19: Saudi Arabia imposes 24-hour curfew on Makkah, Madinah
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Apr 21 2020
General view of Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, which is almost empty of worshippers, after Saudi authority suspended umrah amid the fear of coronavirus outbreak, at Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia March 5, 2020. REUTERS/File
'FOMO': Beware of marketing traps, time, and money loss
What exactly drives some individuals to go to such lengths just to own these products?
90 pct of Syria's population living in poverty after years of civil war: UN official
UNDP says, "13,000 people (have been) forcibly disappeared, and we don't know their fate yet.
China's hopes to be Ukraine peacemaker collide with its goals on Trump, trade
For the last three years, China has repeatedly signalled a willingness to act as a peacemaker in the war in Ukraine.
Fatty liver disease - A major driver of liver cancer risk in Malaysia
By the time symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain and weight loss appear, the cancer may be in its advanced stage.
Trump tightens grip on independent agencies to test limits of presidential power
The order lets the White House shift budget and policies, usually kept at arms length from the president's daily oversight.
INSIGHT - In Russia, dozens of dissenters are held as psychiatric patients
Dozens of Russians face compulsory psychiatric treatment for their political views, say lawyers and human rights groups.
How does space travel affect astronaut health?
Here is an explanation of some of the effects on human health caused by space travel.
Can you distinguish between reality and deepfake?
Currently, Malaysia has no specific laws regulating deepfake technology.
Animated films seek to find a place in best picture Oscar race
Animated filmmakers now aim to be included to the best picture race after being shut out for several years.
Emotional trauma piles up for Ukraine's children three years after invasion
Teachers, psychologists and children are used to living in a state of chronic exhaustion without a clear end in sight, experts say.
Wedding content creation the big thing now for newlyleds
A wedding content creator's success does not rely solely in tech but in capturing emotions and bringing a couples love story to life.
Will Western companies return to Russia?
Easing restrictions could let some companies return to what was once a high-growth market under Trump's administration.
Chatbots pose challenge to guarding child mental health
Developers say AI companions can combat loneliness and improve users' social experiences in a safe space.
With blitz of policies, Trump goes beyond Project 2025's goals
Trump denies ties to Project 2025 but continues reshaping policies through executive power.
Almost half of chronic kidney patients in Malaysia lost their jobs - study
The study raises concerns about the future of chronic kidney patients, especially those who rely on long-term dialysis treatment.
Beware of scam tactics using AI
The drastic development of AI technology is being taken advantage of by scammers to reap huge profits by using various latest tactics.
Fired and rehired - the dizzying confusion of Trump's government overhaul
They have adopted a blunt force approach toward the wholesale firing of workers, often focusing on workers who are easier to fire.
Arab states scramble to counter Trump's Gaza 'Riviera' plan
Arab states trying to devise an alternative plan have yet to tackle critical issues like who will foot the bill for Gaza's reconstruction.
Chinese universities launch DeepSeek courses to capitalise on AI boom
Universities across China have launched artificial intelligence courses this month based on Chinese AI startup DeepSeek.
Astronomers reveal 3D structure of an alien planet's atmosphere
Astronomers find three layers on a scorching gas planet orbiting a star larger and hotter than the sun.