46 Singapore Mosques To Extend Opening Hours From 8 Jun
Good news for Muslim devotees in Singapore. As the country is progressively reopening, mosques are now extending their opening hours.
Right after ‘Circuit Breaker’ ended on 1 Jun, mosques were allowed to reopen from 1pm-6pm with several limitations.
Mosques To Reopen For Private Worship On 2 Jun, MUIS Advises Elderly To Stay Home
But from next Monday (8 Jun) onwards, 46 mosques in Singapore will have longer opening hours from 5.30am-7am and 1pm-9pm.
This means they can now accommodate individual worship for the daily 5 prayers.
No congregrational prayers in mosques despite longer opening hours
According to the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), congregational prayers will still be put on hold, which includes Friday prayers.
The 5 prayer zone limitation will continue as well. Each zone will allow for 5 individuals, or 5 households – each with a maximum of 5 people – to conduct their prayers.
Precautionary measures that have been in place since the beginning of Phase 1 will also continue. This includes:
- Regular disinfection of common spaces
- Physical checks
- Temperature checking
- Ensuring devotees register their details using SafeEntry.
Devotees will also need to take their own precautions before entering mosques:
- Wear face masks
- Bring personal prayer items like prayer mats
- Avoid inter-mingling with one another, including handshakes
- Avoid visiting mosque if feeling unwell.
Offering of dawn or evening prayers based on demand
The extension of mosques reopening hours will be done based on congregants’ needs. MUIS highlighted that no dawn prayers will be offered at certain mosques if there is no demand for them.
These places will only open from 1pm till 9pm. Mosques located in smaller neighbourhoods with no demand for evening prayers may close earlier too.
You can check the full list of timings and prayer sessions here.
Exercise social responsibility at all times
While this is welcomed news to Muslims in Singapore, MUIS stresses the responsibilities of devotees to take safety measures, so that they can proactively minimise the possible spread of Covid-19 in mosques.
With ample social responsibility and safe distancing practised among all Singapore residents, we hope this would ensure a smooth journey towards Phase 2.
Featured image adapted from MUIS on Facebook.
