Brunei’s mosques set to reopen as of next week

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): All mosques in Brunei are set to reopen and host congregational prayers of next week.

All mosques, suraus and religious halls in the country will re-open when the nation enters the transition phase on November 19, with the consent of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and in accordance with the decision of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB).

This was said by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman during the daily press conference yesterday.

The mosques will be open for daily and Friday prayers only. Other religious activities will be on hold until the COVID situation improves.

A guideline was set after discussions with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and submitted to the Welfare Committee and approved by the COVID-19 Steering Committee Meeting on November 9.

The minister said only congregants aged 18 and above, who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, are allowed to perform Friday and daily prayers in mosques, suraus and religious halls, including suraus under the jurisdiction of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF).

Only male congregants are allowed to make reservations for Friday prayers. Daily prayers are allowed for both male and female congregants. The mosque’s capacity is subject to its size with a one-metre spacing.

Those with flu-like symptoms and high risks are not allowed to enter mosques. Congregants are also required to bring large prayer mats and perform ablution at home.

Using mosque facilities such as toilets and ablution areas are discouraged.

Congregants are required to wear face masks, have body temperature check and avoid handshakes. They are encouraged to use hand sanitiser prior to entering mosques.

The minister said uniformed personnel, mosque Takmir committee members, youth and volunteers will control entry to the mosques.

The standard operating procedure (SOP) for the endemic phase will be announced later.

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