Coronavirus corrects Ramadan spiritual practices

Because of the coronavirus, the holy Muslim month of Ramadan may pass without collective prayers and solitude in mosques, but fasting cannot be cancelled, Imams of Northern Caucasus believe. They also made a recommendation not to visit relatives during the celebration of Uraza Bairam.

On April 3, believers of Kabardino-Balkaria, Adygea, Ingushetia and Chechnya held their Friday namaz (prayer) at home in connection with the ban on visiting mosques because of coronavirus. Believers in Dagestan did the same, where the Muftiate recommended to refrain from collective prayers.

In the conditions of coronavirus, the observance of collective prayers in mosques is not necessary, Imams and Muftiates of Northern Caucasus believe.

"However, Imams cannot hold prayers in mosques without the parishioners present and by means of online broadcasting," said Umaraskhab Arslanaliev, Imam of the Central Juma Mosque of Makhachkala.

Only the Muslims, who have diseases, cannot observe fasting at Ramadan, the interlocutors of the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent have stated. According to Imam Arslanaliev, fasting does not reduce immunity, but rather strengthens it.