Despite Saudi Arabia has officially announced the return of iftar meals at mosques including Masjid Al Haram and Masjid An Nabawi, neighbouring country Kuwait has done the opposite.
A local newspaper reported that the Kuwaiti Ministry of Awqaf (Endowments) and Islamic Affairs had issued a circular prohibiting the holding of iftar meals inside mosques during Ramadan. This step was taken by the Kuwaiti authorities in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 which is currently starting to decline.
However, according to Al Jarida, pre-cooked meals outside mosques for people to eat at sunset on the daily fasting ends is still allowed to be distributed.
In addition, the difference in precautionary measures during Ramadan between Kuwait and neighbouring Saudi Arabia can also be seen from the permit to set up tents inside mosques during the holy month of Ramadan. Where the Saudis allow the establishment of tents for organizations that want to hold iftar events but on condition that they must obtain permission from the Civil Defense first. On the other hand, Kuwaiti authorities have reportedly banned the erection of tents inside mosques for health reasons.
Citing Awqaf sources, it was said that the Ministry would not be negligent in taking action against violations of the issued circular, especially since the coronavirus repercussions are still affecting several sectors in the country.
The sources explained that the ban on hosting the Ramadan tens in the vicinity of mosques was aimed at preventing worshipers from crowding in indoor places.
it added that the data shows that COVID-19 and its variants still exist despite a significant decline in daily infections and return to pre-pandemic activities.
Earlier this month, Kuwaiti authorities had actually announced that all mosques in the country will be back to normal and will begin lifting anti-virus restrictions including physical distancing orders in mosques for worshipers.
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