{"id":291375,"date":"2021-04-13T19:04:33","date_gmt":"2021-04-13T22:04:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/anba.com.br\/?p=291375"},"modified":"2021-04-13T19:04:33","modified_gmt":"2021-04-13T22:04:33","slug":"rituals-change-due-to-pandemic-as-ramadan-begins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/anba.com.br\/en\/rituals-change-due-to-pandemic-as-ramadan-begins\/","title":{"rendered":"Rituals change due to pandemic as Ramadan begins"},"content":{"rendered":"

S\u00e3o Paulo \u2013 Some 2 billion Muslims around the world are celebrating the first day of Ramadan this Tuesday (13). For the second year on end, Ramadan in Saudi Arabia and the world is taking place amid precautions against the coronavirus. \u201cThe month of Ramadan is upon us and the world is suffering from the coronavirus pandemic. We thank God for the scientific efforts in developing vaccines to curb the pandemic,\u201d Saudi Arabia\u2019s king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was quoted as saying by local newspaper Arab News<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Preventive measures are not as strict as last year, but they remain in place across the Arab world to curb the virus\u2019 spread. Find out what Ramadan will be like in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon and Egypt. The information below is from the UAE\u2019s The National<\/em> daily.<\/p>\n

Saudi Arabia<\/strong><\/p>\n

The pandemic is far from over, and Saudi Arabia is seeing Covid-19 cases go up. Pilgrims looking to perform the Umrah in Mecca during Ramadan must attest immunity \u2013 through vaccination or from having recovered from the virus \u2013 to get permits, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah told the state-run Saudi Press Agency<\/em> (SPA<\/em>). The Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca that can be done any time of the year, whereas the Hajj takes place during a set period.<\/p>\n

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The Umrah: proof of immunity required<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Over six million people have been vaccinated in Saudi Arabia. As a result, more people will be allowed at the holy sites than last year. Social distancing and face masks are mandatory for all visitors. Pictured above: Muslims pray around the Kaaba, at the Holy Mosque of Mecca this Tuesday (13)<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Mosques across the country that comply with safety protocols will be allowed to function during the holy month, authorities said. No pre- or post-fasting meals (suhur and iftar) will be allowed at mosques. Friday sermons have been cut down to 10 minutes. Worshipers must bring their own prayer rugs and Korans and are required to keep apart. Taraweeh prayers at mosques cannot exceed 30 minutes.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s more on Ramadan:<\/em><\/p>\n