The Saudi minister of Islamic affairs declared Monday that Muslims would only be able to pray at home in Saudi Arabia during the forthcoming holy month of Ramadan. That will remain the case until the worldwide coronavirus pandemic ends.

Community prayers at mosques have been suspended since 19 March in an effort to contain the outbreak, a move expected to continue under the minister, Abdul Lateef al-Sheikh.

The regular mandatory prayers performed by Muslims, Sheik said, are more relevant than taraweeh prayers in Ramadan, adding that the guidelines for staying at home were in line with the health ministry advice.

“The suspension of performing the five daily prayers at mosques is more important than the suspension of taraweeh prayers. We ask Allah the Almighty to accept taraweeh prayers whether held at mosques, or homes, which we think is better for people’s health,” Sheikh told local media.