Muslims of Southern Russia deny collective prayers in Ramadan

Given the ban on collective namazes (prayers), believers of Southern Russia are praying at home and hold evening de-fasting during the holy month of Ramadan within their families. They have treated the restrictive measures with understanding.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Imams and Muftiates in the regions of Northern Caucasus have announced that because of the coronavirus, the month of Ramadan will pass without collective prayers and solitude in mosque, but the fasting cannot be cancelled.

Ali, a resident of Makhachkala, said that he would not attend mosque during this month. He supports restrictions, but does not plan to watch online broadcasts organized by the republic's Muftiate.

Marat, another Makhachkala resident, intends to observe the self-isolation regime during Ramadan. "I live with my parents; they are in the risk group; thus, for several weeks already, I try to escape crowded places," the young man told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

The residents of Kabardino-Balkaria interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent also decided to refuse collective prayers and iftars (collective evening de-fasting). "Of course, Ramadan is notable for its collective namazes and iftars, but in the current situation the main thing is not to get infected and not to infect others. We'll pray at home and ask the Almighty to stop the disease. And we'll have time in future to gather in mosques for collective prayers," said Bairamuk, a 65-year-old local resident.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 26, 2020 at 06:04 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.