Dagestani and Ingush believers think that mosque reopening was premature

The proposal of the Russian Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) found no support among the Muslims of Dagestan and Ingushetia interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot". They believe that clergymen should not hope for the observance of security measures by believers visiting mosques. The Imams of Makhachkala mosques prefer to wait for epidemiologists' conclusions.

The SAM (Muftiate) of Kabardino-Balkaria has excluded the resumption of prayers in mosques, as the epidemiological situation remains serious. Believers met the Muftiate's decision with understanding. Their Chechen colleagues, on the contrary, have lifted the ban on collective Friday namazes (prayers) at large mosques from June 1. The selective opening of mosques is illogical, local residents have noted.

The Makhachkala "Tangim" Mosque will not be open for collective prayers until the coronavirus situation improves in the republic, said Magomed Magomedov, a mosque representative.

"Ihlyas", another Makhachkala mosque, did not rule out the resumption of Friday prayers, but noted that they were waiting for a permit from epidemiological agencies. A mosque source has noted that some believers had negatively perceived its closure, as they did not understand the danger of coronavirus.

The resumption of collective prayers may contribute to a new leap in incidence, Ibragim, a believer from Dagestan, has suggested.

Gamzat, another believer, has agreed with him. In his opinion, in a mosque, it is almost impossible to monitor the compliance with epidemiological regulations.

Some Muslims believe that collective prayers can be performed outdoors – in stadiums and squares.