The authorities in Saudi Arabia Saturday said Al-Masjid an-Nabawi – the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah al Munawwarah, will be opened for public from Sunday (May 31st) dawn. The access to Masjid an-Nabawi for public will however be gradual. Prayers at Masjid an-Nabawi, along with Masijd al-Haram in Makkah were restricted following the Covid-19 outbreak in the Kingdom.

• All carpets removed, salah to take place on the marble which is to be washed after every prayer
• All worshippers must wear masks
• The rawdah remains closed to the public
• Iftar meals and Zamzam distribution are suspended
• Entry numbers cannot exceed 40% of the masjid capacity
• Men may enter through gates 4, 5, 8, 10, 21, 34 and 37
• Women may enter through gates 13, 17, 25 and 29

Kingdom wide sanitization operation

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and its staff are all geared up to embark on maintenance, cleaning and sanitization process of more than 90,000 major and minor mosques across the Kingdom, which reopen on the dawn of Sunday.

The mosques were closed following the restrictions and lockdown announced to contain the spread of Coronavirus.

Mosques in Makkah to remain closed for public

The two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah – Makkah Grand Mosque and Masjid an-Nabawi were not closed. However, prayers in the two mosques are allowed only for administrative staff and employees. Even Taraweeh and Eid al Fitr prayers were offered in the two holy mosques under strict restrictions.

Saudi Arabia plans to open for general public Masjid al Haram – the Grand Mosque in Makkah, and other mosques in the holy city on June 21 after a review of Corona situation.