Mosques in Marawi City to remain closed during Ramadan

Amid Ramadan, authorities are implementing a local ordinance ordering the closure of all masjid, the Arabic term for mosque, in Marawi City due to the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to Asmarie Labao's Tuesday report on Stand for Truth, this is the first year that almost all masjids in the city are closed due to the ban on congregational prayer or group.

"Ang Darul Ifta ay pansamantala muna pinasuspende ang tarawe (simbang gabi) sa masjed. Magsimba muna sa bahay," said Abuhuraira Udasan, Mufti-BARMM executive director.

But the directive is not a hindrance to the observance of prayer in the  home, which is a means to observe Ramadan.

Such is the practice of the Mocsin family amid the COVID-19 threat.

"Maganda 'yung naging impact sa amin. Lagi-lagi na lang nagpre-pray 'yung mga anak ko. 'Yung mga anak ko sila nag-sasabi na "Mama, Mama, mag-pray na tayo,"" Raisah Cayoga-Mocsin, a GAD advocate, said.

But some still conducted the tarawe in their own masjed.

"Kasi ano nakakalungkot naman ganitong Ramadam kung diyan lang sa bahay. Hindi kami natatakot sa COVID, kasi ang Panginoon, ang Allah siya ang may-ari ng mga lahat, ng mga sakit. Mananalangin lang kami na ilayo tayo sa COVID," Caolingan Tampi, masjid jama'a, said.

Marawi Mayor Majuj Usman Gandamra, meanwhile, said that they are coordinating with local authorities and residents.

"So kinakausap po natin 'yung mga Iman and, of course, the barangay leaders, officials na ipatupad 'yung mga ganoong policies ng gobyerno," Gandamra said.

"[I]to naman po ay hindi naman po pag-curtail ng ating religious freedom, but temporary lang po ito," he added. -- Joahna Lei Casilao/BAP, GMA News

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