Mosques limit attendance as Ramadan begins amid pandemic

Mosques are limiting attendance and the faithful are urged to pray and do rituals indoors as Muslims begin to celebrate another Ramadan circumscribed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila, only allows 10% of the venue's capacity, while in Kidapawan City, only men are allowed to enter mosques as women are encouraged to do rituals in their households.

During this month-long Islamic tradition, Muslims around the world fast and offer prayers from dawn until sunset. They also dedicate their time and attention to charity works and religious devotion.

Ramadan ends with the Eid'l Fitr holiday, which last year was celebrated without outdoor gatherings in Metro Manila due to the pandemic.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte urged the public to "promote solidarity" and help those in need, as Ramadan starts. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News