“Awqaf” Announces Closure of “Al-Hussein,” “Al-Sayyida,” and All Shrines to Counter “Coronavirus”

The Ministry of Awqaf announced the closure of all shrines and religious sites, in coordination with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Sufi orders, during the period of school suspension announced by the Egyptian government at the direction of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
According to the ministry, the decision applies to all shrines and religious sites, most notably the shrine of Imam Al-Hussein and Sayyida Zeinab, may God be pleased with them.

In a statement, the ministry said that, after coordinating with His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Sheikh of the Sufi Orders, it had been agreed to close all shrines and religious sites throughout the period of school suspension. This was part of the concern shown by Egypt’s religious institutions for the public good, and in accordance with the Ministry of Awqaf’s directive to limit mosque activities to prayers and the Friday sermon, while prohibiting unnecessary gatherings in mosques, their annexes, and affiliated event halls.

The ministry confirmed that the decision was made in coordination and consultation with His Eminence Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Eminence Sheikh Abdel Hady Al-Qasabi, Sheikh of the Sufi Orders. This was due to the large number of visitors to the shrines, particularly those at major mosques, especially since many visitors come from different governorates and areas. The ministry reaffirmed that all mosques would remain open during prayer times and that engineering departments would carry out the necessary maintenance on these shrines during this period. It prayed to Almighty God for safety from every disease and to protect beloved Egypt and all the countries of the world from every harm and misfortune.