By Warren Elijah Valdez SULTAN KUDARAT – The Darul-Ifta’ of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has issued a directive, ordering the lifting of the temporary suspension of the Friday and other congregational prayers in the mosques starting June 1 until June 15. Bangsamoro Government / MANILA BULLETIN This, as the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (MEID) has identified BARMM as one of the regions in Mindanao to be placed under the modified general community quarantine. Under the guidelines issued by BARMM’s Darul Ifta’, religious gatherings inside the mosques would now be allowed provided that “only 50 percent of the mosques’ capacity would be allowed every prayer.” The directive was pursuant to the IATF Resolution No. 40 issued on May 27, which said that “participants (in religious activities) shall be limited to 50 percent of the venue or seating capacity.” The Darul Iftar’ also mandates that physical distancing of at least one meter apart “must be maintained”, and that proper wearing of face mask must be observed as well. Mosques were also required to provide disinfectants such as alcohol and hand sanitizers at their entrances. The order also noted that every worshipper must have his own “sajadah” (prayer mat). Worshippers were also given 20 minutes for their ordinary prayers, and 30 minutes for the “Jum’ah” prayer. “As soon as the prayer is over, everyone has to vacate the mosque to give way for its standard disinfection and sanitation,” the guideline added, also noting that worshippers who are not feeling well must perform their prayers at home.