Bahrain’s Shia scholars called on the country’s people to hold mourning rituals during the lunar Hijri month of Muharram while fully observing the health protocols.

The scholars in a joint statement reiterated the need for taking preventive measures, including social distancing and observance of health recommendations, during the rituals, al-Ahed News website reported.

They also called on preachers and orators who address the mourning ceremonies to raise awareness among the participants about following the health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The scholars further said the elderly, children and those suffering from chronic diseases had better avoid attending the ceremonies in religious centers and observe the rituals at home instead.

Shia Muslims around the world mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the Sayyid-ul-Shuhada (master of martyrs), in Muharram.

The third Shia Imam (AS) and a small group of his followers and family members were martyred by the tyrant of his time - Yazid Bin Moaweya, in the battle of Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram (known as Ashura) in the year 680 AD.

The coronavirus outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China, has infected over 18.4 million people around the world and killed more than 697,000.

The outbreak has had a major impact on global sporting, cultural, religious and political events, with a host of events canceled or postponed.

Source: Abna24