Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions, Othman Hassan, has urged Muslims across the country to avoid gathering at mosques during Ramadan to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The instructions came from the government, the Ministry of Health and the Highest Council for Islamic Religious Affairs in Cambodia.

The council issued a similar notice on Monday which also stated that Muslims should not gather in homes during Ramadan.

“If a Muslim brings disease to others, they will acquire sin, according to Islam. Islamic law states Muslims must obey the leadership. A Muslim who does not obey their leader is not a real Muslim,” Hassan said.

He made his comments at a Council of Ministers press conference on Tuesday.

The first day of fasting for Ramadan is determined by sightings of the new moon and will likely fall on Friday.

Hassan said 33 Khmer Muslims have been infected with Covid-19 and 32 have recovered. An elderly man is being treated at Kampong Chhnang Hospital.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) comprises of 57 Muslim countries with a combined population of nearly two billion.

Hassan said 54 of the countries have reported more than 250,000 Covid-19 infections. Turkey reported more than 86,000 cases – the highest number in the organisation – while Iran reported the most deaths, with 5,118.