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List of countries restricting public Islamic prayer

2026-05-19T16:47:05Z

2001:67C:2628:647:38:1300:0:13C: Please review

{{AfC submission|||ts=20260519221639|u=2001:67C:2628:647:38:1300:0:13C|ns=118}}
{{Short description|Countries and jurisdictions restricting Islamic prayers in public spaces}}

'''This is a list of countries and jurisdictions that have imposed restrictions, regulations, or bans on public Islamic prayers (''salat'' or ''namaz'') conducted on roads, streets, sidewalks, parks, or other public spaces.'''

{{Main|Restrictions on Islamic prayer in public spaces}}

== Asia ==

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Country
! Restriction
! Basis
! Notes
! Ref
|-
| {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
| Restrictions on roadside Islamic prayers
| Public-order regulations
| Muslim congregational prayers are generally expected to occur in mosques
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-defends-limits-mosque-loudspeaker-volume-2021-06-01/ |title=Saudi Arabia defends limits on mosque loudspeaker volume |website=Reuters |date=1 June 2021 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
| Public Muslim prayers outside designated areas regulated
| Public safety and urban management
| Unauthorized public Islamic gatherings may be penalized
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gallery/443427-in-pictures-list-of-middle-east-countries-halted-prayers-in-mosques |title=In pictures: List of Middle East countries halted prayers in mosques |website=Arabian Business |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Egypt}}
| Restrictions on unofficial congregational Islamic prayers
| Religious administration
| Friday prayers required in licensed mosques
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/476242/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-bans-Friday-prayers-in-small-mosques-zawiyas.aspx |title=Egypt bans Friday prayers in small mosques and zawiyas |website=Ahram Online |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|India}}
| Restrictions on roadside namaz in several states
| Traffic control and public order
| Restrictions vary by state and locality
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/even-muslim-majority-countries-dont-allow-namaz-on-roads-says-sunil-ambekar-of-rss/article70772182.ece |title=Even Muslim-majority countries don’t allow namaz on roads, says Sunil Ambekar of RSS |website=The Hindu |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|China}}
| Restrictions on public Muslim prayers
| State security and religious regulation
| Particularly enforced in Xinjiang
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/china-and-tibet |title=World Report 2024: China |website=Human Rights Watch |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|}

== Europe ==

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Country
! Restriction
! Basis
! Notes
! Ref
|-
| {{flag|France}}
| Muslim street prayers banned in parts of Paris
| Traffic management and secularism
| Alternative indoor prayer spaces were later provided
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14945467 |title=Paris ban on Muslim street prayers |website=BBC News |date=2 September 2011 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Italy}}
| Restrictions on Muslim prayers in some Islamic centres
| Zoning and safety regulations
| Monfalcone restrictions generated political controversy
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/18/italian-town-monfalcone-rightwing-mayor-muslim-prayers-ban |title=Italian town sparks row with ban on Muslim prayers |website=The Guardian |date=18 February 2024 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|}

== North America ==

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Country
! Restriction
! Basis
! Notes
! Ref
|-
| {{flag|Canada}}
| Public Islamic prayer restrictions debated in Quebec
| Secularism policies
| Discussions included prayer rooms in educational institutions
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/quebec-to-ban-prayer-rooms-in-public-schools |title=Quebec to ban prayer rooms in public schools |website=Montreal Gazette |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|}

== See also ==
* [[Restrictions on public Islamic prayer]]
* [[Freedom of religion]]
* [[Islam in Europe]]
* [[Secularism]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

List of countries restricting public Islamic prayer

2026-05-19T16:46:06Z

2001:67C:2628:647:38:1300:0:13C: New page created

{{Short description|Countries and jurisdictions restricting Islamic prayers in public spaces}}

'''This is a list of countries and jurisdictions that have imposed restrictions, regulations, or bans on public Islamic prayers (''salat'' or ''namaz'') conducted on roads, streets, sidewalks, parks, or other public spaces.'''

{{Main|Restrictions on Islamic prayer in public spaces}}

== Asia ==

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Country
! Restriction
! Basis
! Notes
! Ref
|-
| {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
| Restrictions on roadside Islamic prayers
| Public-order regulations
| Muslim congregational prayers are generally expected to occur in mosques
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-defends-limits-mosque-loudspeaker-volume-2021-06-01/ |title=Saudi Arabia defends limits on mosque loudspeaker volume |website=Reuters |date=1 June 2021 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
| Public Muslim prayers outside designated areas regulated
| Public safety and urban management
| Unauthorized public Islamic gatherings may be penalized
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gallery/443427-in-pictures-list-of-middle-east-countries-halted-prayers-in-mosques |title=In pictures: List of Middle East countries halted prayers in mosques |website=Arabian Business |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Egypt}}
| Restrictions on unofficial congregational Islamic prayers
| Religious administration
| Friday prayers required in licensed mosques
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/476242/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-bans-Friday-prayers-in-small-mosques-zawiyas.aspx |title=Egypt bans Friday prayers in small mosques and zawiyas |website=Ahram Online |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|India}}
| Restrictions on roadside namaz in several states
| Traffic control and public order
| Restrictions vary by state and locality
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/even-muslim-majority-countries-dont-allow-namaz-on-roads-says-sunil-ambekar-of-rss/article70772182.ece |title=Even Muslim-majority countries don’t allow namaz on roads, says Sunil Ambekar of RSS |website=The Hindu |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|China}}
| Restrictions on public Muslim prayers
| State security and religious regulation
| Particularly enforced in Xinjiang
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/china-and-tibet |title=World Report 2024: China |website=Human Rights Watch |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|}

== Europe ==

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Country
! Restriction
! Basis
! Notes
! Ref
|-
| {{flag|France}}
| Muslim street prayers banned in parts of Paris
| Traffic management and secularism
| Alternative indoor prayer spaces were later provided
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14945467 |title=Paris ban on Muslim street prayers |website=BBC News |date=2 September 2011 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|-
| {{flag|Italy}}
| Restrictions on Muslim prayers in some Islamic centres
| Zoning and safety regulations
| Monfalcone restrictions generated political controversy
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/18/italian-town-monfalcone-rightwing-mayor-muslim-prayers-ban |title=Italian town sparks row with ban on Muslim prayers |website=The Guardian |date=18 February 2024 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|}

== North America ==

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Country
! Restriction
! Basis
! Notes
! Ref
|-
| {{flag|Canada}}
| Public Islamic prayer restrictions debated in Quebec
| Secularism policies
| Discussions included prayer rooms in educational institutions
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/quebec-to-ban-prayer-rooms-in-public-schools |title=Quebec to ban prayer rooms in public schools |website=Montreal Gazette |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
|}

== See also ==
* [[Restrictions on public Islamic prayer]]
* [[Freedom of religion]]
* [[Islam in Europe]]
* [[Secularism]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

Restrictions on Islamic prayer in public spaces

2026-05-19T15:40:16Z

2001:67C:2628:647:38:1300:0:13C: Please review

{{AfC submission|||ts=20260519210955|u=2001:67C:2628:647:38:1300:0:13C|ns=118}}
{{Short description|Regulation of Islamic prayers in public spaces}}

'''Restrictions on Islamic prayer in public spaces''' refer to laws, regulations, and administrative measures limiting or regulating the performance of Islamic prayers (''[[salat]]'' or ''namaz'') in public spaces such as roads, streets, parks, sidewalks, schools, universities, and government-controlled areas. Such restrictions exist in both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority countries and are commonly justified on grounds including traffic management, public safety, urban administration, secularism, crowd control, and regulation of public gatherings.

Public debates regarding restrictions on Muslim prayers in public spaces have often involved discussions concerning [[freedom of religion]], use of civic infrastructure, mosque availability, secular governance, and the role of Islam in public life.

{{Main|List of countries restricting Islamic prayer in public spaces}}

== Background ==
Muslims traditionally perform congregational prayers in mosques or designated prayer spaces. However, in densely populated urban areas or during major Islamic occasions such as Friday (''Jumu'ah'') prayers, [[Eid al-Fitr]], and [[Eid al-Adha]], worshippers have at times offered namaz in public spaces including roads, sidewalks, parks, and open grounds due to insufficient mosque capacity.

Authorities in several countries have imposed restrictions on Islamic prayers conducted in roads, sidewalks, public institutions, and other shared civic spaces, arguing that such locations are intended primarily for transportation, administration, education, or public access rather than religious gatherings.

== Islamic perspectives ==
Islamic jurisprudence contains discussions concerning places where Muslims may or may not offer prayer. A hadith narrated by Abu Sa'id al-Khudri states:

{{blockquote|“All the earth is a place of prayer except graveyards and bathrooms.”}}

<ref>{{cite book |last=al-Sijistani |first=Abu Dawud |title=Sunan Abi Dawud |volume=1 |page=130 |hadith=492}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite book |last=al-Tirmidhi |first=Muhammad ibn Isa |title=Jami` al-Tirmidhi |volume=1 |page=273 |hadith=317}}</ref>

Another narration attributed to Abd Allah ibn Umar states that the Prophet Muhammad forbade prayer “in the middle of the road,” among other places, although several hadith scholars classified the narration as weak.<ref>{{cite book |last=al-Tirmidhi |first=Muhammad ibn Isa |title=Jami` al-Tirmidhi |volume=1 |page=275 |hadith=346}}</ref>

Classical Islamic jurists generally discouraged Muslims from praying in roads actively used by the public because such prayers could obstruct movement and distract worshippers. At the same time, Islamic legal traditions historically permitted temporary overflow congregational prayers during Eid or Friday prayers when mosques were unable to accommodate worshippers.

Islamic scholars have also discussed etiquette regarding public pathways. A hadith recorded in ''Sahih al-Bukhari'' and ''Sahih Muslim'' instructs Muslims not to obstruct roads and public passageways.<ref>{{cite book |last=al-Bukhari |first=Muhammad ibn Ismail |title=Sahih al-Bukhari |hadith=2465}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj |title=Sahih Muslim |hadith=2121}}</ref>

== Restrictions by country ==

=== Saudi Arabia ===
In [[Saudi Arabia]], congregational Islamic prayers are generally expected to take place in mosques. Authorities have also regulated mosque loudspeakers and discouraged roadside namaz that obstructs public movement.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-defends-limits-mosque-loudspeaker-volume-2021-06-01/ |title=Saudi Arabia defends limits on mosque loudspeaker volume |website=Reuters |date=1 June 2021 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

=== United Arab Emirates ===
The [[United Arab Emirates]] regulates public gatherings and generally requires Muslim prayers to be conducted in mosques or approved prayer facilities. Unauthorized roadside prayers may result in penalties under public-order regulations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gallery/443427-in-pictures-list-of-middle-east-countries-halted-prayers-in-mosques |title=In pictures: List of Middle East countries halted prayers in mosques |website=Arabian Business |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

=== Egypt ===
Authorities in [[Egypt]] have periodically restricted Friday prayers in small unofficial prayer spaces and required congregational Islamic prayers to be conducted in licensed mosques supervised by the Ministry of Religious Endowments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/476242/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-bans-Friday-prayers-in-small-mosques-zawiyas.aspx |title=Egypt bans Friday prayers in small mosques and zawiyas |website=Ahram Online |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

=== France ===
In 2011, authorities in [[Paris]], [[France]], banned Muslim street prayers in districts such as Goutte d'Or, citing traffic congestion and secular public-space policies. Alternative indoor spaces were later provided for Muslim worshippers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14945467 |title=Paris ban on Muslim street prayers |website=BBC News |date=2 September 2011 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

=== Italy ===
In 2024, the mayor of Monfalcone in [[Italy]] prohibited Muslim prayers at certain Islamic cultural centres, citing zoning and safety concerns. The decision sparked debate over religious freedom and integration.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/18/italian-town-monfalcone-rightwing-mayor-muslim-prayers-ban |title=Italian town sparks row with ban on Muslim prayers |website=The Guardian |date=18 February 2024 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

=== India ===
Restrictions on public Islamic prayers and roadside namaz have periodically been imposed in several Indian states. Authorities have generally justified such measures on grounds including traffic control, crowd management, noise regulations, and public-order concerns.

Public debate in India has included comparisons with regulations in Muslim-majority countries. In 2025, RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar stated that several Islamic countries do not permit namaz on roads and that Muslim prayers should be conducted in designated places of worship.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/even-muslim-majority-countries-dont-allow-namaz-on-roads-says-sunil-ambekar-of-rss/article70772182.ece |title=Even Muslim-majority countries don’t allow namaz on roads, says Sunil Ambekar of RSS |website=The Hindu |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

Several Indian states and local authorities have also regulated use of mosque loudspeakers under noise-control laws and court orders.

=== China ===
Public Islamic religious practices in [[China]], particularly in [[Xinjiang]], have faced extensive state restrictions. Human-rights organizations have reported limitations on Muslim prayer gatherings and religious expression.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/china-and-tibet |title=World Report 2024: China |website=Human Rights Watch |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

=== Canada ===
In [[Quebec]], debates concerning secularism and religion in public institutions have included restrictions on prayer rooms and public religious practices in some educational institutions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/quebec-to-ban-prayer-rooms-in-public-schools |title=Quebec to ban prayer rooms in public schools |website=Montreal Gazette |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

== COVID-19 pandemic ==
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], many governments temporarily suspended congregational Islamic prayers in mosques and prohibited large public religious gatherings, including Eid prayers and roadside namaz, as part of public-health measures.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gallery/443427-in-pictures-list-of-middle-east-countries-halted-prayers-in-mosques |title=In pictures: List of Middle East countries halted prayers in mosques |website=Arabian Business |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

Several Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, temporarily restricted mosque attendance and public Islamic gatherings during the pandemic.

== See also ==
* [[List of countries restricting Islamic prayer in public spaces]]
* [[Freedom of religion]]
* [[Islam in Europe]]
* [[Secularism]]
* [[Mosque]]
* [[Adhan]]
* [[COVID-19 pandemic and religion]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

Restrictions on Islamic prayer in public spaces

2026-05-19T15:39:00Z

2001:67C:2628:647:38:1300:0:13C: New page started

{{Short description|Regulation of Islamic prayers in public spaces}}

'''Restrictions on Islamic prayer in public spaces''' refer to laws, regulations, and administrative measures limiting or regulating the performance of Islamic prayers (''[[salat]]'' or ''namaz'') in public spaces such as roads, streets, parks, sidewalks, schools, universities, and government-controlled areas. Such restrictions exist in both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority countries and are commonly justified on grounds including traffic management, public safety, urban administration, secularism, crowd control, and regulation of public gatherings.

Public debates regarding restrictions on Muslim prayers in public spaces have often involved discussions concerning [[freedom of religion]], use of civic infrastructure, mosque availability, secular governance, and the role of Islam in public life.

{{Main|List of countries restricting Islamic prayer in public spaces}}

== Background ==
Muslims traditionally perform congregational prayers in mosques or designated prayer spaces. However, in densely populated urban areas or during major Islamic occasions such as Friday (''Jumu'ah'') prayers, [[Eid al-Fitr]], and [[Eid al-Adha]], worshippers have at times offered namaz in public spaces including roads, sidewalks, parks, and open grounds due to insufficient mosque capacity.

Authorities in several countries have imposed restrictions on Islamic prayers conducted in roads, sidewalks, public institutions, and other shared civic spaces, arguing that such locations are intended primarily for transportation, administration, education, or public access rather than religious gatherings.

== Islamic perspectives ==
Islamic jurisprudence contains discussions concerning places where Muslims may or may not offer prayer. A hadith narrated by Abu Sa'id al-Khudri states:

{{blockquote|“All the earth is a place of prayer except graveyards and bathrooms.”}}

<ref>{{cite book |last=al-Sijistani |first=Abu Dawud |title=Sunan Abi Dawud |volume=1 |page=130 |hadith=492}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite book |last=al-Tirmidhi |first=Muhammad ibn Isa |title=Jami` al-Tirmidhi |volume=1 |page=273 |hadith=317}}</ref>

Another narration attributed to Abd Allah ibn Umar states that the Prophet Muhammad forbade prayer “in the middle of the road,” among other places, although several hadith scholars classified the narration as weak.<ref>{{cite book |last=al-Tirmidhi |first=Muhammad ibn Isa |title=Jami` al-Tirmidhi |volume=1 |page=275 |hadith=346}}</ref>

Classical Islamic jurists generally discouraged Muslims from praying in roads actively used by the public because such prayers could obstruct movement and distract worshippers. At the same time, Islamic legal traditions historically permitted temporary overflow congregational prayers during Eid or Friday prayers when mosques were unable to accommodate worshippers.

Islamic scholars have also discussed etiquette regarding public pathways. A hadith recorded in ''Sahih al-Bukhari'' and ''Sahih Muslim'' instructs Muslims not to obstruct roads and public passageways.<ref>{{cite book |last=al-Bukhari |first=Muhammad ibn Ismail |title=Sahih al-Bukhari |hadith=2465}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj |title=Sahih Muslim |hadith=2121}}</ref>

== Restrictions by country ==

=== Saudi Arabia ===
In [[Saudi Arabia]], congregational Islamic prayers are generally expected to take place in mosques. Authorities have also regulated mosque loudspeakers and discouraged roadside namaz that obstructs public movement.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-defends-limits-mosque-loudspeaker-volume-2021-06-01/ |title=Saudi Arabia defends limits on mosque loudspeaker volume |website=Reuters |date=1 June 2021 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

=== United Arab Emirates ===
The [[United Arab Emirates]] regulates public gatherings and generally requires Muslim prayers to be conducted in mosques or approved prayer facilities. Unauthorized roadside prayers may result in penalties under public-order regulations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gallery/443427-in-pictures-list-of-middle-east-countries-halted-prayers-in-mosques |title=In pictures: List of Middle East countries halted prayers in mosques |website=Arabian Business |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

=== Egypt ===
Authorities in [[Egypt]] have periodically restricted Friday prayers in small unofficial prayer spaces and required congregational Islamic prayers to be conducted in licensed mosques supervised by the Ministry of Religious Endowments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/476242/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-bans-Friday-prayers-in-small-mosques-zawiyas.aspx |title=Egypt bans Friday prayers in small mosques and zawiyas |website=Ahram Online |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

=== France ===
In 2011, authorities in [[Paris]], [[France]], banned Muslim street prayers in districts such as Goutte d'Or, citing traffic congestion and secular public-space policies. Alternative indoor spaces were later provided for Muslim worshippers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14945467 |title=Paris ban on Muslim street prayers |website=BBC News |date=2 September 2011 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

=== Italy ===
In 2024, the mayor of Monfalcone in [[Italy]] prohibited Muslim prayers at certain Islamic cultural centres, citing zoning and safety concerns. The decision sparked debate over religious freedom and integration.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/18/italian-town-monfalcone-rightwing-mayor-muslim-prayers-ban |title=Italian town sparks row with ban on Muslim prayers |website=The Guardian |date=18 February 2024 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

=== India ===
Restrictions on public Islamic prayers and roadside namaz have periodically been imposed in several Indian states. Authorities have generally justified such measures on grounds including traffic control, crowd management, noise regulations, and public-order concerns.

Public debate in India has included comparisons with regulations in Muslim-majority countries. In 2025, RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar stated that several Islamic countries do not permit namaz on roads and that Muslim prayers should be conducted in designated places of worship.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/even-muslim-majority-countries-dont-allow-namaz-on-roads-says-sunil-ambekar-of-rss/article70772182.ece |title=Even Muslim-majority countries don’t allow namaz on roads, says Sunil Ambekar of RSS |website=The Hindu |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

Several Indian states and local authorities have also regulated use of mosque loudspeakers under noise-control laws and court orders.

=== China ===
Public Islamic religious practices in [[China]], particularly in [[Xinjiang]], have faced extensive state restrictions. Human-rights organizations have reported limitations on Muslim prayer gatherings and religious expression.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/china-and-tibet |title=World Report 2024: China |website=Human Rights Watch |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

=== Canada ===
In [[Quebec]], debates concerning secularism and religion in public institutions have included restrictions on prayer rooms and public religious practices in some educational institutions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/quebec-to-ban-prayer-rooms-in-public-schools |title=Quebec to ban prayer rooms in public schools |website=Montreal Gazette |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

== COVID-19 pandemic ==
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], many governments temporarily suspended congregational Islamic prayers in mosques and prohibited large public religious gatherings, including Eid prayers and roadside namaz, as part of public-health measures.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gallery/443427-in-pictures-list-of-middle-east-countries-halted-prayers-in-mosques |title=In pictures: List of Middle East countries halted prayers in mosques |website=Arabian Business |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>

Several Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, temporarily restricted mosque attendance and public Islamic gatherings during the pandemic.

== See also ==
* [[List of countries restricting Islamic prayer in public spaces]]
* [[Freedom of religion]]
* [[Islam in Europe]]
* [[Secularism]]
* [[Mosque]]
* [[Adhan]]
* [[COVID-19 pandemic and religion]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}