Islamic State bans Eid prayers in Iraq

IS claims Eid prayers were not performed in Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) time

ERBIL: Islamic State (IS)  has reportedly banned residents of its stronghold, Mosul, from performing Eid prayers claiming that the practice does not belong in the religion.

Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) official Ismat Rajab revealed the militant group which has taken over large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria has warned residents from offering Eid prayers claiming that it is not "originally an Islamic practice” and was not performed in Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) time.

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The IS gained control of Mosul last year and since then the group has been bringing constant changes in the area, imposing new rules and regulations.

The militant group has further been accused of enforcing strict punishments on anyone who does not follow the rules, including death penalty for offenders.

Read: Islamic State supporters hack website of Syria rights watchdog

Among its new rules, a week before Eidul Fitr was to be celebrated around the world, the militant group banned the religious and cultural act in Iraq.

This article originally appeared on Rudaw.