People must offer Sunnah and Nawafil prayers at home and leave the masjids shortly after Fardh (obligatory) prayers, Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema Jammu & Kashmir, a conglomerate of religious bodies of J&K, said on Wednesday.
The MMU, headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in a statementexpressed deep concern over the spread of coronavirus that has killed over 7500people and infected nearly two hundred thousand across the globe.
“We pray for an atmosphere of peace and health across theworld,” reads the statement.
In view of the religious events in J&K, the MMU hascalled upon the Ulema, Khateebs and management of masajids and issued certainguidelines.
Among others, they urged all to refrain from organisingevents which require large gathering, deliver brief sermon during Fridaycongregations and seek Almighty’s refuge from the coronavirus outbreak. “Peoplemust offer Sunnah and Nawafil prayers at home, and leave the masjid shortlyafter Fardh (obligatory) prayers. They must continue with Tilaawat (reading ofQur’an) and Dhikr-o-Adhkaar (remembrance of Allah) at home.”
Every individual, the MMU said, must turn to Allah and keepseeking forgiveness of sins.
“The elderly, the sick people are requested to stay home andpray there instead of coming to Masjids. While greeting other people, handshakeand hugs should be avoided.”
“Wash hands before entering and leaving the masajids; limitfelicitation and condolence meetings by shortening the duration period; followthe advice of health experts in letter and spirit.”
The traders, shopkeepers and medical store owners, the MMUsaid, must refrain from hoarding soaps and sanitisers.
“Affluent people are requested to donate sanitisers tomasajids, khanqaahs, shrines and imambaras.”
The concerned departments (municipal corporations) must ensurethat all the religious sites and the places where religious congregations areheld are sanitised on regular basis, it added.