Prominent Muslim body Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) on Monday appealed to the Muslims to adhere to the lockdown guidelines and perform all religious rituals during Ramadhan, starting later this week, staying inside their homes.
JUH president Maulana Arshad Madani urged Muslims to offerprayers, including special ‘Taraweeh’ prayers, during Ramadhan at home ratherthan in masjids.
“In view of deadly COVID19 that has caused death anddestruction all over the world, medical experts have suggested that socialdistancing is only option to break the chain of spread of this dangerousvirus,” Madani said.
Gathering of people at religious places or at any othervenue is harmful and can spread the contagious virus, he said.
Madani said earlier also appeal had been made to Muslims notto gather in mosques for their daily five prayers.
“Even Taraweeh prayers need to be offered at homes.There should not be a gathering of more than three worshippers and that too itis necessary for them to maintain reasonable distance,” he said.
‘Taraweeh’ prayers are additional prayers offered duringRamadhan late evening.
He also appealed that priority should be given to the helpof the poor and the needy.
Earlier, Jamiat general secretary Mahmood Madani had alsoappealed to the community to adhere to lockdown and social distancingguidelines during Ramadhan.
He had also urged Muslims to help the poor and ensure’sehri’ (meal before start of fasting) and ‘iftar’ (meal at breaking of fast)is made available for the needy.
The nationwide lockdown, which was from March 25 till April14, has been extended to May 3 by the government to prevent the spread of thenovel coronavirus.
Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi last Thursdayhad directed state wakf boards to ensure strict implementation of the lockdownand social distancing guidelines during the holy month of Ramadhan.
“We should cooperate with health workers, securityforces, administrative officers, sanitation workers. They are working for oursafety and well-being even putting their own lives at risk in this coronaviruspandemic,” Naqvi had said.”Weshould also demolish rumours and misinformation being spread about quarantineand isolation centres by creating awareness among people that such centres areonly meant to protect people, their families and the society from thepandemic,” the minister had said.