Govt green-lights congregational prayers in Ramadan

By News Desk

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development amid coronavirus crisis, the government on Saturday conditionally allowed the observance of congregational prayers at mosques for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan under a 20-point strategy agreed between President Arif Alvi and religious scholars.

The President, announcing the guidelines in complete consensus with Ulema, advised the faithful to follow the precautionary measures in letter and spirit while performing religious obligations without dropping guard against coronavirus pandemic.

Alvi made the announcement after chairing an hours’ long consultative meeting with all the provincial governors, president Azad Jammu and Kashmir, governor of Gilgit-Baltistan, and Ulema from all provinces at the President House via video link. Minister for Interior Brig (retd) Ijaz Ahmad Shah and Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Pir Noor ul Haq Qadri, Chairman Islamic Ideology Council Qibla Ayaz and a number of prominent Ulema were also present during the meeting.

It was agreed that the use of rugs and carpets in mosques and Imambargahs should be discarded whereas floors should be properly disinfected with the use of chlorine mixed water. It was advised congregation and Taraweeh prayers should be held in open spaces adjacent to mosques and Imambargahs.

Other significant guidelines included people older than 50 years of age, those suffering from flu, cold and cough symptoms and young children should avoid visiting mosques and Imambargahs.

The faithful were encouraged to bring with themselves rugs and small mats. It was stressed social distancing should be observed and gatherings after prayers time be avoided. Ablution should be performed at home with frequent adherence to hand washing. A distance of about six feet among faithful should be maintained during prayers.

The announcement also contained a sketch of how people should occupy places while offering prayers. Taraweeh and prayers should not be offered at footpaths and roads. In collaboration with the administrations of mosques, Imambargahs and concerned administration, a committee should be constituted which would ensure implementation of these precautionary measures.

Masks should be used during visits to mosques and Imambargahs and people should avoid touching their faces with hands. Proper hand washing should be made after return from performing religious obligations. Collective arrangements for Sehar and Iftar should not be made whereas, the people should make arrangements for ‘Itikaf’ at their homes.

It was emphasised the administrations of mosques and Imambargahs were given the conditional permission for holding congregations with strict adherence to the precautionary measures. If the government felt these steps were not fully implemented, or in case the affected number of people had increased, the government could review its policy. The government also reserved the right to change its directions and policy in view of an affected vicinity.

The President told media he held a lengthy meeting in which historic consensus was evolved after submission of recommendations and guidelines about Taraweeh prayers in view of the current coronavirus pandemic.

He thanked the political leaders, governors, chief ministers and Ulema for help in devising a comprehensive policy over the congregations and Taraweeh during the holy month of Ramadan.

He urged people to continue their generosity of Zakat and donations through mosques and Madaris (seminaries) in this holy month. The meeting also prayed for the alleviation of miseries and sufferings of the Kashmiri people in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the resolution of the issue.

In his opening remarks during the meeting, the President said the Muslims had great attachment with mosques, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, therefore, a policy should be drafted by developing a consensus among the nation under the recommendations of the Ulema and output by the government.