Fear in Outburst of COVID – 19, Prayer in Mosques Suspended – A B Ibrahim
Bengaluru: “Due to the outburst of COVID-19, the situation is becoming grave as the number of positive cases are growing day by day. Several preventive measures are being taken by the government. Now it is imperative to adopt strict social distancing and measures to control the spread of COVID – 19 which has created fear across the world including India. In order to avoid to spread of COVID-19 and to protect public health, congregational prayers including those offered on Friday have been suspended until March 31”, said the secretariat Minority Welfare, Haj, and Wakf department A B Ibrahim in a press release on March 23.
A B Ibrahim stated, “Friday prayers have been suspended by UAE, Saudi Arabia and most of the Islamic countries. Prayers in Holy Masjids, of Makkah and Madeena, are also suspended from early March. A large number of Muslim populations employed in the Middle East countries had gone to Holy umrah and returned to India. A person died in Gulbarga and many others are infected by the Coronavirus.”
Moreover, as it is known that congregational prayers are being offered in all Mosques with large gatherings during Friday prayers. Muslims stand side-by-side touching shoulder to shoulder while offering prayers and greet each other by shaking hands after the prayers. AC/ Coolers that are regularly in use during summer in Mosques may increase the effect of the disease.
Karnataka has witnessed 27 COVID-19 positive cases so far including one death. Most of the positive cases are reported from Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural, Kalburgi, Chikkaballapur, Mysuru, Kodagu and Dharwad. The deputy commissioner of the respective districts have imposed section 144 of CrPC in their respective districts.
The matter was discussed with the Waqf Board and Islamic scholars. After discussions with religious Aalims, Chairman of Wakf Board, community leaders, both Khazis of Mangaluru have advised the community to pray at home.
Hence in the large interest of public safety and to maintain health, hereby recommend for the suspension of all daily prayers including Jummah (Friday) prayers in Mosques until March 31, with immediate effect. The concerned authorities of the Mosques should make announcements in this regard in the Masjids and surrounding.