Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (EP)

Bengaluru, Mar 23: In the backdrop of over 27 COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka, Minority Welfare Haj and Wakf Department secretary A B Ibrahim recommended for suspension of all daily prayers including Jummath (Friday) prayers in mosques with immediate effect up to March 31.

The circular issued on March 23, states that in order to avoid spread of COVID-19 and to protect public health, congregational prayers including those offered on Friday have been suspended across all mosques in UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries. A person from Gulbarga who went to Holy Ummrah was the first person to die due to COVID-19 in India.

The circular said that it is a known fact that when congregational prayers are being offered in all mosques and large gatherings, Muslims have to stand side-by-side touching shoulder to shoulder to offer prayers. After prayers, people greet each other by shaking hands. Also, AC and coolers are regularly used in summer in mosques, which could help the virus to survive.

Hence, the recommendation of suspension of prayers in mosques comes after discussions with the Waqf Board and other Islamic Scholars. “I had wide range of discussions with religious Aalims, Chairman Wakf Board, community leaders. Both Khazis of Mangaluru have advised people to pray from home. Hence, the decision is taken keeping larger interest of public safety in mind,” he said.