Amid Sambhal Cop Row, Lucknow Imam Issues Advisory For Muslims For Friday Namaz Ahead Of Holi

In light of Holi celebrations, Lucknow and Bareilly Muslim leaders advised Muslims to offer Friday prayers at mosques in their vicinity instead of distant ones.

Muslim leaders in Lucknow and Bareilly have issued advisory for Muslims for Friday namaz ahead of Holi.

Source : PTI

The Imam of Lucknow Eidgah, Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali has advised Muslims to offer Friday namaz for next week at a mosque in their locality instead of going to faraway ones. 

The advisory has been issued ahead of the festival of Holi which will be on March 14, Friday. 

Maulana Khalid Rashid also said in the advisory that the mosques, where Juma (Friday) prayer is usually offered between 12:30 pm and 1 pm, may postpone it to 2 pm. 

"This year, the second Juma of Ramzan is on March 14, which will be celebrated as Holi. Hence, Muslims should not go to a distant mosque for namaz, but offer the prayer at a mosque in their locality," he said, reported PTI. 

Namaz at Jama Masjid Eidgah in Lucknow will be offered at 2 pm next Friday, instead of 12.45 pm, the Imam added.

Bareilly Muslim Leader Also Issues Advisory 

The president of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi appealed to the Imams to schedule the Friday prayers at 2:30 pm on Holi. 

He said that in areas with a mixed population, the Juma prayer should be fixed at 2:30 pm while it need not be changed in areas with a predominantly Muslim population. He also appealed to the Imams and mutawallis of mosques to pay special attention to such things.

In a statement, Maulana Ravi urged the common Muslims not to come out on the streets for more than 3-4 hours, and that they should remain very cautious if they have to go out for some important work.

The holy month of Ramzan should be spent with patience, he said, advising that if a "child or an ignorant person puts colour on you, there is no need to get into a fight." 

"Go home and wash it off. Holi colours do not make your clothes impure," he added.

Sambhal Cop Row 

The advisories by Muslim leaders come after a police officer posted in Sambhal sparked controversy saying those uncomfortable with Holi colours should remain indoors, as the festival comes once a year.

During a peace committee meeting held on Thursday at the Sambhal Kotwali police station, Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary said, "Holi is a festival that comes once a year, whereas Friday prayers take place 52 times in a year. If anyone feels uncomfortable with the colours of Holi, they should stay indoors." 

"Those who step out should have a broad mindset, as festivals are meant to be celebrated together," he added.

The comment drew ire from opposition parties, which demanded action against the cop. They said the remarks showed "bias" and did not befit a police officer.