Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Defers Friday Namaz Timing Over Holi Celebrations

The mosque committee urged Muslims and Hindus to cooperate and avoid gatherings near Holi processions.

The Friday namaz timing has been rescheduled in Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid in view of Holi.

Source : PTI

In view of the festival of Holi, the timing for Friday namaz at Shahi Jama Masjid has been shifted by one hour. 

Shahi Jama Masjid Committee President Zafar Ali made the announcement that the prayer will be held in the mosque at 2:30 pm.

"We have decided to hold the Friday prayer (Jumma) at 2:30 PM for peace and harmony," Ali said. He appealed to Muslims and Hindus "to maintain peace and brotherhood in the city." 

He also appealed to everyone not to gather with their children on the route where the Holi procession would pass. "We and our entire committee will fully cooperate with whatever decision the administration makes. However, for the peace, harmony, and goodwill of the city, we have decided to hold the prayer at this time," he added. 

Ali welcomed the decision to cover the mosques as a "positive initiative" by the administration, adding that it has been happening for many years.

Sambhal MP On Covering Of Mosques 

Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq said on Wednesday that the administration should take responsibility to ensure that there are no untoward incident during the Friday namaz on March 14 that coincides with Holi. 

He made the statement while reacting to the district administration's move to cover 10 mosques in the district including the Shahi Jama Masjid.

"This is not the first time two festivals of the two communities are coinciding. It has happened before peacefully and it will happen this time as well," said the Sambhal MP speaking to PTI outside the Parliament. 

"If 10 mosques have been identified and to be covered with tarpaulin, then I would say it should not be needed if the security arrangements were good enough," he said. 

"However, if this is happening, then it is the administration's responsibility that there will be no incidents hurting anyone's sentiments," the SP leader added. 

This year, the festival of Holi will coincide with Friday prayers that would fall during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan. 

Ahead of the day, the Shahi Jama Masjid along with several other mosques have been covered with plastic sheets and tarpaulins. The move comes amid the row stirred by a Police officer Anuj Kumar Chaudhary who advised Muslims to stay indoors during the Holi as it comes only once a year.