Ramadan 2020: Muslim Groups Urge Devouts To Offer Prayers At Home, Feed Iftar To Needy

Islamist Organisations around the world have urged people to strictly follow the directions issued by the ministry of health and World Health Organisation and not violate the lockdown rules.

Representational Picture (AFP)

New Delhi, April 18: The outbreak of Covid-19 has marred several festivities around the world forcing people to lockdown to avoid the spread of deadly outbreak of Covid-19. Muslims across the world will embrace Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar in which people observe fast for 30 days and strictly avoid eating and even consuming water. At the end of the day, people gather together to break their fast together. However, in view of the grim situation around the world, Islamist Organisations have urged people to strictly follow the directions issued by the ministry of health and World Health Organisation and not violate the lockdown rules. As the holy month begins on April 23, religious leaders hope that followers will abide by the ruled and look after the needs of needy and hungry instead of organising ‘iftar parties.’ Maulana Khalid Rasheed, chairman of Islamic Centre of India Firangi Mahal in Lucknow, have emphasised on following the lockdown rules and main social distancing. “The Ramadan days will be marked with fasting and the evenings will see taraweeh prayers but the followers should not come in congregation,” according to a statement by the chairman published in a report by News 18. Those following Ramadan have been strictly told to observe suhur (meal before sunrise) and iftar (evening meal to end fast) at home and also offer taraweeh (evening prayer) within their houses. Since fasting is mandatory in Islam, the changes in observing the month can be managed according to the prevailing situation and circumstances. The chairman asked people to not hold iftar inside mosques. He clearly stated that people should not congregate for iftar in mosques.  “As we are practicing social distancing, people should not hold iftar parties. Instead, that money can be used to buy food for the hungry or poor and one should try to ensure that no one goes hungry in this month of Ramadan,” added Rasheed. Earlier in the week, Islamic Centre of India had issued an advisory asking Muslims to adhere to the lockdown rules during the holy month of Ramadan. Firangi Mahal and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, leading religious organisations have asked the followers of Islam to feed the poor and labourers during the holy month. In the similar advisory, Mahmood Madani, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, warned people saying “not pray in congregation” and offer prayers at home. “Don’t move out of the house without any reason. During Ramadan sehri and iftar should be made available to feed the poor and labourers,” Madani said. In fact Jamiat will be coming out with guidelines on how to observe Ramadan. Also, a religious head in Saudi Arabia had also asked people to offer prayers from home during the lockdown. Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh, who is the highest religious authority in the country, said prayers held during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr feast should take place at home if the situation doesn’t improve in the coming days.