Stop frequenting mosques for prayers, Okhla elders tell brethren
Many Okhla residents are worried over some Muslims’ continued visit to mosques for offering prayers at the time of Covid pandemic when the second wave has wreaked havoc across the country, including Okhla with news pouring in of family member losing their beloved ones.
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“People are still going to mosques, not good thing. Last year when the strain was not so virulent, just four people were allowed to pray in mosques. Cause? There was forced lockdown! Cannot our community self impose a lockdown? Today, I saw a man going to mosque holding a prayer rug and blowing his nose and spitting phlegm on the road. He was apparently sick with fever. He must have infected people on Friday that will show after three days. Give us some sense,” said a resident requesting anonymity.
One should pray at home, said Islamic scholar Waris Mazhari, adding: “Islam promotes life, not death. There are many who argue that one should not fear a virus but in case of Covid chance of infecting others is very high hence Islam teaches us to take precautions. It is advised to pray at home and avoid frequenting mosques for prayers and even market places for Eid buying.”
Communal prayers should be stopped ASAP, suggest some residents, adding that many wise people are offering prayers at homes and others should also be encouraged to do so for this efforts need to be made at local level by Imams and religious organisations.
Some mosques, including Ishat-e-Islam in Abul Fazal Encalve, have tried to convince residents to pray at home until the pandemic subsides. One AFE mosque IEI has closed its doors to outsiders.
However, some residents said it is sad to see residents have continued to visit mosques without following social distancing norms, playing role in spreading the infection further.
