BUDGAM – The scholars of Shia Muslim community have appealed people to avoid large gatherings on Friday prayers and on coming Shab-e-Qadar in view of huge rise in number of Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases across Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
They have also appealed people not to be part of processions taken out every year on 21st of Ramadan on the eve of martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Ali (as). Besides gatherings on Youm-e-Qudus have also been suspended.
Both factions of Anjuman Shari Shian led by Aga Syed Hasan and Aga Syed Hadi and Majlis Ulema Imamia Jammu and Kashmir that is an amalgam of multiple Shiite Associations have asked people to stay away from large religious gatherings.
News agency KNT quoted a Shia scholar saying, “People should avoid large gatherings and if a religious gathering is small, Covid-19 SOPs must be followed there properly,” adding “Congregational Friday prayers are cancelled. There will be no large religious gatherings. Small gatherings will be allowed, provided people follow Covid-19 related SOPs.”
“The Shia clerics are keen to promote social distancing and avoid religious gatherings, to curb the virus’ transmission,” he added.
Both factions of Anjuman Shari Shian have appealed volunteers to help people in distress and keep the stock of Oxygen ready for the needy.
Aga Syed Hadi, president one of the factions of Anjuman Shari Shian said that social distancing is a mandatory religious task if there is any possibility of passing the virus to others.
He added that anyone showing symptoms of the virus that causes Covid-19 should self-isolate and avoid putting others at risk. Anyone who passes the virus intentionally to someone who subsequently dies is considered a murderer.