ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and Ulema, religious scholars in a meeting recently reached a consensus on strictly the following guideline in mosques during Ramazan.
In a meeting with additional deputy commissioner Islamabad Babar Sahib Din, Ulema vowed to strictly adhere to COVID guidelines in mosques during Taraweeh andFridaycongregadons.
Ulema will guide the people on taking precautionary measures to stop the spread of the deadly virus.
During visit to mosques and Imambargahs, wearing a mask, maintaining social distance is obligatory while handshake, hugging is prohibited.
The SOPs unanimously approved in the meeting stated that there would be no carpets or floor mats in mosques and Imambargahs and prayers would be offered on the bare floor. In the case of the rough floor, a clean mat could be laid. Those who want to bring prayer mats from home should be encouraged to do so, the meeting agreed.
Faithful would avoid mass gatherings in Islamabad mosques before and after the prayers. In mosques and Imambargahs, where there are courtyards, prayers should preferably be offered in the courtyard and not inside the hall.
Minors, elderly people aged above 50 and those suffering from cold, cough and flu should not join congregations. It was agreed that Taraweeh prayers should be arranged within the precincts of the mosque and Imambargah, while prayers would be avoided on the road and footpaths. The floors of mosques in the federal capital will be cleaned with chlorine to disinfect them.
Arrangements should be made in the mosque in such a way that there is a distance between the worshipers. Everyone must follow the instructions of social distancing by WHO and other health experts.
The management of each mosque and Imambargah should form a committee comprising responsible persons to guide and ensure the implementation of precautionary measures.
The committee should keep in touch and co-operate with district and provincial governments and police.
For prayers in mosques, people have been advised to perform ablution at home and wash hands with soap for 20 seconds.
It was agreed to observe Aitekaf at home instead of the mosque.
-Courtesy by APP
Dr Muattar Hanif
The author is Editor at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at newsdesk@medicalnewsgroup.com.pk
