Muslims around the globe is set to begin the holy Ramadan this year in a different way due to the massive transmission of Covid-19
Islamic scholars suggested that the country’s Muslims should pray at home during Ramadan to maintain social distancing in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Bangladesh.
During the holy month of Ramadan, believers usually break their fast with families and friends and also perform an evening prayer, known as Taraweeh, in large gatherings at mosques.
Several Islamic scholars while talking to Dhaka Tribune said that this year Muslims should avoid large gatherings, as gatherings are one of the main causes behind the transmission of the virus.
They also reminded that preserving the lives of people is a virtuous act that brings them closer to God.
Muslims around the globe is set to begin the holy Ramadan this year in a different way due to the massive transmission of Covid-19.
People are panicked as the virus has already claimed the lives of 192,000 and infected about 2,748,000 people across the globe.
Religious scholars
Prof Dr Muhammad Shafiq Ahmad of Dhaka University Islamic Studies department told Dhaka Tribune if safety measures are maintained during the period of fasting it would keep down the risk of coronavirus infection.
Everybody should maintain health regulations while praying. Instead of jamaat in Mosques, a family arranged Taraweeh prayer would be better.
“As a Sunnah and tradition many of us (friends and family) have Iftar and Sehri together, but during this pandemic, we should avoid that and help the helpless while maintaining social distancing,” the professor added.
Kishoreganj Sholakia Eidgah head Imam Maulana Farid Uddin Masud, also the chairman of Bangladesh Jamiatul Ulama told Dhaka Tribune: “For the betterment of citizens and the country, curfew should be imposed, we the Bangalis do not understand lockdown.”
Not only with regards to Taraweeh, Sehri and Iftar, everyone has to be alert in every step of life. Islam also suggests maintaining caution and not to be careless.
Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body, the Council of Senior Scholars, also urged Muslims worldwide to pray at home during Ramadan if their countries require social distancing to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The kingdom’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Al-Sheikh on Friday expressed the same sentiment, saying that Muslim prayers during Ramadan and for the subsequent Eid al-Fitr should be performed at home if the coronavirus crisis continues.
Fasting could be of help to fight against coronavirus infection. But infected persons should not fast because they have to take medicine. Also, very weak people should not fast during this pandemic, the Islamic scholar added.
Health officials
In a recent bulletin published by the WHO, it has provided guidelines to follow during Ramadan along with the previous ones for maintaining social distancing.
Clerics and doctors also advised devotees to strictly follow the instructions of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) to prevent transmission of Covid-19.
They also advised all to follow the directions of the local health authorities.
Also, avoiding unneeded visits to medical facilities will allow healthcare systems to operate more effectively, therefore protecting you and others.
Railway General Hospital's Superintendent Dr Syed Firoz Alamgir said every person should eat a balanced diet and homemade meals and avoid outside food.
Additional Director General (Admin) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof Dr Nasima Sultana urged the Muslims to pray at home and avoid any social event during Ramadan.
While speaking at the daily online briefing on Friday afternoon, she called upon Muslims to maintain guidelines issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
She also requested Muslims to drink water frequently and have more fruits after Iftar.
The ministry on Thursday issued a directive saying that a maximum of 12 people, including two imams, can attend Tarabi prayers in mosques during the holy month of Ramadan.
Besides, no public gathering in the name of iftar mahfil will be allowed, it said.
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