Mosques not lagging behind, give Covid sermons on speakers

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, March 20

Though the Covid-19 has begun to affect almost every resident in Panchkula, some religious institutions are insisting on sprucing up preventive measures instead choosing for a complete shutdown.

One of biggest mosque in the state, Jama Masjid, is located in Maheshpur here. With Muslims flocking for ‘Jumah’ prayers in an assembly Jama Masjid witnesses massive footfall on Friday. But, this time Maulana Imam Nadeem Ahmed Kasmi of the mosque made sure that less number of people came to pray at the shrine on Friday.

“Around 200 people gathered today for the afternoon prayers at the mosque. Usually around 1,000 people offer prayers in the congregation. Devotees have been advised to ensure limited rows while maintaining space,” said Kasmi.

“We have cut down duration of prayers. It is now limited to 10 minutes. Usually, the complete Friday prayer takes up to 45 minutes on an average,” Kasmi added. “We are being extra cautious due to Covid-19. Those who have just cold and flu symptoms are also advised to stay back home. Elderly are also being asked to take precautions,” Kasmi said.

“We are sanitising floors after offering prayers. Sanitisers have been put everywhere in the mosque. We have also pasted notices, including the one at the main entry gate, which advises washing hands at regular intervals, Vaju (to wash hands and legs) at home, no handshake or physical touch, maintaining a minimum distance of 1 metre between people,” Kasmi added.

“We are also making announcements for taking precautions during Friday prayers. We have asked devotees not to congest the main gate after offering prayers. We will deploy our workers for the purpose. We respect the government’s decision and stand by the authorities in their efforts to tackle the disease.”