First Juma of Ramzan observed across state under strict Covid protocol

Ayodhya: Muslims across the state observed the first juma (Friday prayer) of the holy month of Ramzan by strictly adhering to Covid-19 protocols. While only five namazis, including the imam offered prayers at mosques, majority Muslims offered Juma prayer at homes with family members, both male and female.

Mohammad Tariq Khan, a real estate businessman and resident of Zafra Bazar area of Gorakhpur, said, “We remained at home and offered Juma prayer with family members with proper 'khutba' and 'jamaat'. Women members also joined us.”

This is the second year, Ramzan is being observed under the Covid cloud. Last year, Muslims didn’t offer namaz, including Juma and Eid prayers at mosques, except for select five in respective areas. This year too, the government issued guidelines before Ramzan, restricting gatherings at places of worship amidst the onset of a second Covid wave.

Imam of Lucknow Eidgah, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahli, said, “On the first juma of the month of Ramzan, we strictly followed Covid guidelines and only five people offered namaz at mosques. Most offered Juma prayers at their homes with family members.”

Mufti Habullah Badshah, president of Jamiat Ulema Hind, Ayodhya, and Imam of Madani Masjid in Mughalpura area of Faizabad, said, “I called four people, who live adjacent to the mosque for Juma prayer. And we offered namaz, maintaining proper social distancing.”

Mazhar Hussain, resident of Madanpura area of Varanasi, said, “The second wave of coronavirus is lethal and we have to be more cautious than before. This Ramzan, there will be no gatherings at mosques, no iftaar or sehri parties to break the pandemic chain.”

Misbahuddin Khan, resident of Indira Nagar, Lucknow, said, “Since I am the president of the management committee of a local mosque, the committee nominated five persons to offer Juma prayer at the mosque. However, I and other members preferred to offer prayers at home.”