Observe Ramzan under lockdown norms: Lucknow Eidgah cleric sends out advisory

LUCKNOW: With almost a fortnight for the month of Ramzan to commence, chairperson of the Islamic Centre of India and Imam of Aishbagh Eidgah Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali has advised people to observe Ramzan in all its allied entities at their homes and continue with the lockdown.
In his appeal, the Sunni cleric who is a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has urged people that the holy month of Ramzan is likely to begin from April 25 with a likely good that the current national lockdown due to coronavirus may be extended beyond April 14.
"In any case it is advised that people observe roza (fast from dawn unto dust) and do iftar (meal to break the fast) in the evenings at their homes. There should be no congregational prayers in the mosque but only at homes. Only those who stay or are staying at a mosque should pray there and that too while maintaining adequate social distance," said Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali.
In a 12 point advisory, the cleric has exhorted people to fast as is a mandatory pillar of Islam and to pray for the end of the covid-19 pandemic, during the month of worship.
The advisory says that those who used to arrange for iftar of poor and needy persons at the mosque, should continue to do so this year as well with the alteration that the food should be distributed to the needy.
"Those who conducted Iftar parties in Ramzan should give the money for it in charity. Not more than five people should be present at any time at a mosque and people should perform the 'taraweeh' at home," the cleric added.
Earlier for April 8 and April 9 both Shia and Sunni clerics had appealed to stay indoors and pray on the occasion of Shab-e-Bara'at, respectively. To ensure full compliance of the lockdown, the gates of several graveyards in the city were locked up by the caretakers since traditionally Muslims visit graves of their ancestors on Shab-e-Bara'at--the night of Allah's forgiveness, to pray for their ancestors.