Coronavirus: Ulema from all schools of thought urge praying at home
The announcement was made after a meeting of over 20 religious scholars with Governor Punjab
LAHORE (Dunya News) – In view of the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the country and fears of it spreading further, religious scholars from all schools of thought have urged people across the country to stay inside their houses and pray from home.
This announcement was made after a meeting of over 20 religious scholars with Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar.
After the meeting, both sides advised people to exercise self isolation as a precaution against the virus.
The meeting was attended by Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, Professor Sajid Mir, Mufti Ashiq hussain, Dr Raghib Naeemi, Maulana Hafiz Abdul Rahim among others.
The Ulema said that saving one life is equal to saving entire humanity therefore ensuring the safety of one’s life by staying at home should be the top priority. They advised people to pray at their homes and stay safe from the virus.
On this occasion, the Governor lauded the role of Ulema in educating the masses and helping protect them from the deadly pandemic.
Earlier, Ulema of Al Azhar University responded to President of Pakistan Arif Alvi’s personal request and stopped mandatory congregational prayers and Friday prayer in mosques to protect human lives.
According to details, President Arif Alvi requested Grand Imam Shaikh of Al Azhar via Egyptian ambassador in Islamabad to provide guidance to people of Pakistan with regard to mandatory congregational prayers and Friday prayer in mosques during coronavirus outbreak in Pakistan.
In this regard, the Supreme Council of the scholars of the University of Al-Azhar has issued a formal fatwa and banned the congregational and Friday prayers, keeping in view the great purpose of protecting human life.
The fatwa states that all evidence clearly indicates that public gatherings, including congregational prayers, are leading to the spread of the coronavirus, so government officials in Muslim countries have the authority to stop congregational and Friday prayers.
In view of the situation in this regard, the families can arrange congregational prayers in their homes. Fatwa further states that it is mandatory for all Muslims to follow orders of state authorities regarding medical precautions, especially in the event of a crisis, and not believe in information and rumors from unofficial sources. The fatwa states that coronavirus spreads easily and rapidly and saving human lives from all dangers is one of the great aims of Islamic law.
