Mansooruddin Faridi / New Delhi

The ulema (religious scholars) and Islamic intellectuals have asked the Muslims to celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr taking all precautions in view of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

The common advice is that while on one hand people must celebrate the festival of Eid at home taking all care not to be part of any social or religious gathering, on the other hand every one must generously help the suffering people and especially patients of Corona and their families without any discrimination.

Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Mosque

Maulana Mufti Muhammad Mukarram Ahmed, the Imam of Delhi's Shahi Fatehpuri Masjid, told Awaz-the Voice that the country is going through a critical phase as the pandemic has taken a dangerous form. He said it’s the reason we must pray at home. “We have to be very careful since experts are warning of a possible third wave,” he said.

He asked people not to visit mosques on the Eid day and offer prayers at home and that is allowed in Sharia. He said people can offer four rakat namaz of Nafl and then read Takbir.

After the morning namaz, he said Muslims must pay zakat and Fitra; help the Covid-19 patients and the other needy persons. “Religion gives flexibility; it has a lot of scopes to help everyone,” he said

Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Shahi Jama Masjid, Delhi

Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Imam of Shahi Jama Masjid in Delhi, also appealed to the people to offer Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at home. He said looking at the spectre of nearly 4,000 deaths per day and about 3 lakh plus Indians getting infected and also in accordance with the Covid guidelines, gatherings should be shunned.

Muslims can offer prayer the same way as they did it during Ramazan, he said.

Muslim leaders across the country have given a similar message to the people.

Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salafi, Jamiat Ahle Hadith (India)

Talking to Awaz-the Voice, Amir Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salafi of Central Jamiat-Ahl-e-Hadith (India) said all people should follow the government and medical guidelines carefully and celebrate Eid accordingly.

He said that in view of these circumstances and potential danger, people should offer Eid prayers at home.

Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salafi  in view of the expected third wave the people must celebrate at their home and not come to the mosque as they did on Jumat-ul-Alvida. He said people should take extraordinary care this time as the Covid situation seems to be deteriorating.