M Mishra / Lucknow
The festival of colours Holi, and the festival of seeking forgiveness Shab-e-Barat falling on Friday this week. Keeping this coincidence in mind, Khalid Rashid Farangimahli, Chairman, Islamic Center of India, has issued an advisory for smooth celebrations after discussion this with the Ulema in Lucknow.
He has issued an appeal to the people – Hindus and Muslims – to take care of each other’s sentiments and religious beliefs and ensure all the festivities happen in peace and harmony.
He has also appealed to the Imams and mosque management committee to extend the Friday prayers timings by 30 minutes - from 12:30 am to 1 pm- on Friday. He said the government has also assured him of making elaborate arrangements to ensure peace and order prevails on the occasion of Holi, Friday, and Shab-e-Barat.
He said that Holi, Shab-e Barat, and Friday that are falling on the same day are an occasion for happiness for Hindus and Muslims. While all celebrate the festival of colors, the Muslims make says special prayers on the night for bounties of the Allah and remember their ancestors as they go to the cemetery in the Shab-e-Barat procession.
The festival of Holi is of great joy and worship for the Hindu brothers. Four years ago, it has happened that the festival of Holi fell on a Friday when Muslims go for congregational weekly prayers to the mosque.
We should, this time also acts wisely and prove through our deeds and practices that we all like peace and do respect the law.
Key points of the advisory:
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Muslims should offer congregational Namaz in the net neighborhood mosque.
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In the mosques where Friday prayers are held at 12:30 pm, it should be postponed by 30 minutes.
The video message of Khalid Rashid Farangimahli was posted on Twitter by journalists:
In Shab-e Barat, Muslims go to the cemetery to seek blessings for their loved ones who have left the world; they must go out in procession only after 5 pm.
.webp "Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the President of Ramakrishna Mission Swami Gautamananda Maharaj")
