Muslims should abstain from mass Eid prayers: Khazi

Mangaluru: In the wake of Covid-19 , that has claimed five lives in Dakshina Kannada district, Khazi Alhaj Bekal Ibrahim Musliyar has called upon Muslims not to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr — expected on May 23 or 24— with pomp this year.

The khazi has announced that certain rituals held as part of Eid can be avoided this year considering the pandemic.

He suggested that the community members offer Eid namaz at their homes, instead of holding mass prayers in mosques. He has also asked them not to shake hands, hug each other or gather in groups, which is normally a part of sharing the festive joy.

“The central and state governments have already issued directions banning gatherings as a measure to check the virus spread. Community members have been following the directions of religious leaders by not holding rituals like ‘juma namaz’ and ‘taraweeh’ prayer during Ramzan and ‘kootu ziyarath’. They have also followed the directions of the community leaders by not shopping for Ramzan. In continuation with the restrictions, mass prayers at masjids and Idgahs have also been banned. Hence, all community members should hold Eid namaz at their homes and also abstain from holding ‘khabar ziyarat’ ritual,” Musliyar said.

He said Fitr Zakat, a practice wherein the rich help the poor, should reach the deserving persons on the Eid-ul-Fitr day or a day before. “Special emphasis should be given for social distancing during Fitr Zakat. Everyone should compulsorily wear masks. It is not apt for us to celebrate Eid with pomp when the doors of all masjids are closed. Hence, let us celebrate the festival this year in a simple way,” he added.