No Eid prayers at Aligarh Muslim University

Agra: In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has decided not to hold Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in any of the mosques under its control, including the Jama Masjid.

Also, the traditional Eid celebrations at the vice-chancellor’s residence will not be held. However, funds have been sanctioned to prepare special meals for the students who are still in the hostels on the campus.

According to officials, nearly 1,000 students from various parts of country, including Bihar, West Bengal, are still residing in the hostels.

Prof Mohammad Saleem, Nazim-e-Deeniyat (Theology) said that individuals can offer Namaz-e-Chasht at their homes or hostels following the social distancing protocol. He said Eid-ul-Fitr prayers are not compulsory and in the current situation, people can perform it at an alternative place as per Islamic principles.

He, however, urged people to take out the obligatory Fitra before performing Eid prayers .

Vice-chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor has conveyed his warm wishes to all the members of AMU faculty, alumni, students and citizens of the country on the occasion and urged them to help the economically weaker sections of the society. He has also urged everyone to follow the guidelines issued by the public health authorities and help them in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.