JK News Today
This time the holy month of Ramzan would be different, where certain things would have to be abandoned, at least during this time around in 2020, the year that began with the spread of Coronavirus all across the world
Five-time Namaz during the day is must. There is no change in it, except for the fact that this time these would have to be performed at home – for Islam also teaches that one of the imperatives is saving lives. During this pandemic, congregations have consequences, not only for Muslims, but also for the followers of all faiths.
The prayer at home is the best and the only option during this holy month – to meet the religious obligation and also to shoulder responsibility toward the fellow members of (Muslim) community. Social distancing is the only way to keep things safe. The gatherings, it is worldwide accepted rule in the current times, have serious consequences. That’s why most of a majority of 200 countries are under lockdown. to ensure safety of the populations in these countries. These include almost all the Islamic countries.
Jammu and Kashmir is a Muslim majority Union Territory, This is very important for all the residents of J&K, Ladakh UTs. The Muslim population in J&K, particularly in the Valley has behaved quite responsibly. They have stopped going to mosques, there are only azans- call for prayers by the single person.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chief priest of Kashmir, who has been delivering sermons at Jamia Masjid, has also advised the fellow-community members to pray at home. He has been regularly stressing “Stay home, stay safe,” philosophy, currently a worldwide norm.
J&K Muslims are responsible, unlike their co-religionists in Pakistan who have been insisting on congregational prayers. The Kashmiri Muslims understand that what is prudent way of dealing with the things in such times.
They know that this time their responsibility doesn’t get fulfilled – this holds for Muslims across the country, too- with the congregational prayers.
There are other responsibilities –zakat or charity – that they can fulfill. Already the NGOs and others have pooled their resources and helped the needy in these difficult times imposed by the pandemic. Now they can enhance this spirit of charity and helping the people who require the help most. This would be best service to their religious obligations, and by extension to the humanity.
