Ulemas and congregational prayers

The novel coronavirus has upended economic, social, political and religious routines across the globe. The United Nations has sounded the alarm and said that the coronavirus crisis is the worst since World War II. The world has witnessed one of the worst economic downfalls in its history. The so-called developed countries are also struggling to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

One of the hot topics looming around the globe is the upcoming holy month of ‘Ramazan amid coronavirus’. Even, US President Donald Trump has stated in this regard. The Islamic nations in the world, including Pakistan, are drafting measures for Ramazan in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus.

For the past few days, major controversies were raised due to the ban on congregational prayers in Pakistan. Two reported incidents of people attacking police officials take place in the metropolis city – Karachi. A religious mob attacked a woman SHO in order to offering prayers in the mosque and then they called themselves Muslims and lovers of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).

Religious leaders around the globe are urging the followers of Islam to pray at home, however, some renowned Ulemas in Pakistan are influencing their followers to offer prayers in mosques. Ulemas are always involved in major controversies especially in Pakistan. The same thing is happening in the ongoing situation. Ulemas are forcing the government to allow congregational prayers.  

In this regard, President Dr. Arif Alvi – with the consultation of Ulemas – has formulated a 20-point strategy and allowed congregational prayers and Taraweeh during Ramazan. However, the strategy’s main point is that the government can review and change the policy if the infections rise. This point, perhaps, clinches the issue. Moreover, the prime minister also observed that infections may rise in May.  The government has once again taken a huge risk.

Here the point is Ulemas instead of acting recklessly need to see what other Muslim states are doing amid coronavirus situation. Let’s take the biggest example of Saudi Arabia. Saudi’s grand mufti has directed their people to offer Taraweeh and even Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at home. On the other side, Iran’s supreme leader earlier said that mass gatherings in Ramazan were unlikely to go ahead. 

If these states can take such decisions so why not Pakistan? Why Pakistani Ulemas always create barriers in difficult situations in the country?  Allowing congregational prayers during Ramazan has increased the risk of a hike in coronavirus infections. There is a stern need of taking firm decisions to avoid coronavirus.