Clerics say Covid norm violation ‘a sin’

Religious and spiritual leaders expressed shock and concern over the lackadaisical attitude of people while the world is going through tough times. They condemned the lack of adherence to Covid safety norms by people at large and have equated such negligence to committing sin.

Referring to spiritual teachings and religious texts, they said one should not be a cause for other’s ill health. Those indulging in violating these simple rules, will be answerable to God, they said.

While individual responsibility lies with everyone, acting in a manner that puts others at risk, especially by those who know they are Covid-19 positive but do not care about others around them, is doing a greater sin, they opined.

Venugopala Deekshithulu,

the chief priest at Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, said, “Considering the gravity of the situation, where many lives are affected, and with chaos all over, people should take it seriously and must follow precautions.”

He said to serve people was to serve God. “Everyone can do this by staying at home and following Covid-19 protocols and thereby do a great service to fellow humans,” he said.

For those who have tossed the rules aside and are roaming about despite being Covid positive, he said such people should know that they will be held accountable for spreading the disease to others.

God will hold individuals accountable for spreading the disease to others.

— Venugopala Diskshitulu, Chief priest, Sri Venkateshwara

temple, Tirumala

If people go around spreading the disease, they should know they are committing a sin.

— Acharya Vimalsagarji Marasab,

Jain Monk

It is written in the Book of Isaiah, when a pandemic is around, you hide in the chambers, till it passes away.

— Sis Joy Cherian,

Founder of United Peoples Fellowship

According to the Prophet, when someone is ill, he should isolate himself, to stop spreading the disease.

— Mohammed Husamuddin Sami

Jaffar, Muslim preacher