Discourse on FB and iftar in homes
LUCKNOW: With lockdown in force, the holy month of Ramzan is being observed with a difference this year.
Instead of long queues of devotees queuing up for namaz in mosques, the fast and prayers are being observed within the confines of the homes.
“This lockdown has proved that nothing can stop devotees from reaching out to God. If we cannot assemble in mosques, we surely can hear recital of Quran on Facebook live,” said Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, Imam Aishbagh Eidgah and head of Islamic Centre of India.
Mahali is credited with adopting the technology to ensure that devotees can pray at home and also listen to recital of Quran online.
“There has been an increased focus on adopting new things this year as mosques have been shut since March. Unlike previous years, we cannot pray in large gatherings so we were left with limited options to reach out to devotees during the holy month of Ramzan,” he said.
“The year is different as even the iftaar is done inside homes. The coronavirus has altered the rhythm of the sacred month. It was not the government but the clerics themselves took the difficult decision to close mosques, so they have come out with a new solution to webcast prayers , organise online discussions on Quran and its teachings , not only that to solve the problems of people pertaining to lifestyle during the holy month of Ramzan.”
He said , “The Islamic Centre of India is webcasting two chapters of the Quran daily at 8 pm, on our official Facebook page. It has been done to stop people from leaving their homes during Ramzan. “
Several other clerics, including some Shia ones, have also issued similar appeals to people to stay back in home as they would be available on their webpages for solution of problems.
The helpline are also in place for Sunnis who wish to take guidance on Roza. the numbers are 9415023970, 9335929670, 9415102947, 7007705774, 9140427677 this helpline is available between 2 pm to 4 pm.
The helpline for Shias is on 9415580936, 9839097407 this helpline is operational between 10 am to 12 noon. Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad said, “Everything is changing with the times during lockdown, I am happy that Muslims are showing a progressive approach. Online Viewership of religious discussions are increasing with each passing day.”