The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has issued guidelines for Youm-e-Ali (AS), Shab-e-Qadr and other occasions to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The NCOC stated in its guidelines that Youm-e-Ali (AS) processions are completely banned, whereas clerics and zakireen will make the citizens aware of the virus. However, majalis will be allowed to be organised where all participants will undergo thermal screening and it will be mandatory to wear face masks.
One metre distance will be maintained in all indoor and outdoor majalis among all participants besides completely complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Those having symptoms of coronavirus will be barred to participate in majalis held in connection with Youm-e-Ali (AS). The NCOC also advised organisers to conduct majalis online or at outdoor areas besides ensuring to make special arrangements for sanitisers and soaps for washing hands.
People aged 50 or above and children are advised not to attend majalis, whereas the religious gatherings of Youm-e-Ali (AS) will not allowed to be held in congested localities.
Clerics and zakireen will have to undergo a coronavirus test and only covid-negative clerics and zakireen will be allowed to attend a majlis.
Thermal screening should be made on the gates of Imambargahs and mosques and marking should be made for the sitting arrangements for people to maintain a distance of at least 3 feet during majalis. The organisers of majalis will be bound to ensure disinfectant sprays at the venues daily.
The centre asked those people having Covid-19 symptoms to observe aitekaf at their homes instead of coming to mosques and Imambargahs. However, those going to the mosques should bring their beds and other necessary items from homes and avoid joint meals of Sehri and Iftari.
The NCOC directed to make separate entry and exit routes at the venues of Jummatul Wida gatherings. Special arrangements must be made for thermal scanning and sanitisation of people arriving at the venues for offering Jummatul Wida prayers.
People have also been asked to perform ablution at their homes before arriving at the mosques or other venues for Jummatul Wida gatherings.
People over 50 and children have been advised to stay at their homes instead of going to the mosques, whereas Shab-e-Qadr gatherings should be organised at outdoor spots. It has been directed not to use carpets and mats during the prayers.
Citizens were also asked to refrain from shaking hands and hugging during the Eidul Fitr gatherings, as well as avoiding to unnecessarily travelling and family events.
It has been directed to maintain one metre distance during an outdoor event along with the family members on Eid. The administrations of mosques have been ordered to keep doors and windows open during the Eid prayers and refrain from using water coolers.
Separately, in a telephonic conversation with Sajid Ali Naqvi on Sunday, President Dr Arif Alvi stressed strict observance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Ramadan and majalis on the eve of Youm-e-Ali (AS) to contain the spread of coronavirus.
During the conversation, the president further said that people should wear face masks and observe social distancing. Elderly people should perform religious duties at home.
The cleric assured the president of a complete observance of health guidelines during majalis, a press statement said.
The president also urged the scholars to advise people to stick to the guidelines. He underlined the need for acting upon the advice of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) with regard to the pandemic.
He said the nation with a united stand has to overcome the trying times of coronavirus.
The president also contacted Wifaqul Madaris Al-Arabia General Secretary Muhammad Hanif Jalandhari and said that clerics should advise their followers to observe guidelines in mosques.
Wifaqul Madaris Al-Arabia has already written a letter to the seminaries to implement SOPs at their premises.
