Pakistan cannot afford to take a chance by reopening mosques at this juncture

[pak-marine]

Reverse the decision

EditorialUpdated April 23, 2020

WITH Pakistan passing the grim milestone of over 10,000 coronavirus cases and more than 200 deaths, there is no time for half measures and missteps. Lockdown fatigue seems to have set in with many people flouting SOPs and safety measures, and ignoring the fact that we are sitting on a time bomb that will detonate unless firm steps are taken immediately.

The battle against Covid-19 must be fought on multiple fronts, but one area where decisive action can be taken without delay is that of congregational prayers. Various provincial administrations had taken differing steps regarding the suspension of congregational prayers in mosques to stop the spread of the contagion, with varying degrees of success. Sindh tried to implement the law in letter and spirit, though there were instances where mobs attacked law enforcers trying to enforce the ban on Friday prayers.

However, at a conclave in Islamabad on Saturday, President Arif Alvi and a collection of clerics belonging to different schools of thought hammered out a 20-point ‘action plan’ that envisaged reopening of mosques for the public, especially in light of the fasting month, which is due to begin either tomorrow or the day after. Under this scheme, daily and taraweeh congregational prayers would be allowed with a number of ‘precautions’, though the last point of the plan clearly stated that the restrictions could be put back in place if the number of cases shot up.

The administration, as well as sensible clerics, need to realise that Pakistan cannot afford to take a chance by reopening mosques at this juncture. Attendance at masjids goes up during Ramazan, and it is hard to imagine how the state as well as mosque administrations will enforce social-distancing guidelines. Moreover, in a letter released on Tuesday, some leading doctors of the country have asked ulema to review the decision on congregational prayers. They point out that indiscipline and contempt for the rules has become part of our national character; therefore, in order to protect public health the decision to open mosques to the public must be reviewed.


Clerics say that social-distancing norms are also being violated in markets. That may be so, and the administration needs to do a better job of ensuring crowding does not take place in bazaars and markets. But the comparison between shopping for food — which is a necessity — and attending congregational prayers — in which there is much flexibility, especially in times of a pandemic — is not a sound one. Even Saudi Arabia has said only a few staff members will be allowed to offer taraweeh prayers at the two holy mosques of Makkah and Madina. If other Muslim states can take sensible decisions, there is no reason why our rulers should be swayed by emotional, ill-informed appeals. For the sake of public health, both the state and ulema need to reverse the decision on congregational prayers.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2020

 

[GHALIB]

Reverse the decision

EditorialUpdated April 23, 2020

WITH Pakistan passing the grim milestone of over 10,000 coronavirus cases and more than 200 deaths, there is no time for half measures and missteps. Lockdown fatigue seems to have set in with many people flouting SOPs and safety measures, and ignoring the fact that we are sitting on a time bomb that will detonate unless firm steps are taken immediately.

The battle against Covid-19 must be fought on multiple fronts, but one area where decisive action can be taken without delay is that of congregational prayers. Various provincial administrations had taken differing steps regarding the suspension of congregational prayers in mosques to stop the spread of the contagion, with varying degrees of success. Sindh tried to implement the law in letter and spirit, though there were instances where mobs attacked law enforcers trying to enforce the ban on Friday prayers.

However, at a conclave in Islamabad on Saturday, President Arif Alvi and a collection of clerics belonging to different schools of thought hammered out a 20-point ‘action plan’ that envisaged reopening of mosques for the public, especially in light of the fasting month, which is due to begin either tomorrow or the day after. Under this scheme, daily and taraweeh congregational prayers would be allowed with a number of ‘precautions’, though the last point of the plan clearly stated that the restrictions could be put back in place if the number of cases shot up.

The administration, as well as sensible clerics, need to realise that Pakistan cannot afford to take a chance by reopening mosques at this juncture. Attendance at masjids goes up during Ramazan, and it is hard to imagine how the state as well as mosque administrations will enforce social-distancing guidelines. Moreover, in a letter released on Tuesday, some leading doctors of the country have asked ulema to review the decision on congregational prayers. They point out that indiscipline and contempt for the rules has become part of our national character; therefore, in order to protect public health the decision to open mosques to the public must be reviewed.


Clerics say that social-distancing norms are also being violated in markets. That may be so, and the administration needs to do a better job of ensuring crowding does not take place in bazaars and markets. But the comparison between shopping for food — which is a necessity — and attending congregational prayers — in which there is much flexibility, especially in times of a pandemic — is not a sound one. Even Saudi Arabia has said only a few staff members will be allowed to offer taraweeh prayers at the two holy mosques of Makkah and Madina. If other Muslim states can take sensible decisions, there is no reason why our rulers should be swayed by emotional, ill-informed appeals. For the sake of public health, both the state and ulema need to reverse the decision on congregational prayers.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2020

that is true .

 

[fisher1]

Grab a popcorn and watch the craziness.

Construction is open because coronavirus feels sorry for construction workers and won't infect them. But has hatred for mosques.

Barbers are open because coronavirus loves getting a haircut and shave and won't infect people but it hates mosque.

Man, this isn't a country. This is a joke. I now understand why Imran Khan is called a clown and this American psychologist used to say Imran Khan was known as im the dim in Oxford.

 

[Indus Pakistan]

allowed with a number of ‘precautions’,

it is hard to imagine how the state as well as mosque administrations will enforce social-distancing guidelines.

It is impossible. Mosques by their very nature are places of congregation. It's like throwing open a wedding hall or a cricket match and expecting that the protocols will be observed or even are possible. The administration know it. The government knows it. The army knows it through the CCOC. The medical experts know it and doctors know it. Saudia Arabia knows it. So does most of Muslim world.

But this is where religious dogma led by the custodians of Islam the mullahs insist on placing the entire country in danger. And nobody has the balls including the army to face the mullahs and millions of their rabid desciples.

The role of mullah is writ in the very dna of Pakistan. There is no escaping this madness. I can imagine President Alvi who is a medical professional pleading to these medieval nutters but not getting anywhere.

"Islamic Republic" equates to rule by mullahs.

 

[W.11]

Dont really understand attack on mosques/islam/prayers, when practically the whole city with its markets are open. The western inspired govt (PTI) and media are looking at an oportunity to bash muslims

regards

 

[mudas777]

IK is wrong on this account and needs to change the course but its not as easy as its seems for him where there are fanatics still around. We all love our religion but even fasting on the grounds of sickness is deferred but who is going to explain this to few misguided Mullah's who doesn't understand their own religion. Choice is either we let them spread the virus and more people die or they come back with guns and start a new thing for the country and cause death and destruction in some other way. The best thing should have been to gather all the Mullahs of the area and asked their help on the ground of religion and make them to work for 2 weeks along side the health staff in some hospital so they could see how virus is killing people so something can go inside their skulls. IK is taking the easy way out but is it this the right one??? My two cents.

 

[SoulSpokesman]

This is a very sensitive issue. Ramadan is a holy month- it is far holier for Muslims that other festivals are to their respective religionists. IK has acted wisely in treading a middle path on this.

Regards

 

[Yankee-stani]

It is impossible. Mosques by their very nature are places of congregation. It's like throwing open a wedding hall or a cricket match and expecting that the protocols will be observed or even are possible. The administration know it. The government knows it. The army knows it through the CCOC. The medical experts know it and doctors know it. Saudia Arabia knows it. So does most of Muslim world.

But this is where religious dogma led by the custodians of Islam the mullahs insist on placing the entire country in danger. And nobody has the balls including the army to face the mullahs and millions of their rabid desciples.

The role of mullah is writ in the very dna of Pakistan. There is no escaping this madness. I can imagine President Alvi who is a medical professional pleading to these medieval nutters but not getting anywhere.

"Islamic Republic" equates to rule by mullahs.

People's Republic of Pakistan sounds a hell a lot better than so called "Islamic Republic" if only Pakistan was led by a "Tankie" Leftist I would heck take Baathism over the half baked order in Pakistan

 

[waz]

It is impossible. Mosques by their very nature are places of congregation. It's like throwing open a wedding hall or a cricket match and expecting that the protocols will be observed or even are possible. The administration know it. The government knows it. The army knows it through the CCOC. The medical experts know it and doctors know it. Saudia Arabia knows it. So does most of Muslim world.

But this is where religious dogma led by the custodians of Islam the mullahs insist on placing the entire country in danger. And nobody has the balls including the army to face the mullahs and millions of their rabid desciples.

The role of mullah is writ in the very dna of Pakistan. There is no escaping this madness. I can imagine President Alvi who is a medical professional pleading to these medieval nutters but not getting anywhere.

"Islamic Republic" equates to rule by mullahs.

Yep masses of people all within sneezing and coughing range, what could go wrong? People misinterpreting faith are the amongst the most dangerous people in Pakistan and sadly there's a fair few. I hope the learned scholars stop this disaster waiting to happen.

 

[Indus Pakistan]

Dont really understand attack on mosques/islam/prayers, when practically the whole city with its markets are open.

Everything has to be a attack? Could it be plain reason? Markets are required and essential. In UK all churches, mosques, synagogues, mandirs, clubs, pubs, sporting venues etc are closed.

However markets for essential items like food etc are open including petrol stations, car service centres. There is no religious requirement to pray in mosques. You can do at home. Allah will understand or do you have to kill your elders so you can feel good?

 

[waz]

Reverse the decision

EditorialUpdated April 23, 2020

WITH Pakistan passing the grim milestone of over 10,000 coronavirus cases and more than 200 deaths, there is no time for half measures and missteps. Lockdown fatigue seems to have set in with many people flouting SOPs and safety measures, and ignoring the fact that we are sitting on a time bomb that will detonate unless firm steps are taken immediately.

The battle against Covid-19 must be fought on multiple fronts, but one area where decisive action can be taken without delay is that of congregational prayers. Various provincial administrations had taken differing steps regarding the suspension of congregational prayers in mosques to stop the spread of the contagion, with varying degrees of success. Sindh tried to implement the law in letter and spirit, though there were instances where mobs attacked law enforcers trying to enforce the ban on Friday prayers.

However, at a conclave in Islamabad on Saturday, President Arif Alvi and a collection of clerics belonging to different schools of thought hammered out a 20-point ‘action plan’ that envisaged reopening of mosques for the public, especially in light of the fasting month, which is due to begin either tomorrow or the day after. Under this scheme, daily and taraweeh congregational prayers would be allowed with a number of ‘precautions’, though the last point of the plan clearly stated that the restrictions could be put back in place if the number of cases shot up.

The administration, as well as sensible clerics, need to realise that Pakistan cannot afford to take a chance by reopening mosques at this juncture. Attendance at masjids goes up during Ramazan, and it is hard to imagine how the state as well as mosque administrations will enforce social-distancing guidelines. Moreover, in a letter released on Tuesday, some leading doctors of the country have asked ulema to review the decision on congregational prayers. They point out that indiscipline and contempt for the rules has become part of our national character; therefore, in order to protect public health the decision to open mosques to the public must be reviewed.


Clerics say that social-distancing norms are also being violated in markets. That may be so, and the administration needs to do a better job of ensuring crowding does not take place in bazaars and markets. But the comparison between shopping for food — which is a necessity — and attending congregational prayers — in which there is much flexibility, especially in times of a pandemic — is not a sound one. Even Saudi Arabia has said only a few staff members will be allowed to offer taraweeh prayers at the two holy mosques of Makkah and Madina. If other Muslim states can take sensible decisions, there is no reason why our rulers should be swayed by emotional, ill-informed appeals. For the sake of public health, both the state and ulema need to reverse the decision on congregational prayers.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2020

Spot on.

 

[Yaseen1]

the problem will not stop by only focusing on closing mosques as other sectors like construction industry are open and are spreading this virus more likely than mosques as people in mosques clean their exposed parts of body during ablution which removes virus,there is a house under construction near our locality where large number of laborers are living in small rooms and they will likely spread this virus to whole locality if one of them is infected but no one is stopping them due to financial benefits

 

[Indus Pakistan]

Yep masses of people all within sneezing and coughing range, what could go wrong? People misinterpreting faith are the amongst the most dangerous people in Pakistan and sadly there's a fair few. I hope the learned scholars stop this disaster waiting to happen.

I have personally seen people spitting, gunk flying out and coughing their lungs out when leaving mosques were your all squeezed together. This is perfect environment for COVOD to spread. So are clubs, pubs, sporting venues etc.

@waz I have said it before. Pakistan needs a Ataturk to clean out this garbage. They were there when the Sikhs fcuked us, there their when British invaded and fcuked up the place. There was no westoxified baskets like me trhen. All were 100% desi retards like you see even on this thread.

 

[waz]

I have personally seen people spitting, gunk flying out and coughing their lungs out when leaving mosques were your all squeezed together. This is perfect environment for COVOD to spread. So are clubs, pubs, sporting venues etc.

Yep the possibility of raising the infection level is very high. Now each of these men go home and pass it on to their middle aged and older relatives, good Lord.

 

[Indus Pakistan]

The point savages make about construiction industry is first of all it is outside. In addition it is vital to national life. It is NOT vital or religious requirement to prayt in mosque. It could be done at home. But that would make the mullah unemployed ..