Muslim clerics call for restricted Muharram after court order

After the Supreme Court denied permission for Muharram processions across the country, Muslim clerics said the top court's order must be respected, and the mourning day be observed in a restricted manner, like earlier festivals of Eid and Janmashtami.

New Delhi:Muslim clerics have welcomed the Supreme Court order of not allowing Muharram processions, saying many customs were broken during festivals like Eid, Bakrid, and Janmashtami amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"The orders given by the Supreme Court or government for not granting permission for Muharram procession was to save everyone from the coronavirus. Recently, during Janmashtami, the ISKCON temple was closed, which had never happened in the past," said Imam Umar Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of All India Imam Organisation.

"The festivals of Eid, Bakrid and Navratra were celebrated in a restricted manner and now when we are noticing the increase in number of coronavirus cases, then we should take care of ourselves and should not go out of our homes," Imam Umar Ahmed Ilyasi said.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, he further added that everyone should understand that when festivals - Hindu, Muslim, Sikhs or Christian were not celebrated, then the same should be followed in case of Muharram as well.

The number of coronavirus cases is rising and instead of opposing the apex court decision for denying permission for carrying out Muhharam positions across the country, everyone should cooperate, he said.

Meanwhile, Muslim think tank Indian Muslims for progress and Reforms (IMPAR), stated, "While there are no two thoughts about us commemorating the holy month of Muharram and Safar, it is equally important to observe it with all precaution as saving lives is an obligatory act in Islam. We shouldn't be giving in to emotions but be working smartly and intelligently."

Read:Supreme Court denies permission for Muharram processions

Given the restrictions by the government due to the Covid-19 pandemic, IMPAR issued guidelines for majlises (religious gatherings) that would be conducted in Azakhanas (private or community halls) or in the courtyards.

The guidelines formulated by IMPAR in consultation with local and global views of doctors and experts stated that the azadars (the mourners) participating in the Majlis should ensure that majlis do not cross 20 persons, aged between 20 to 50 years.

IMPAR guidelines stated that the host should ensure that temperature checks are being conducted at the entrance of azakhana, and that azadars are wearing masks and sitting with a gap of 6-feet in marked areas only.

In its 14-point guideline, IMPAR stated that fogging sanitization and spray sanitizing must be done an hour prior to majlis, mats or carpets should not be used to cover the floor, tabarook (sacrament) must be distributed in packed form only and Alams, Taboots and Zarees are kept at a suitable spot from a person in front or a barricade.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. On the tenth day of the month, also known as Ashura, Shia Muslims across the world mourn the death of Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Husain Ali.

Read:Restrictions in parts of Kashmir to prevent Muharram processions

The grandson of the Prophet was killed on this day during the battle of Karbala, by the soldiers of Caliph Yazeed in 680 AD.

During the first 10 days of the month, Shia Muslims, in their bid to recreate the pain of Ali and his deceased family members, whip themselves and beat their chest. While Sunni Muslims observe it as a victory of Moses over Egyptian Pharaoh.

The Prophet Muhammad used to fast on Ashura in Mecca, where it became a common tradition for the early Muslims.