Srinagar: The congregational Friday prayers were offered at historic Jamia Masjid after remaining suspended for over three months due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Large number of people, including women, offered Friday prayers in the historic Masjid today. The worshippers were wearing masks and keeping social distance during the prayers.
The prayers were suspended by Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid (AAJM), headed by Mirwiaz Moulvi Omar Farooq, shortly before the start of holy fasting month of Ramzan to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Mirwaiz will complete two years of house arrest on August 5.
A spokesman of the AAJM had on Wednesday announced that since the COVID positive cases have slowed down, Friday prayers are now being offered in all central mosques, Khanqahs, shrines and imambaras of Jammu and Kashmir. Therefore, he said. Friday prayers will be offered in Jama Masjid Srinagar on August 6.
However, the Anjuman Auqaf clarified that as per the guidelines of medical experts, the worshippers are advised to take precautionary measures and strictly adhere to Covid SOPs during the Friday and daily prayers.
Recently, when the district administration lifted ban on Muharram procession in Sriangar after about three decades, a number of Shia organizations questioned the announcement timing. They said when prayers are not being allowed in Jamia Masjid and annual yatra to holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas was cancelled, how 30 year long ban was lifted when there was still COVID threat.
Friday prayers were also held in other shrines and worship places in the Kashmir valley. (UNI)
