Ulema’s role hailed for providing guidance on measures to curb COVID-19

AJK president calls for early distribution of Zakat and charity to help needy and poor during difficult times

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan has expressed his gratitude to religious scholars, ulema and the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) for providing "valuable guidance" to the people in light of Sharia on measures to control the spread of coronavirus as so far six cases of COVID-19 emerged in the region.

In a video message on Monday, he said that the government is constantly advising the people to stay at homes and adopt precautionary measures to protect themselves from the  highly-contagious disease. "This is the only way to stay safe from this pandemic."

The AJK president said that being a Muslim it is obligatory for "us to ensure cleanliness in our lives in view of the teachings of Islam".

"Five time prayers are also aimed at our physical and spiritual purity, and today the whole world is convinced about the importance of five times prayers, ablution and bath," he said, adding that Islamic lifestyle and the recommendations of health experts are crucial in curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also called for the early distribution of Zakat and charity to help the needy and poor during the difficult times.

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President Masood said that mosques would remain open and five times prayers congregational prayer will continue but with the limited number of faithfuls in line with the social distancing protocols.

"Those suffering from COVID-19 or other diseases as well as children and old people should not be allowed to offer prayer in the mosques, and only obligatory prayer should be offered while the Friday sermon should be brief and short,."

He expressed hope that the COVID-19 pandemic would be overcome with the help of China and other friendly countries. "But for this, people must cooperate with the government and law-enforcement agencies by implementing on lockdown directives," he urged.

He also appreciated Chinese government for sending tonnes of medical supplies to Pakistan. "We are thankful to the government and the people of China."