SHC upholds ban on congregational prayers

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court declared on Friday the measures taken by the government to restrict congregational prayers correct as it issued a verdict on a plea challenging the ban on opening mosques for Friday prayers.

The petitioner had moved the court to nullify the restriction on gathering in mosques for Friday prayers.

A two-member bench, comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Yousuf Ali Sayeed, rejected the plea in the light of fatwas issued by religious scholars while declaring the government's decision of keeping the mosques closed correct in the current crisis.

Announcing its verdict, the court declared that fatwas had been issued by religious scholars around the world pertaining to congregating for Friday prayers as well as daily prayers. According to these fatwas, it added, the measure of closing mosques with the purpose to save lives is permissible.

Islam allows steps for the safety of human lives and the government has taken the decision for the same purpose, stated the court.