COVID-19 threat leaves churches empty on Easter Sunday

As govt restricts public congregations to fight coronavirus, communities pledge to celebrate their festivals at home

KARACHI: In consideration of the ban imposed on congregational gatherings amid the growing COVID-19 threat, several houses of worship in the country have decided to not hold congregational prayers to help control the spread of the disease. In the same vein, Karachi’s Christian community too has vowed to spend their Easter Sunday at home, as church pews remain vacant on one of Christianity’s biggest festivals.

The annual Easter festival, marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the culmination of 40 days of lent-a time of fasting, reflection and spiritual renewal for the Christian community. Every year, soulful melodies of liturgical music would fill the air around Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Saddar, to mark the end of Lent, as hundreds and thousands of people dressed in their Sunday best would congregate at one of the city’s oldest Christian places of worship.

Today, however, the same cathedral looks eerily different from past years, as several policemen stand guard on its entrance and no churchgoers appear in sight. The same is the case for Azam Town, Mehmoodabad, Akhtar Colony, Pahar Gung, Essa Nagri, Agra Taj, Orangi Town and other areas of the city where Easter celebrations are usually the most prominent.

“In better times, Christian men, women and children would begin their Easter festivities with a special midnight service and then spend the rest of the day celebrating with great religious fervor. We’ll still celebrate Easter Sunday with the same zeal as always, albeit at our own homes this year,” said Zahid Farood, a community activist from Orangi Town.

According to Bishop Sadiq Daniel, the Christian community stands in solidarity with the government and will practice social distancing as advised. “In accordance with the Sindh government’s restriction order, we’ve duly informed our community to not visit the church and rather celebrate the festival within their home and among their family, in these difficult times,” he told The Express Tribune.

Hindu community stays home

Similarly, the city’s Hindu community has also vowed to suspend all congregational gatherings this year for the festival of Navratri, which spans nine nights and is celebrated twice a year in honour of the Hindu Goddess Durga, who is attributed to be the destroyer of evil.

“For Navratri, we fast for nine to ten days just like the Muslims do in the month of Ramzan, along with visiting the temple every day with our friends and family. However, this year, since all temples were closed because of the threat of the contagious virus, we spent the nine days practicing social distancing at home,” said Nand Kumar Loohano, a Hindu community leader from Karachi.

Muslims divided over social distancing orders

On the other hand, Ramzan, the Muslim month of fasting and prayers is also around the corner and expected to begin from April 24; with the sighting of the new moon.

During the month, Muslims, apart from the five compulsory prayers, also offer the additional Tarawih prayers. However, due to the growing threat of the virus, this year the government has also imposed a ban on Tarawih congregations in anticipation of the holy month, which has garnered mixed responses from people as many try to attend Friday congregations despite the existing ban.

Although the government remained partially successful in keeping people in their homes on Shab-e-Baraat, it seems keeping people indoors during the month of Ramzan may require stricter measures from the government.

“Initially, they told us to avoid the five daily prayers. Then they imposed a ban on Friday prayers. Now, they are asking us to avoid Tarawih too? This seems to be a conspiracy against Islam. Nothing will save us from the virus unless God wills it so. They can shoot me if they want but I will lead the prayers till my last breath,” said Qari Ikramullah, who leads the Tarawih prayer in PECHS area.

By contrast, though, Jamia Binoria Aalimiyah chief Mufti Muhammad Naeem advises the attendees of his mosque to stay home duringthe pandemic and observe the safety measures advised by the government.

“I hope the intensity of the pandemic will come to an end by the start of Ramzan. But if not, we will appeal to our people to remain at home rather than going outside for Tarawih,” he told The Express Tribune. “Those who insist on coming for Friday prayers and Tarawih are not regular namazis. They are playing with the lives of people and Islam forbids that. Why can’t we follow Mecca and Madina in this situation when we look towards them for other matters like celebrating Eid?” he asked. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2020.