ISLAMABAD: Even before the federal government has taken any decision on congregations during Ramazan, clerics belonging to Wafaqul Madaris Al Arabia and representing various seminaries, political and non-political parties announced on Monday that they will not tolerate any restrictions during the holy month.

More than 50 senior clerics of Rawalpindi and Islamabad held a meeting in Jamia Darul Uloom Zakaria, Tarnol, in which they warned the government not to further the idea of restricting congregations inmosques.

Announcing the decision, President Jamia Darul Uloom Zakaria and JUI-F Islamabad patron Pir Azizur Rehman Hazarvisaid: “The senior clerics have noted that all efforts will be made to avoid clash and confrontations with the government and state institutions.”

The meeting said the prevailing situation demanded more time for prayers and announced that apart from the five prayers, Friday and Taraveeh congregations would continue with the necessary precautionary measures.

The precautions to be observed include using sanitisers, removing rugs and carpets, cleaning floors, washing hands with soaps and maintaining social distancing.

A video clip of the meeting showed clerics, sitting shoulder to shoulder, belonging to various political and non-political organisations including JUI-F, Aalmi Tanzeem Khatam-i-Nabuwat, seminaries such as Taleemul Quran Raja Bazaar and even the banned Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat.

Pir Azizur Rehman Hazarvi said: “The closure of mosques and restricting Friday and Taraveeh prayersis unacceptable.”

He added that the solution layin seeking forgiveness from the Almighty and increasing attendance in mosques.

The meeting criticised the authorities for arresting several clerics and demanded quashing of all cases against them.

The clerics said they had cooperated with the government since the out break of coronavirus in the country, but claimed that official behaviour towards mosque administrations was regrettable.

Meanwhile, in another development Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Pir Noorul Haq Qadri announced that the government would contact leaders of various religio-political parties and take them on board to extend the five-person congregations in mosques.

He said after meetings with senior clerics and leaders including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Allama Sajid Naqvi, Prof Sajid Mir, Allama Nasir Abbas Jaffri and Senator Sirajul Haq, the decision would be enforced across the country.

Later, the minister met Interior Minister retired Brig Ijaz Ahmad Shah to discuss formulation of a strategy with regard to Iftar and Taraveeh prayers during Ramzaan.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2020