ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and Ulema, religious scholars in a meeting on Tuesday reached consensus on strictly following guideline in mosques during Ramazan.

In a meeting with additional deputy commissioner Islamabad Babar Sahib Din, Ulema vowed to strictly adhere to Covid guidelines in mosques during Taraveeh and Friday congregations.

Ulema will guide the people on taking precautionary measures to stop the spread of deadly virus.

During visit to mosques and Imambargahs, wearing mask, maintaining social distance is obligatory while handshake, hugging is prohibited.

The SOPs unanimously approved in the meeting stated that there would be no carpets or floor mats in mosques and Imambargahs and prayers would be offered on the bare floor. In case of rough floor, clean mat could be laid. Those who want to bring prayer mats from home should be encouraged to do so, the meeting agreed.

Faithful would avoid mass gatherings in Islamabad mosques before and after the prayers.

In mosques and Imambargahs, where there are courtyards, prayers should preferably be offered in the courtyard and not inside the hall.

Minors, elderly people aged above 50 and those suffering from cold, cough and flu should not join congregations. It was agreed that Taraweeh prayers should be arranged within the precincts of the mosque and Imambargah, while prayers would be avoided on the road and footpaths.

The floors of mosques in the federal capital will be cleaned with chlorine to disinfect them.

Arrangements should be made in the mosque in such a way that there is a distance between the worshipers.Everyone must follow the instructions of social distancing by WHO and other health experts.

The management of each mosque and Imambargah should form a committee comprising responsible persons to guide and ensure implementation of precautionary measures.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2021