Maharashtra Lockdown: Raza Academy Writes To CM Uddhav Thackeray Seeking Relaxations For Ramadan

Muslim leaders in Maharashtra have reached out to Chief Minister Udhhav Thackery seeking relaxation in the restriction orders imposed by the State to deal with the spike in the cases of COVID-19.

Raza Academy, a prominent religious organization met with the government officials and asked the Chief Minister to allow them for relaxation in the lockdown period during Ramadan so that Muslims can follow their rituals and celebrations meant to be done during the holy month.

The letter reads, “As we all are going through the worst phase of the pandemic, we at the onset assure you of all the cooperation needed in tackling the virus and its spread in the state. However, we feel that lockdowns are not a measure to tackle this strange disease. On the contrary, lockdown causes more trouble to the majority of people in the state who lose their daily earnings and end up in dire circumstances.”

The letter also stated that repenting and praying is the best way to get rid of and escape from this disease, pandemic or any calamity and save any State or community. And stopping people from praying can further escalate the spread at a greater speed.

The letter concluded, “We, therefore, urge your good self to allow the Muslim Community to pray its 5 times Namaz in their Mosques adhering to all the possible guidelines and SOP issued by the government. We assure you that the holy month of Ramadan shall eradicate this disease by the regular and devoted prayers to Almighty Allah in this month by the believers. We hope you shall kindly agree to our request and issue the necessary directions to save the State from further deterioration”.

During Ramadan last year, there were strict restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus, and people demanded permission to organize iftar (congregational feast did after a day’s fast) but permission was denied, likewise, curfew-like restrictions have been imposed this year as well.

Religious gatherings and congregational meals and prayers are not allowed in Maharashtra, as the state recorded the highest hike in the positive COVID-19 cases recently, with 55,000 new cases in the last 24 hours.

On April 4, Maharashtra Government announced guidelines with the view of the situation related to Ramadan and Covid-19 under its ‘break the chain’ campaign to contain the spread of the virus which will continue till April 30.