Hashmi warns of potential Coronavirus spike in Muharram
Hashmi warns of potential Coronavirus spike in Muharram, if heath protocols and advisories are not been followed by letter and spirit.
Agha Karar Hashmi, who tested Corona positive previous week and is under quarantined at Village Dab in Central Kashmir Ganderbal warns of potential coronavirus spike in Muharram. Added that people have to observe Muharram but with self-regulations and must planned to restrict the entry inside the Imambaras to not more than 50 people.
Hashmi said in a message that ” Mourning gatherings can take place only by observing certain rules, including reduced hours, respecting social-distancing protocols, and the use of masks, while in closed spaces, the virus can be transmitted even with face masks. So everybody have to be remain extra-vigilant, active and Smart in all dealings.The Auqafs and Coordination Committees must make sure that children below 10 years and senior citizens above 60 years would not be allowed to attend the majlis in keeping view advisory and precautionary measure.
Hashmi further said that Islam is the religion of logic, better try to handle everything through logical ways and everybody know that the Outbreak of the Coronavirus, has been declared a deadly epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), so it is incumbent upon us, religiously and intellectually, to avoid possible harm to ourselves and take care of others and follow the health instructions that prevent the spread of this disease but letter and spirit.
“Believers must observe social distancing, wear a mask, sterilize the place and hands when touching and avoid crowds when participating in the Husayni mourning rituals and other religious gatherings and if believers aren’t guaranteed to control and comply with these matters, it’s better to stay home with family members and listen to sermons through the internet and social media.” Karar Hashmi added
Before we commemorate Mourning processions and other rituals let have a look on the sayings and decrees of the Grand Ayotullah’s on Muharram amidst Covid-19.
The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei:
“The standard is what health experts say and my advice for everyone is to follow the rules set by them for mourning ceremonies because the issue is very important.”
Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi:
“On one hand, the mourning ceremonies of Muharram must be held with observance of health protocols, on the other hand, the spiritual and religious aspects of this month should not be neglected. Under no circumstances should Ashura mourning be prevented.”
Grand Ayatollah Hoseyn Vahid-Khorasani:
“The rituals of Ahl al-Bayt and especially the mourning ceremony of the Master of Martyrs [Imam al-Husayn] should not be closed but with observance of health issues and what the experts in this field. recommend.”
Grand Ayatollah Hoseyn Nouri-Hamadani:
“As Imam Khomeyni said, all we have is from Muharram and Safar… We will hold Muharram mourning ceremonies within the framework of health protocols such as wearing masks and social distancing, the believers should follow the advices of health professionals to maintain their health and also of others. We will also benefit from activities on cyberspace (social media).”
Grand Ayatollah Ja’far Sobhani-Tabrizi:
“The community health officials must plan in such a way that both mourning ceremony and the health of the people are protected. We hope that God Almighty will ward off the evil of this epidemic for everyone.”
Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Mohammad-Ali Alavi-Gorgani:
“Holding the mourning for the Master of Martyrs in the month of Muharram is one of the most important religious rituals that should never be forgotten but in the current situation, it is necessary to hold the mourning ceremonies in compliance with the health tips in order to maintain everyone’s health.”
