Friday to be observed as Youm-e-Tauba: Ulema put their weight behind PM: Firdous

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan Monday said that after discussion it had been decided that mosques would remain open throughout the country, while prayers would be offered following the precautionary measures against the spread of coronavirus.

Addressing the media after Prime Minister Imran Khan's meeting with Ulema in Islamabad on Monday, she said Ulema and scholars played a leading role in the fight against the Covid-19 and strengthening national efforts.

The minister said to seek mercy from Allah, the next Friday would be observed as Youm-e-Tauba in the country.

Dr Awan said Ulema had acknowledged and appreciated the prime minister's initiative of consultative meetings with them to devise a comprehensive strategy for Ramazan amid coronavirus.

She said Prime Minister Imran Khan had directed to release all clerics, worshippers who were arrested for violating restrictions on mosques.

She said the prime minister also instructed the Pakistan Television Network to begin a televised programme for seminary students so that they did not miss out on their education during lockdown.

Dr Awan said Ulema should also guide the people on precautionary measures against coronavirus, while obeying the Shariah.

She said on the demand of the Ulema, the prime minister directed the Finance Ministry to prepare a framework for interest-free loans to madaris.

Dr Awan said the prime minister had also asked his economic advisers to seriously look into Mufti Taqi Usmani and Mufti Muneebur Rehman's suggestion of having an interest-free economy.

She said the prime minister said the Covid-19 was a big challenge that "we have to deal with the strength of our faith." Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri said the Ulema had assured their full support and cooperation in government's campaign against the coronavirus.

He said the prime minister appealed to the Ulema to respect 20-point agreement devised to follow the precautionary measures in mosques.

Awan Sunday said the Ulema and Mashaikh could play a leading role in the fight against COVID-19 and strengthening national efforts to prevent this pandemic.

Earlier in a series of tweets, Dr Firdous urged the Ulema and Mashaikh (religious scholars) to guide the general public in adopting precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus as caution was the most effective treatment against this outbreak.

She emphasised that general public accord respect to Ulema and Mashaikh and listen to their voices very carefully with special attention.

Dr Awan welcomed unanimous declaration for Ramzan issued by the president in consultation with the Ulema and Mashaikh, saying that the president had played a leading role in this regard.

She said the general public should offer prayers in their homes in the holy month of Ramazan to avoid gatherings in mosques.

She continued that Almighty Allah will bless every home during the holy month.

She said that Muslims could also win the blessings of Almighty Allah by staying at home and offering prayers and nawafil.