Maharashtra Govt issues guidelines for Ramadan 2021

Amidst the second wave of the coronavirus, the Maharashtra government has issued a list of guidelines to be followed during the month of Ramadan.  

The month of Ramadan is considered holy by Muslims. Moreover, it has begun from today and will continue till May 12. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by people belonging to the Muslim community all around the world.

However, with the spike in cases of coronavirus, the government, spearheaded by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has released a set of norms to be followed to contain the spread of the illness. They are,

• During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims should perform regular Namaz, Taraweeh, and Iftar for all religious ceremonies in their homes without gathering in mosques or public places.
• Do not gather in the mosque as well as in any open space for Namaz.
• The holy month of Ramadan should be celebrated in a very simple manner by strictly following all the rules of social distancing and hygiene (masks, sanitisers, etc.). The gathering should be further limited to four people at a time.
• Muslims fast for 30 days in the morning and break their fast in the evening before Maghrib prayers during Ramadan. Many fruits and other food vendors are expected to throng during Sehri and Iftar. Hence, the local administration must take appropriate measures in this regard.
• On the last Friday of Ramadan, a large number of Muslims come to the mosque for the Alvida Jumma. However, in view of the increasing cases of COVID-19, no one should gather in the mosque and pray at home.
• Shab-e-Qadr is a holy night observed on the 26th day of the month of Ramadan. On this occasion, after the Taraweeh prayers at night, the Muslims perform Quran recitation and Nafl prayers in the mosques. However, all Muslims should perform these religious programs in their own homes.
• The citizens should not rush to the market to buy goods or gather together. Also, if the local administration has set a time limit for the purchase of goods, it should be strictly followed.
• Moreover, as a result of the closure of religious places, programs should be organized online in a closed space following the norms issued by the government.
• No processions including religious, social, cultural or political events should be organized during Ramadan.
• Furthermore, it is mandatory to comply with the rules prescribed by the state government as well as the concerned municipal corporation, police, local administration.