Hyderabad: There were apprehensions that at least a section of the Muslims would try to say the Friday prayers at the mosques thereby creating unpleasant situations. But all those apprehensions turned out to be false. In spite of the State government blitzkrieg asking people to stay at home even for religious duties, there were at least half a dozen Muslim religious leaders who were insisting that they would say the Friday prayers at the mosques. But finally, sanity prevailed and the community refused to fall into the call and stayed indoors to offer their prayers. Many managing committees of the mosques locked out gates, in a way declaring that there would be no prayers there. The historic Makkah Masjid where perhaps the largest Friday congregation is held wore a deserted look. Only about 25 people were seen in the mosque. The people who offered Namaz there were the mosque staff, government officials and a few media persons. They entered the mosque before 12:30 noon. After that none was allowed. Speaking to media, Khateeb of Makkah Masjid Hafiz Rizwan Qureshi said, “No other prays would be offered in the mosque until the end of lockdown. The Muslims are urged to pray at homes forming Jamaat and are requested to follow the lockdown orders by the government.” Muslims were restricted to enter mosques in Hyderabad on Friday amid coronavirus. Photos: Mohammed Hussain Muslims were restricted to enter mosques in Hyderabad on Friday amid coronavirus. Several mosques which would be seen crowded during Friday prayers were seen deserted today. They included Qutub Shahi Masjid, Jamia Masjid, Kulsum Begum Masjid, Masjid-e-Gulbano, Masjid-e-Raheem-O-Sughra Ahle Hadees, Bilal Masjid, Masjid-e-Aamera, Masjid-e-Azizia and Masjid-e-Sultan Jahan, Ek Minar Masjid and Mallepally Badi Masjid. It has been observed that a few mosques called out the Azaan which stated perform Namaz at your own house whereas several others called out the same Azaan and made separated announcements to offer prayer at home. Meanwhile, online khutba’s (sermons) were given and topic for most of which was the coronavirus and its effects. Nihad Amani and Mohammed Hussain Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News, Technology, Entertainment, Sports, Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS.

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