Coronavirus pandemic

Fasting under lockdowns: Pakistan bows to pressure, allows prayers at mosques

With the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan into its fourth day today, Muslims are adapting to the new normal as many countries have restricted movements to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The Straits Times looks at how those in Indonesia, India and Pakistan - nations with the world's largest numbers of Muslims - are adapting. In Malaysia and other parts of Asean, too, the month of worship and eating out with close friends has changed.

For millions of Muslims, Ramadan has had to include several health and safety restrictions this year, meaning that celebrations to break the fast each day have to take place in the home.

Muslims maintaining social distance while buying food for iftar (breaking-of-fast session) in Lahore last Saturday. A man preparing samosa snacks in Lahore last Saturday. The Pakistani government and religious leaders agreed to keep mosques open duri — A man preparing samosa snacks in Lahore last Saturday. The Pakistani government and religious leaders agreed to keep mosques open during Ramadan, but reports show that the government is having a tough time monitoring crowds. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Nirmala Ganapathy

Updated

Published

Apr 27, 2020, 05:00 AM

DELHI • Pakistan is faced with the challenge of preventing crowds from gathering in mosques and market places after the government bowed to pressure from hardline clerics and religious leaders, allowing congregational prayers amid a lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 and bucking the trend in the Islamic world.

The South Asian country had confirmed 12,670 infection cases and 265 Covid-19 deaths last Saturday.

The Pakistani government and religious leaders agreed on April 18 to keep mosques open during Ramadan but with certain rules - worshippers have to keep at least 1.8m apart, those aged over 50 have to pray at home and handshakes are banned.

But reports from Pakistan show that the government is having a tough time monitoring crowds.

"Traditionally, a rush is observed at shops at the time of iftar (breaking-of-fast session). The situation on Saturday evening (the first day of Ramadan in South Asia) was no different than that of past years. People need to understand that if we don't follow the precautionary measures, the situation may become worse," Dr Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, said at a press conference last Saturday, according to Dawn newspaper.

"Pakistan is passing through a crucial, critical time when the disease can spread rapidly. I request the masses... change their routine of iftar, sehri (pre-dawn meal) and visiting mosques," he added.

Pakistan has extended the lockdown till May 9, but is allowing the resumption of industrial and commercial activities.

The decision to allow congregational prayers has been criticised by doctors, who are on the front line of the fight against the pandemic.

The Pakistan Medical Association has pointed out that it will be difficult to implement the rules.

265

Number of Covid-19 deaths in Pakistan as of last Saturday. The South Asian country had confirmed 12,670 infection cases.

The country's opposition, as well, has accused the government of a "confused policy" as far as the lockdown is concerned.

"There is either a lockdown or no lockdown. There is no concept of smart lockdown. The federal and provincial governments have already wasted a lot of time since Feb 26, when the first coronavirus case surfaced in Pakistan," local media quoted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Rana Sanaullah as saying.