Goa: Offer Eid namaz at home, Muslims urged

PANAJI: With the number of Covid-19 cases on a rise and the lockdown in force, the customary namaz will not be performed at mosques and eidgahs on Eid-ul-fitr this year.
The All Goa Muslim Jamats has issued an advisory to the community to offer the nafl chast namaz from their homes along with their family. The advisory also requested citizens to avoid organising any Eid-ul-fitr namaz in their locality or open space to keep with the MHA guidelines.
The guidelines state that all religious places and places of worship shall be closed for public and religious congregations are strictly prohibited. In Goa, Section 144 is in force since the nationwide lockdown was imposed. The lockdown has now been extended till May 31.
As the festival nears, shoppers are likely to purchase food items and new clothing. The advisory further reads that social distancing norms must be followed while shopping. “Do not crowd the markets, follow social distancing norms and compulsory use of face mask at all times,” the advisory read.
Eid-ul-fitr is expected to be celebrated on May 25, based on the moon sighting.
The hilal committee of Goa will meet on Saturday to decide on the sighting of the moon for the celebration of Eid-ul-fitr. The Eid date will be announced by 8.30pm on Saturday.
Earlier, the association had issued guidelines for observing Ramzan in lockdown, asking people to maintain social distance and feed the poor instead of holding iftaar parties. People have been requested to perform daily namaz, taraweeh and iftaar at their respective homes.