PUNE: The
Muslim community in the city is gearing up for Eid-e-Milad celebrations but people have vowed to keep the festivities limited to their homes and avoid processions due to the
Covid-19 pandemic.
The Seerat Committee and community leaders confirmed they have not sought police permission for the procession and appealed to people to respect the pandemic rules.
Eid-e-Milad would be celebrated widely around the world on October 30. This day is observed as the birthday of
Prophet Muhammad.
Seerat committee secretary Rafiuddin Shaikh said, “The city police has offered permission for a procession with 10 people but we have refused to organize it. The committee, comprising Islamic scholars and others, has decided not to organize the procession this year because of the pandemic. We have appealed to Muslims to offer prayers at home and distribute food, fruits, sweets and sharbat to needy and poor people including widows, orphans and patients.”
Maulana Abdul Rahaman, secretary of
the Sunni Ulema Council, Pune, said, “People from all castes and communities have been refused permission for celebrating festivals. Therefore, we decided not to apply for permission for the procession because the city is severely affected by
coronavirus.”
Haji Zakir Shaikh, president of All India Quami Tanzeem (Western
Maharashtra), said, “The decision of not taking out procession to contain the spread of virus is in public interest but the Muslim community members representing masjids, madrasas and mohalla committees was not consulted before taking the decision. Every year, lakhs of people participate in the procession. This year, we will celebrate the Prophet’s birthday at home.”