Conducting Iftar parties for Muslim brethren by the governments and also various political parties, social organisations and even individuals has been the practice in the country, particularly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, during the Holy month of Ramzan.
During Ramzan, Muslims do community prayers during mornings and evenings in the mosques nearby every day. Thousands of Muslims go to the masjids, break their fast (Roza) after Iftar prayers and attend Iftar parties.
This year, however, there is no such possibility because of the nationwide lockdown imposed by the Centre on account of Coronavirus pandemic.
Because of the crisis situation, Islamic spiritual leaders including Ulemas and Muftis from all schools of Islamic thought appealed to the Muslim community to offer prayers at their homes during Ramzan in view of the lockdown.
They resolved that all the Muslims shall partake Iftar at home and they shall not go to mosques for Iftar. They are also requested not to host or attend Iftar parties and to give away the money so saved to the poor and needy for their basic needs.
“Keeping others’ necessities in view and as per their affordability, Muslims shall give sadqa and khairat (alms) to the deserving persons and institutions,” they said.
Further, the Ulemas and Muftis have appealed to the people to follow the instructions given by the Government to observe the lockdown. They should also follow the advice of health and medical experts and observe preventive measures, especially social distancing, strictly.
