Confusion remains over Azaan in mosques in several districts of Uttar Pradesh amid nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus. Several mosques alleged that the UP Police has told them that Azaan is not allowed. However, there is a lack of clarity over it as officials have denied any such incident.
Some pamphlets with a message that ‘azaan/namaz’ would not be allowed surfaced at different places including Farrukhabad and Ghazipur. ‘Under CrPC provisions it has been ordered that during the lockdown, there would be no namaz/azan…’ read the pamphlet.
Surprisingly, pamphlets suggested that Azaan and Namaz are either the same or interchangeable.
“There is no order regarding Azaan in the district. Lockdown orders are applicable in the district as in the rest of the state,” Ghazipur SP Om Prakash Singh was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
According to some media reports, two policemen recently tried to stop Azaan in Delhi claiming that Lieutenant Governor (LG) had issued an order in this regard. They were confronted by locals and later Delhi government reportedly clarified that there was no such order.
Meanwhile, Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid has urged people to stay at home during the holy month and pray for frontline health workers, police and those involved in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Muslim bodies have urged community members to strictly follow lockdown orders and restrict movement outside homes and to follow social distancing norms.
Ramzan or Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims which begins with the sighting of the crescent moon on the day after the full moon.
