Do you agree with Imran Khan's decision to allow congregational worship in mosques?

[MenInG]

His justification:


Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that Pakistan is "an independent nation" while addressing a question regarding the government's decision to continue to keep mosques open even as Muslim countries around the world have decided to keep them closed in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I felt very bad when I saw police beating up people. Ramazan is a month of worship, people want to go to mosques.

"Do we forcefully tell them to not go to mosques? And if they go, will the police put worshippers in jail? This does not happen in an independent society. In an independent society [we] make people come together. In an independent society, people use their independent minds and then decide what is better for the country and what is not," the premier said.

He reiterated that the nation was "fighting against the coronavirus together". The prime minister also clarified that the government will be forced to review its decision if worshippers fail to follow the 20 guidelines agreed upon by religious scholars.

"I would urge people to pray at home but if you want to go to mosques, keep in mind that you will have to follow these 20 points," he said. "If [these points] are not followed and if this virus spreads through any mosque in Ramazan then we will have no choice — and this has been agreed upon — but to take action and close [the mosques]."

 

[sweep_shot]

I think it is a wrong move because virus can spread.

Should have closed down mosques for a month or two.

 

[Gayle_Force]

I dont think he has much of an option. In a country like Pakistan, it is pretty much impossible to keep people outside of the mosques especially with Ramadan coming up.

Opening mosque with strong social distancing measures is probably the best option. Otherwise, people will be on the streets.

 

[liam26]

Imran Khan is an incompetent and weak leader, always bowing down to the Mullah Brigade.

 

[Syed1]

Imran Khan is an incompetent and weak leader, always bowing down to the Mullah Brigade.

Ok use the power of your vote to vote him out of office in 2023 and elect whoever you think is not "incompetent and weak". Let's see how that pans out for you.

 

[liam26]

Ok use the power of your vote to vote him out of office in 2023 and elect whoever you think is not "incompetent and weak". Let's see how that pans out for you.

I am an Indian. It was just an observation that Imran Khan is not very assertive in making the right move and allows himself to be blackmailed by the Powerful Mullahs.

All religious places are shut in India, theres no big deal in closing them in Pakistan if the leader shows some spine.

 

[Energy]

I am inclined to agree with this logic and this is a balanced approach taken. Now it is up to the people to follow the guidelines.

 

[boomboomcheema]

Very bad move but I dont think he is happy with the decision that he has made. He doesnt want to rile up the Maulanas which could escalate the situation in current circumstances.

 

[Energy]

I am an Indian. It was just an observation that Imran Khan is not very assertive in making the right move and allows himself to be blackmailed by the Powerful Mullahs.

All religious places are shut in India, theres no big deal in closing them in Pakistan if the leader shows some spine.

How have you come to the judgement that multiple people praying standing in their places is wrong and multiple people cramped in homes in the right move?

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

I am an Indian. It was just an observation that Imran Khan is not very assertive in making the right move and allows himself to be blackmailed by the Powerful Mullahs.

All religious places are shut in India, theres no big deal in closing them in Pakistan if the leader shows some spine.

Kedarnath is openeing on 30th April, let see what Uttrakhand government take precautions, till 3rd of May there is a lockdown,so there will be no problem but after that they have to take measures to stop people going to religious places.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

It is the wrong step. The virus will spread like wildfire.

 

[Gayle_Force]

I am an Indian. It was just an observation that Imran Khan is not very assertive in making the right move and allows himself to be blackmailed by the Powerful Mullahs.

All religious places are shut in India, theres no big deal in closing them in Pakistan if the leader shows some spine.

Yea are you seriously suggesting everything is fine and dandy in India and there have been no protests at all against the lock down measures? Recent news and pictures tell a different story.

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

How have you come to the judgement that multiple people praying standing in their places is wrong and multiple people cramped in homes in the right move?

Already happened in South Korea where church goers spread virus in far places.

 

[Energy]

Social distancing is a luxury. Not everyone can afford it. Not everyone has the means to have a garden, balcony and other stuff to keep them busy and 'learn new things' while distancing during 'these uncertain times'.

People need to have confidence in their leader, and appreciate that he has taken a step that is courageous. People need to comply with the rules, and we will all get through this together. No one is forcing anyone to attend mosques, they are allowed to pray at home also. But if people want to congregate responsibly, then why stop it?

 

[srh]

I like Imran Khan's move. Saw a picture of a mosque in Karachi where people are praying together and there is no carpet and people are at safe distance with each other. What else you want? If these precautions are in place then there is no point in stopping people from coming to mosques.

 

[Energy]

Already happened in South Korea where church goers spread virus in far places.

Needs further validation, as there are a number of examples of countries with lock downs and having steady, but consistent flow of daily cases.

 

[Rafa]

I hope we dont see a rapid rise in numbers during the period. The move could even backfire if IK is unable to contain the spread of virus.

 

[rockyboy2018]

I hope we dont see a rapid rise in numbers during the period. The move could even backfire if IK is unable to contain the spread of virus.

IK can say it is the peak demand of mulvis and general public as they are missing prayers.

 

[Saj]

Tough situation:

Closes mosques, he gets a hard time from the religious groups.

Leaves mosques open, he gets a tough time from the majority of people.

 

[world cup captain]

These religious goons are dictating the downfall of Pakistan. Imran's decision goes to show an education means absolutely nothing when there's no intent of using the brain.

Some countries can afford to relax restrictions and still take care of their populations but a country like Pakistan cannot. A strictly-enforced quarantine is necessary for such countries so they can fully open up their businesses shortly.

This move will not only cost lives but a lot of government spending.

 

[saeedhk]

A pathetic, and awful decision. Once again, Imran Khan has shown his jelly spine when taking on rabid Mullahs. He bends over backwards to appease Mullahs!

 

[Kianig89]

Peak season of charity and alms for Mullah brigade #Zakat,Chanda etc IK succumbed to so clled Ulmas

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Easy decision to make, Pakistan has had similar rates to Germany who have gone back to normal
Sindh might need to watch for as it is developing lately with more cases and deaths

 

[Gayle_Force]

A pathetic, and awful decision. Once again, Imran Khan has shown his jelly spine when taking on rabid Mullahs. He bends over backwards to appease Mullahs!

What option does he really have? If he shuts it down it will only increase violence as masses are going to follow the religious leaders and break the lock down to go to the mosques regardless.

This is just poor judgement from the religious leaders who should have supported government measures in this situation.

 

[Kianig89]

Situ. In Punjab also getting worse hour by house

 

[Sirris]

I vehemently disagree!

Many Maulvis actually did not have any problem with closing them down. Since the religious justification to close down mosques is pretty strong! It's only a few that started making some noise and giving into their demands has practically broken the dam. Now by showing some leeway you can hardly backtrack on your decision without infuriating the lot even more.

 

[Syed1]

I vehemently disagree!

Many Maulvis actually did not have any problem with closing them down. Since the religious justification to close down mosques is pretty strong! It's only a few that started making some noise and giving into their demands has practically broken the dam. Now by showing some leeway you can hardly backtrack on your decision without infuriating the lot even more.

Many maulvis didn't have problem but a lot of them did, they have millions of jahil gammaar who follow them and would be out protesting if they issue a protest call which would be even worse. Maulana Diesel began saying that Imran Khan is against Islam for stopping prayer at mosques. This message reverberates with the right wing jahil quam that forms the bulk of JI, JUI and PML-N voter base.

 

[Sirris]

What option does he really have? If he shuts it down it will only increase violence as masses are going to follow the religious leaders and break the lock down to go to the mosques regardless.

This is just poor judgement from the religious leaders who should have supported government measures in this situation.

There were many Maulvi who accepted the decision and understood it. The fact that Muslims worldwide are following the same protocol would have assured a large portion of the population.

He should have promoted those scholars who understood the situation and were promoting the closure.

At the end of the day the main reason was financial issue. A lot of money from Friday and Ramadan prayers donation helps run the mosques and madrassahs. It is nothing to be ashamed of and the Islamic scholars should have admitted it. The thing is they are just way to prideful to admit that closing the mosques would make things financially difficult for their institutes. This is what has led to the fiasco. Instead of humbly admitting their real concern, they made it an issue of religion and used their influenced over the population as a mean to blackmail the government.

It's a poor judgement by the government for failing to recognize the real motivation behind the resistance and it shows how holier than thou some religious figures act and aren't willing to admit that religion is their business, that would be blasphemous in their world view.

Anybody familiar with Islam knows that during group prayers you shouldn't have any gap between one another. It will be the first time in Islamic history where people will be praying with 6ft gap between one another. Instead of this mockery it would have been best to just stay home!

There is even a story that once it was raining heavily in median so the Prophet told people to not come to mosque and pray at home, since coming to mosque might cause problem for some people. Picture that! And here we are talking about an life or death issue.

Maulvis only have themselves to blame if they are losing respect among the population. In such a simple manner where one could have argued for how understanding and flexible Islam is they messed up and proved the opposite.

 

[Sirris]

Many maulvis didn't have problem but a lot of them did, they have millions of jahil gammaar who follow them and would be out protesting if they issue a protest call which would be even worse. Maulana Diesel began saying that Imran Khan is against Islam for stopping prayer at mosques. This message reverberates with the right wing jahil quam that forms the bulk of JI, JUI and PML-N voter base.

We just don't know what would have happened.

Promote those who had accepted the ban. Run their bayans and narrative on TV instead of useless commercials all the time. Show images of Kabah, run Hadith justifying the lock down.

Fazlu's claim is dumb and could have easily been challenged!

We need to think out of the box. If we can't tackle these supposed "jahil" over an issue which is globally accepted and even endorsed by leading international Muslim scholars, what does that tell us about our own intellect and ability to reason?

 

[Gayle_Force]

There were many Maulvi who accepted the decision and understood it. The fact that Muslims worldwide are following the same protocol would have assured a large portion of the population.

He should have promoted those scholars who understood the situation and were promoting the closure.

At the end of the day the main reason was financial issue. A lot of money from Friday and Ramadan prayers donation helps run the mosques and madrassahs. It is nothing to be ashamed of and the Islamic scholars should have admitted it. The thing is they are just way to prideful to admit that closing the mosques would make things financially difficult for their institutes. This is what has led to the fiasco. Instead of humbly admitting their real concern, they made it an issue of religion and used their influenced over the population as a mean to blackmail the government.

It's a poor judgement by the government for failing to recognize the real motivation behind the resistance and it shows how holier than thou some religious figures act and aren't willing to admit that religion is their business, that would be blasphemous in their world view.

Anybody familiar with Islam knows that during group prayers you shouldn't have any gap between one another. It will be the first time in Islamic history where people will be praying with 6ft gap between one another. Instead of this mockery it would have been best to just stay home!

There is even a story that once it was raining heavily in median so the Prophet told people to not come to mosque and pray at home, since coming to mosque might cause problem for some people. Picture that! And here we are talking about an life or death issue.

Maulvis only have themselves to blame if they are losing respect among the population. In such a simple manner where one could have argued for how understanding and flexible Islam is they messed up and proved the opposite.

Agree with you 100% on the motivation behind these religious leaders. The problem is these small group of people have huge followings and people will absolutely come out on the street and clash with police. The last thing country needs is large protests and violence.

 

[Nadeemp]

Agree with you 100% on the motivation behind these religious leaders. The problem is these small group of people have huge followings and people will absolutely come out on the street and clash with police. The last thing country needs is large protests and violence.

wisconsin last week had an election last week with social distancing rules. this week we have an outbreak in wisconsin. so i think it will be a bit tricky.

 

[Sirris]

Tough situation:

Closes mosques, he gets a hard time from the religious groups.

Leaves mosques open, he gets a tough time from the majority of people.

How come?

Close mosques, just like the holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina are closed.

Or

Leave mosques open, risk spreading the virus further and prolong the fight against it.

Look at the images of people praying with 6ft gaps! Is this what an Islamic prayer looks like? The Prophet would get angry if there was a gap of only few inches and it was questionable if such a prayer is valid in Islam.

I am all up for compromises and negations. This is not what compromise looks like. This is surrender and lack of thinking.

A better compromise could have been to say the we would open the mosques during the last 10 days of Ramadan, since they have a very significant meaning. This way all the religious folks would have known that the closure of mosque isn't for indefinite time and would have given the state more time and room to fight the virus and reassess the situation later.

I am infuriated because under current circumstance the closure of Mosques should have been the easiest thing to defend from Islamic point of view and even there our leaders failed. No wonder we can't get rid of other supposedly Islamic practices in the country.

 

[Abdullah719]

How come?

Close mosques, just like the holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina are closed.

Or

Leave mosques open, risk spreading the virus further and prolong the fight against it.

Look at the images of people praying with 6ft gaps! Is this what an Islamic prayer looks like? The Prophet would get angry if there was a gap of only few inches and it was questionable if such a prayer is valid in Islam.

I am all up for compromises and negations. This is not what compromise looks like. This is surrender and lack of thinking.

A better compromise could have been to say the we would open the mosques during the last 10 days of Ramadan, since they have a very significant meaning. This way all the religious folks would have known that the closure of mosque isn't for indefinite time and would have given the state more time and room to fight the virus and reassess the situation later.

I am infuriated because under current circumstance the closure of Mosques should have been the easiest thing to defend from Islamic point of view and even there our leaders failed. No wonder we can't get rid of other supposedly Islamic practices in the country.

Ironically, there doesn't seem to be any precedence of praying with large gaps amongst worshipers, whereas there is a precedence for praying at home during times such as what we're going through right now.

 

[Bigboii]

This is very close to state-comited murders, how are you going to justify if the covid situation surge

This is totally wrong

 

[Sirris]

Agree with you 100% on the motivation behind these religious leaders. The problem is these small group of people have huge followings and people will absolutely come out on the street and clash with police. The last thing country needs is large protests and violence.

I don't know if you understand Urdu or not but "Jo dar geya woh mar geya". You can't win a battle if you don't come prepared. We don't know what would have happened. Whether people would have come out or not. It's just a common fear "they have million followers they would all come out", that's just panic and imagining the worst scenario.

Many prominent Maulana Hazrat were initially accepting the closure and telling people to stay home. Like Tariq Jameel the head of Tablighi Jamat in Pakistan. Maulvi might be ignorant in modern sciences but they and their followers listen to Hadith and religious narratives. Many Madrassah kids understood the fatwa from Saudi and the Islamic rulings. They weren't as much angry about closed mosques than they were about putting one of their Maulvi in prison which the government initially did. Why imprison the guy and make him into a hero when we have the intellectually stronger case for our position?

The few Maulvi's saw the fear in government's eyes and knew what to do. Government backed off and only made it harder for itself and de-legitimized its authority.

 

[Sirris]

Ironically, there doesn't seem to be any precedence of praying with large gaps amongst worshipers, whereas there is a precedence for praying at home during times such as what we're going through right now.

The average worshiper is a laymen and doesn't know better and has been taught to not question the "respected" scholars. They most probably think that their religious scholars have done an ijtihad and it is ok to pray like this in this emergency.

This is where the government should have promoted the scholars who call for a closure and challenged the "ijtihad" and the Islamic legitimacy of those suggesting 6ft gaps. Most probably the government officials making the deal themselves didn't realize what a weak position the Maulvis protesting have. Lack of homework.

 

[Sirris]

The other ruling that people over age of 50 aren't allowed at mosque may sound good on paper but is equally dumb and of no value in fight against the virus. Since young people can go to mosques and come back home and infect their parents. In a multi-household society like Pakistan such a ruling just won't work.

My only hope to remain positive is that the virus has a less circle of on-spread in Pakistan and a higher rate of recovery due to young population .

 

[MenInG]

In a way I can see Imran's point of view - how is he going to convince people like this who were attending a funeral

 

[Down2Earth]

Quite frankly the public is too dumb to understand what's happening and a leader who's too afraid to make the wrong move to tarnish his image. Imran is in a tough spot no doubt but that's what makes real leaders. Being an independent nation is a silly excuse.

 

[King-Misbah]

Not a great decision but our public is ********. They will suffer in the long run but thats what they want.

 

[Itachi]

There were many Maulvi who accepted the decision and understood it. The fact that Muslims worldwide are following the same protocol would have assured a large portion of the population.

He should have promoted those scholars who understood the situation and were promoting the closure.

At the end of the day the main reason was financial issue. A lot of money from Friday and Ramadan prayers donation helps run the mosques and madrassahs. It is nothing to be ashamed of and the Islamic scholars should have admitted it. The thing is they are just way to prideful to admit that closing the mosques would make things financially difficult for their institutes. This is what has led to the fiasco. Instead of humbly admitting their real concern, they made it an issue of religion and used their influenced over the population as a mean to blackmail the government.

It's a poor judgement by the government for failing to recognize the real motivation behind the resistance and it shows how holier than thou some religious figures act and aren't willing to admit that religion is their business, that would be blasphemous in their world view.

Anybody familiar with Islam knows that during group prayers you shouldn't have any gap between one another. It will be the first time in Islamic history where people will be praying with 6ft gap between one another. Instead of this mockery it would have been best to just stay home!

There is even a story that once it was raining heavily in median so the Prophet told people to not come to mosque and pray at home, since coming to mosque might cause problem for some people. Picture that! And here we are talking about an life or death issue.

Maulvis only have themselves to blame if they are losing respect among the population. In such a simple manner where one could have argued for how understanding and flexible Islam is they messed up and proved the opposite.

You'll be a very dirty strategist yet effective one by minimizing damages to every parties.

Agreed with your post. It was a win win situation for everyone and each had something to gain.

 

[Gayle_Force]

I don't know if you understand Urdu or not but "Jo dar geya woh mar geya". You can't win a battle if you don't come prepared. We don't know what would have happened. Whether people would have come out or not. It's just a common fear "they have million followers they would all come out", that's just panic and imagining the worst scenario.

Many prominent Maulana Hazrat were initially accepting the closure and telling people to stay home. Like Tariq Jameel the head of Tablighi Jamat in Pakistan. Maulvi might be ignorant in modern sciences but they and their followers listen to Hadith and religious narratives. Many Madrassah kids understood the fatwa from Saudi and the Islamic rulings. They weren't as much angry about closed mosques than they were about putting one of their Maulvi in prison which the government initially did. Why imprison the guy and make him into a hero when we have the intellectually stronger case for our position?

The few Maulvi's saw the fear in government's eyes and knew what to do. Government backed off and only made it harder for itself and de-legitimized its authority.

I understand what you are saying and government is definitely not completely without fault here. However, there is definitely more than just a few maulvis against the lockdown and they have more than enough of a following to cause street protests. Just feel that any major protests will cause a much worse situation for the country than reopening of mosques.

 

[King-Misbah]

I understand what you are saying and government is definitely not completely without fault here. However, there is definitely more than just a few maulvis against the lockdown and they have more than enough of a following to cause street protests. Just feel that any major protests will cause a much worse situation for the country than reopening of mosques.

Well, use the police and army against them. They are not stronger then the state. This was a terrible decision by IK.

I would have made safe zones, areas that have no cases, allowed mosques to be open there.

Let's not be bias, this is a stupid decision and I support PTI. I hope they take back this decision soon.

 

[Nadeemp]

Quite frankly the public is too dumb to understand what's happening and a leader who's too afraid to make the wrong move to tarnish his image. Imran is in a tough spot no doubt but that's what makes real leaders. Being an independent nation is a silly excuse.

agrees

 

[Itachi]

Well, use the police and army against them. They are not stronger then the state. This was a terrible decision by IK.

I would have made safe zones, areas that have no cases, allowed mosques to be open there.

Let's not be bias, this is a stupid decision and I support PTI. I hope they take back this decision soon.

A riot is the last thing that any country would want at this point.

 

[Square Drive]

It's the Islamic Republic of Pakistan at the end of the day. He urged people to pray at home. This only gives those who really want to go, the option to go - with precautionary measures put in place (something that a Masjid here in Toronto initially implemented as well). He's also said that they won't hesitate shutting Masjids down if the protocol isn't followed, and if the virus seems to be spreading because of it.

What's the issue? If you don't feel it's safe to go, don't go. No one's enforcing it.

 

[King-Misbah]

A riot is the last thing that any country would want at this point.

These maulvis will go back in their holes once the army comes out. I do understand the situation that the govt is facing but are we more Muslim then the rest of the Islamic world?

This was a case of diplomacy and playing your cards right. Convincing these thick maulvis that the danger that they pose to the society with their congregations.

I already had a tough day at work and this news hasn't really uplifted my spirits. I appreciate your concerns as a poster and you sound like one of the few Indian posters that are not biased against Pakistan. We had it tough for two decades now, were finally turning the corner and corona happens. We do not have many reasources but yet again weak decisions like this will not help out cause. I absolutely detest Modi but he got the corona policy right. Our people will not listen unless they are given the danda treatment. Its better to give danda then massive casualties due to corona.

This is a complete mess for every coutnry especially poor countries. Our lives have completely changed, yet again these dumb maulvis are so arragont in their ways. As you can tell, I am very worried for Pakistan and the world. If corono spreads, we are doomed!

 

[King-Misbah]

It's the Islamic Republic of Pakistan at the end of the day. He urged people to pray at home. This only gives those who really want to go, the option to go - with precautionary measures put in place (something that a Masjid here in Toronto initially implemented as well). He's also said that they won't hesitate shutting Masjids down if the protocol isn't followed, and if the virus seems to be spreading because of it.

What's the issue? If you don't feel it's safe to go, don't go. No one's enforcing it.

The issue is that the action of the dumb people will have a bearing on the country as a whole. I don't care if these maulvis want to jump in a well but please don't cause harm to others too.

As you can tell from my posts, i am a massive PTI fan but this decision has made my blood boil. This is a clear example of lack of leadership.

 

[Gayle_Force]

Well, use the police and army against them. They are not stronger then the state. This was a terrible decision by IK.

I would have made safe zones, areas that have no cases, allowed mosques to be open there.

Let's not be bias, this is a stupid decision and I support PTI. I hope they take back this decision soon.

Absolutely, in current climate such a decision should not be made. However, I do understand Government's limitation.

The entire world is now creating ways to ease out of lockdown. Pakistan has also opened other industries such as construction etc. In such a situation, it makes it difficult to implement lockdown on mosques especially with Ramadan starting in few days.

While, on paper it sounds easy to use the power of the state but practically using the police and army against your own countrymen that too for stopping them from praying will have huge repercussions. This is on top of the problems government is already dealing with the economy and COVID-19.

 

[King-Misbah]

Absolutely, in current climate such a decision should not be made. However, I do understand Government's limitation.

The entire world is now creating ways to ease out of lockdown. Pakistan has also opened other industries such as construction etc. In such a situation, it makes it difficult to implement lockdown on mosques especially with Ramadan starting in few days.

While, on paper it sounds easy to use the power of the state but practically using the police and army against your own countrymen that too for stopping them from praying will have huge repercussions. This is on top of the problems government is already dealing with the economy and COVID-19.

Well, the economy will worsen when you have hundred of thousands of people in hospitals wanting urgent healthcare. Most countries have flatten the curve and then allowed the restrictions to ease. I understand for certain sectors to open and support that. However, praying at a mosque is not a necessity during these times.

 

[Sirris]

His justification:


Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that Pakistan is "an independent nation" while addressing a question regarding the government's decision to continue to keep mosques open even as Muslim countries around the world have decided to keep them closed in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Pakistan is an idependent nation Mr. President. Is this why our foreign policy is run on American dictation and why we can't openly criticize the Chinese government? This is just a lame excuse most probably given by Maulana sahab to justify why they aren't listening to the Islamic scholars from Saudi Arabia and rest of the 51 Muslim countries.

"I felt very bad when I saw police beating up people. Ramazan is a month of worship, people want to go to mosques.

"Do we forcefully tell them to not go to mosques? And if they go, will the police put worshippers in jail? This does not happen in an independent society. In an independent society [we] make people come together. In an independent society, people use their independent minds and then decide what is better for the country and what is not," the premier said.

In tough times you can't make decisions based on your feelings. If you feel bad now how'd you feel if many lose their beloved ones because of you chose to listen to your emotions instead of health experts from all over the world.

Fasting alone is the biggest worship in Ramadan!

Worships can be done at home and some worships like the famous Ramadan prayers are better prayed at home than what the scholars have been lying about!

People want to go to restaurants, visit shopping malls and cinemas. Parents want to send their kids to schools. However whims of people doesn't matter on matter of life and death hence that's why they are all closed. As a head of state you have the responsibility to protect the people. You can use your independent mind as much as you like but not while ignoring the scientific evidence and decisions made by other smart people all over the world on the same issue.

Pakistan isn't facing an "independent" problem, it's facing the same problem like the rest of the world so why do you insist on reinventing the wheel and learning things the hard way?

What is an easier thing to control? Closed mosques all together or controlling if people are respecting the guideline in all mosques. The latter requires a lot more resources than the former.

He reiterated that the nation was "fighting against the coronavirus together". The prime minister also clarified that the government will be forced to review its decision if worshipers fail to follow the 20 guidelines agreed upon by religious scholars.

"I would urge people to pray at home but if you want to go to mosques, keep in mind that you will have to follow these 20 points," he said. "If [these points] are not followed and if this virus spreads through any mosque in Ramazan then we will have no choice — and this has been agreed upon — but to take action and close [the mosques]."

Good, at the very least this.

 

[Sirris]

People who are saying there will be riots are either just trying to find any reason to defend Imran's bad decision or have very little understanding of the way religious people tick. I understand the dynamics of these religious folks quite well.

There would always be a handful of special ones but a riots of millions on this matter is out of question, since closing down the mosques is perfectly according to the Islamic law in the current crisis. This is not the same as the issue of Kahtm-e-Nabuwat, the blasphemy law, where the Maulana can emotionally manipulate the people.

You know you have failed to think through properly, when even a conservative guy and star among the religious segment Orya Maqbool doesn't agree with the decisions to keep mosques open. He criticized it in his today's program. There was even a representative of Al-Khidmat foundation, the charity arm of Jamat-e-Islam and even he did not think it was the right decision and suggested the government should rethink its position. Jamat-e-Islami as you know is one of the biggest religious parties in the country. And I haven't checked with all the other Maulana hazrat who endorsed the closure.

 

[Gayle_Force]

Well, the economy will worsen when you have hundred of thousands of people in hospitals wanting urgent healthcare. Most countries have flatten the curve and then allowed the restrictions to ease. I understand for certain sectors to open and support that. However, praying at a mosque is not a necessity during these times.

That is true and it is unfortunate but the risk of people in the hospital remains in both situations. As even with the lockdown on mosques people will come out anyways(this was already happening all over the country when lockdown was in place).

Again, its unfortunate but not much government can do until people understand the severity of the issue.

I agree with your position overall just have a slightly more sympathetic view toward's the government's situation as this is a very delicate issue in our country.

 

[Sirris]

Imran Khan should have consulted with this scholar on this issue

 

[UP]

Pakistan is full of gully mohallas and its really hard to keep those mosques closed. Its nearly impossible. If it had planned cities, it would have been not so hard.

When you have a developed country, these things are not that hard to implement. Third world countries bring third world mentality.

 

[Kroll]

They've made the decision, no point in crying about it.

 

[Shazzam]

So he’s willing to let people get infected before he completely shuts down the mosques? If so than he will be responsible for everyone of there deaths. It feels like Imran Khan still does not understand the magnitude he is dealing with.

 

[Kroll]

So he’s willing to let people get infected before he completely shuts down the mosques? If so than he will be responsible for everyone of there deaths. It feels like Imran Khan still does not understand the magnitude he is dealing with.

He understands very well, he felt it was easier than battling the mullahs.

 

[amvbfm]

People who are saying there will be riots are either just trying to find any reason to defend Imran's bad decision or have very little understanding of the way religious people tick. I understand the dynamics of these religious folks quite well.

There would always be a handful of special ones but a riots of millions on this matter is out of question, since closing down the mosques is perfectly according to the Islamic law in the current crisis. This is not the same as the issue of Kahtm-e-Nabuwat, the blasphemy law, where the Maulana can emotionally manipulate the people.

You know you have failed to think through properly, when even a conservative guy and star among the religious segment Orya Maqbool doesn't agree with the decisions to keep mosques open. He criticized it in his today's program. There was even a representative of Al-Khidmat foundation, the charity arm of Jamat-e-Islam and even he did not think it was the right decision and suggested the government should rethink its position. Jamat-e-Islami as you know is one of the biggest religious parties in the country. And I haven't checked with all the other Maulana hazrat who endorsed the closure.

You really don't understand them then. There would definitely have been unrest. These very Oryas would have turned back on the government and called it a stooge of western powers. But that is where the state should flex its muscle and ensure that it has the final word. Alas, in Pakistan the state can say or do nothing when it comes to religion. No one can. Maulana Aziz has been organizing Friday prayers for the last three weeks without any safety measures. The state has been registering cases against him every week and that's about it.

As for the safety measures, they are mere ink on paper. Prayers will go on in the country like they used to. The mullahs don't care if people die (and I refuse to believe they don't know the risks), the people are too emotional and brainwashed and the government doesn't want to take any risks.

These so called safety measures are amusing to say the least. How, in the absence of any sort of enforcement will you make people observe social distancing when almost every mosque is chock full in the month of Ramzan. How will you stop people from coming or turn them back? How will you stop old and infirm people from attending? There are ample examples of how people in Pakistan ignore everything when it comes to religion. As recently as 2015, hundreds of people, mostly the elderly died due to heatstrokes during a heatwave in the month of ramzan. Even then people chose to ignore medical advice and didn't abstain from fasting.

This will be a tough month for us. The government didn't take this decision now but there are chances that it might be compelled to do so a month from now. One can only hope that its not too late by then.

 

[Sirris]

You really don't understand them then. There would definitely have been unrest. These very Oryas would have turned back on the government and called it a stooge of western powers. But that is where the state should flex its muscle and ensure that it has the final word. Alas, in Pakistan the state can say or do nothing when it comes to religion. No one can. Maulana Aziz has been organizing Friday prayers for the last three weeks without any safety measures. The state has been registering cases against him every week and that's about it.

As for the safety measures, they are mere ink on paper. Prayers will go on in the country like they used to. The mullahs don't care if people die (and I refuse to believe they don't know the risks), the people are too emotional and brainwashed and the government doesn't want to take any risks.

These so called safety measures are amusing to say the least. How, in the absence of any sort of enforcement will you make people observe social distancing when almost every mosque is chock full in the month of Ramzan. How will you stop people from coming or turn them back? How will you stop old and infirm people from attending? There are ample examples of how people in Pakistan ignore everything when it comes to religion. As recently as 2015, hundreds of people, mostly the elderly died due to heatstrokes during a heatwave in the month of ramzan. Even then people chose to ignore medical advice and didn't abstain from fasting.

This will be a tough month for us. The government didn't take this decision now but there are chances that it might be compelled to do so a month from now. One can only hope that its not too late by then.

Mulana Abdulaziz is a very unique and extreme case. Hardly anyone outside of his special circle of friends listens to this guy. Unfortunately his special circle of guys can be very violent.

We'd never know what would've, should've and could've been.

 

[Minnowbasher]

May seem a poor decision and indeed it is but

Its pakistan

The molvis here are aggressive and unstoppable. Rather than causing fights countrywide may aswell allow ppl to go mosques at their own risk.

 

[Shazzam]

He understands very well, he felt it was easier than battling the mullahs.

He is the one in power. He should not fear those below him. This is not the time in doing social experiments, its the time for action. Best action is to prevent this spread by having people stay at home.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

It’s going to cost lives. That’s all that can be said about the decision.

 

[Kroll]

He is the one in power. He should not fear those below him. This is not the time in doing social experiments, its the time for action. Best action is to prevent this spread by having people stay at home.

I hope the awaam takes heed, and does stay and pray at home.

 

[King-Misbah]

I hope the awaam takes heed, and does stay and pray at home.

You are expecting too much from jaahil Pakistani awaam. They only listen when danda is involved.

 

[ManFan]

A weak move.

 

[moghul]

Wrong decision.

 

[globalcitizen]

I don’t think social distancing is understood well if this decision is made.
It can spread even faster if everyone is stationary and together for a longer time in a hall or room.

The move is a recipe for disaster . they should get very lucky to not be impacted.

 

[Kroll]

You are expecting too much from jaahil Pakistani awaam. They only listen when danda is involved.

I just hope it doesn't take people dropping like flies before they come to their senses.

 

[world cup captain]

This makes me wonder, will the government be able to afford medical expenses if thousands become sick because of this move? Or will it simply let the people die off?

 

[Shazzam]

I hope the awaam takes heed, and does stay and pray at home.

I really hope so. No one wants to see people dieing off this mess. He’s giving people the right to do what they want. Unfortunately even in developed countries people are not learning. I don’t see how they will here. Either way one can hope.

 

[amvbfm]

Mulana Abdulaziz is a very unique and extreme case. Hardly anyone outside of his special circle of friends listens to this guy. Unfortunately his special circle of guys can be very violent.

We'd never know what would've, should've and could've been.

You would be surprised how many people would be willing to listen to him if push came to shove. Also unfortunately, he isn't as unique as he used to be. We have seen on more than one occasion how many people these guys can muster if they want.

Also come to Karachi and i will take you around neighborhood mosques to listen to the khutbas. The hate, the irrationality being spewed by the neighborhood imams will show you how unique such extreme views are in Pakistan.

Yes we'd never know what would've, should've, could've been. But then no point in posting here at all.

 

[saeedhk]

What option does he really have? If he shuts it down it will only increase violence as masses are going to follow the religious leaders and break the lock down to go to the mosques regardless.

This is just poor judgement from the religious leaders who should have supported government measures in this situation.

If Imran Khan cannot exert his writ then there is no use staying in power. He should arrest and punish rabid Mullahs!!That is what all countries do when it comes to countering extremist elements.

 

[Energy]

Too much of a negative rhetoric in this thread, and none with a valid argument as to why people cannot congregate with safe distancing. People can sure congregate in hypermarkets, offices and parks around the world and touch all sorts of items, but that rule goes out of the window when we change the building to a mosque. High-class thought process.

Do you know how many private madrassas have been shut down in the last few years, and how many have now come under the control of the government? Imran does not have a magic charm at his disposal to eradicate extremism. A lot of work is being done to gradually restore order, and we are seeing steady results.

If religious scholars have a view that prayer can be performed at mosques if people obey regulations, you need to look at the reasoning behind it rather than cloaking under rabid mullah argument which makes no sense. Are you saying that you have better understanding of Islamic prayer jurisdiction than a religious scholar? Or are you basing your opinion on the fact that some countries have adopted a different approach, and that is automatically correct?

 

[Abdullah719]

If religious scholars have a view that prayer can be performed at mosques if people obey regulations, you need to look at the reasoning behind it rather than cloaking under rabid mullah argument which makes no sense. Are you saying that you have better understanding of Islamic prayer jurisdiction than a religious scholar? Or are you basing your opinion on the fact that some countries have adopted a different approach, and that is automatically correct?

I am yet to see any justification besides "masjid ka darwaaza bandh nahi hona chahiye." In fact, religious authorities in other countries have provided religious injunctions and justifications to show the precedence for people not going to mosques at such a time. However, there has been very little justification presented from the ulema here besides "They are targeting mosques" and other similar comments.

 

[Gayle_Force]

If Imran Khan cannot exert his writ then there is no use staying in power. He should arrest and punish rabid Mullahs!!That is what all countries do when it comes to countering extremist elements.

The problem is when you arrest these people they become even more of a hero in the eyes of their followers. People will come out on the streets and that is the last thing country needs right now.

Again, we have to realize that this is Pakistan at the end of the day. It is extremely difficult to use the power of the state against your own people especially to stop them from practicing their faith.

 

[saeedhk]

The problem is when you arrest these people they become even more of a hero in the eyes of their followers. People will come out on the streets and that is the last thing country needs right now.

Again, we have to realize that this is Pakistan at the end of the day. It is extremely difficult to use the power of the state against your own people especially to stop them from practicing their faith.

Yes, it is a sensitive issue and it will ruffle a lot of feathers. But, taking tough decisions is the hallmark of great leaders. The state can take on these Mullah if there is strong will. Too bad that Imran is spineless!

 

[Gayle_Force]

Yes, it is a sensitive issue and it will ruffle a lot of feathers. But, taking tough decisions is the hallmark of great leaders. The state can take on these Mullah if there is strong will. Too bad that Imran is spineless!

What is the solution though? Arresting these mullahs will almost certainly lead to street protests. Government will lose any and all measures to monitor social distancing in this case. From what I have seen, mosques were already open all over the country during the lockdown. At least, there are some measures that have been agreed upon for those that want to go to the mosque.

He has requested people to stay home and pray and hopefully majority follows his request. Ultimately, it is the mindset of the people that needs to change.

 

[saeedhk]

What is the solution though? Arresting these mullahs will almost certainly lead to street protests. Government will lose any and all measures to monitor social distancing in this case. From what I have seen, mosques were already open all over the country during the lockdown. At least, there are some measures that have been agreed upon for those that want to go to the mosque.

He has requested people to stay home and pray and hopefully majority follows his request. Ultimately, it is the mindset of the people that needs to change.

Pakistanis need to taught lessons with sticks! This is a nation of hypocrites!

There are ways to handle street protest too. People said if Mullah Khadim Rizvi was arrested, the whole Pakistan will take to the streets. What happened after he was locked up? Not a single soul protested!

 

[Kianig89]

Stupidity has no limits

Just wait and watch IK now misjudging the scenario coronavirus going to explode 7 in one house in ISB mosque in F7/1 sealed 16 in one house in GK