The Shahi Imams of the Jama Masjid and Fatehpuri Masjid in Delhi have appealed to Muslims to offer namaz at home during the holy month of Ramazan and follow the lockdown guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid, asked people in a video message not to step out unnecessarily and to pray indoors during Ramazan.

“Two days later, the auspicious Ramazan is starting. Namaz and tarabi (ritual prayer) should be offered at home. Care should be taken that not more than three-four people read the tarabi because large numbers can be harmful for the families and society in view of the pandemic,” Bukhari said.

Ramazan, which is marked by fasting, is expected to begin from Saturday.

The Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Masjid, Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, said that those under quarantine and unable to observe roza (fast) can compensate for it through qaza — they can observe the fast later.

Ahmed urged authorities to make arrangements so that people in Muslim-dominated areas can go out in the evenings and early mornings to buy food to break their Ramazan fasts.

“The lockdown has been imposed because of the coronavirus and people have been restricted to their homes. But during Ramazan, authorities should allow shops and vendors in Muslim areas to open so that those observing roza can buy food for iftari and sehri,” he said.

Delhi’s mosques are shut because of the nationwide lockdown. The Delhi wakf board, which administers over 200 mosques in the city, has asked the imams to broadcast the official guidelines for coronavirus containment through loudspeakers during Ramazan.