Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz on Thursday urged the people to offer Zohr prayers at their homes instead of the weekly Friday gatherings at mosques.

Addressing a press conference after a CII meeting in Islamabad, Qibla Ayaz stressed the need for adopting precautionary measures but advised against spreading fear.

He, however, said the people should be allowed to attend the funeral prayers of those dying because of coronavirus, as he called for burying the bodies with respect.

Qibla suggested the media to use “martyr” for those died from the coronavirus.

He also advised against targeting the Tableeghi Jamaat. “I urge people to ensure all the preventive measures besides observing social distancing,” Qibla said, and added that the coronavirus is not specific to any religion or sect.

“Don’t use the word “killed” for those who lost their lives from the infection. Instead use “martyr” for them.”

The CII head asked the people to help the government with money and suggested that the mosques should be declared community centres.

Qibla Ayaz said the meeting expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by the government in connection with the public prayers, adding that the coronavirus had nothing to do with any sect or school of thought.

Earlier, a CII meeting was held with Qibla Ayaz in the chair. The members attending the special session via video link discussed different issues including the Friday prayers, daily prayers at mosques and the burial of the coronavirus victims.

The purpose of the meeting was to formulate a joint stance on all the issues generated by the pandemic.

It is worth noting that the Sindh government has announced a blanket lockdown tomorrow (Friday) from 12pm to 3pm with an aim to stop the Friday prayers at mosques.

It had banned the weekly gatherings at mosques with a view to stop the spread of virus which is claiming thousands of lives around the globe.

It is in line with the steps taken by Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other countries which have banned daily and Friday prayers at mosques.