LUCKNOW: At least 22 mosques in Lucknow have decided to alter the timing for Juma (Friday prayer) in view of Holi celebrations.
Juma namaz along with the khutba (discourse) held on the day, is offered after 12.30pm at most mosques.
However, in view of the advisory issued by Islamic Centre of India (ICI), at least 22 mosques in the city have decided to shift the time and hold Friday prayers after 1.30pm. These include some of the renowned mosques like the Jama Masjid at Aishbagh Eidgah, Ek Minara Masjid at Akbari Gate, Masjid Shahmina Shah and Masjid Chowk.
While a list of the old and new Juma namaz timings was shared by the ICI, most mosques decided to commence the prayer after 1.30pm. At the Jama Masjid Eidgah the time has been shifted to 2pm from 12.45pm. Similarly, Juma namaz will be held at 1:30 pm at Masjid Shahmina Shah instead of the regular 1 pm.
Earlier, head of ICI, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali had issued an advisory asking mosques to alter the Juma namaz timings so as to maintain peace and amity by avoiding any untoward incident on Holi.
The advisory also asked Muslim men to offer Juma prayers at their neighbourhood mosques on Holi day rather than venturing out to a mosque farther away from home. With Shab-e-Barat also falling on the same day, cleric have also advised Muslims to visit mosques and the graves of their loved one only after the ritual of playing Holi with colours is over.
During a similar situation around four years back when Holi and Shab-e-Barat were both celebrated on the same day, Muslims were asked to exercise caution in celebration of the festival and peace was maintained.
