DELHI’s iconic Jama Masjid may have to be closed temporarily in view of COVID -19 situation, says Shahi Imam

The  historic Jama Masjid constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan may have to be closed again in view of the “deteriorating”  COVID-19 pandemic situation in Delhi. Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari told media on Wednesday, June 10 his secretary Amanullah died due to the novel coronavirus at the Safdarjung Hospital on Tuesday night. Delhi recorded 1,366 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday  taking the tally to 31,309, while the death toll mounted to 905, authorities said on Wednesday. “He (Amanullah) had tested positive and was admitted to the Safdarjung Hospital on June 3, where he breathed his last”, Bukhari said. The Shahi Imam said the opinion of the people has been sought on temporarily closing the mosque again in view of the surge in the number of novel coronavirus cases in the national capital. “People are giving their views through social media and other channels on the issue. We may again shut it down for people and limit ‘namaz’ for a few people, in a day or two,” he told media. The mosque had opened on June 8 after a gap of over two months with the government allowing further relaxations as part of “Unlock-1″, the first phase of a calibrated exit from the novel coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown. “I have also asked other smaller mosques to appeal to people to stay at home and offer ‘namaz’ instead of going to mosques for it. What is the point of visiting mosques at such a time when the spread of the coronavirus is peaking in Delhi when we did not do so even during Ramzan and Eid due to the lockdown,” Bukhari said. Traditionally, thousands of Muslims gather every Friday to offer prayer at Jama  Masjid constructed between  1650 and 56   near the Red Fort, India’s capital during the Mughal regime.