Who is popular today?

Religious leaders were not alarmed by the 25 per cent reduction in capacity at places of worship. This latest restriction will last until May 16.
On Wednesday, at the Health Ministry’s virtual media conference, Minister Terrence Deyalsingh announced that the change was among several that would be implemented from midnight on April 21.
Other changes included no public gatherings for entertainment or concerts; only ten people to attend weddings and funerals; and public servants will revert to a rotation system for working from their offices.
Rahimool Hosein, general secretary at the Anjuman Sunnat ul Jamaat Association (ASJA), one of the country’s largest Muslim organisations, said this change was not a problem for the Islamic community.
He told Newsday as the Health Ministry has recorded increased covid19 cases over the past couple of weeks, ASJA supported the rationale behind the decision.
“We are very grateful for these concessions the government has given, after taking into consideration that there is a new strain of the virus among us and increasing cases daily.
“It is better than last year, where we faced a complete lockdown. So we are abiding and co-operating with the covid19 protocols laid out by the government.”
This month, the Muslim community is observing Ramadan, which started on April 13. It is a time when Muslims fast in preparation for Eid ul Fitr. Usually, at the end of daily fasting they gather at the masjid for prayers and communal meals, but this will not happen again this year.
Last year, covid19 restrictions prevented gatherings and many Muslims observed their practices at home.
Hosein said each masjid was in charge of regulating its congregation and noted that none of the facilities will be closed during Ramadan.
“Each masjid will decide their intake, in keeping with the 25 per capacity allowed. Of course, if anyone comes, they will not be turned away and provisions will be made to accommodate them. Certainly, though we will not be in direct contravention of the covid19 health protocols.
“Like last year, we are asking our Muslim sisters very politely to decline coming to the masjids at this time and give way to the men. The prayer must be done physically with the imam. We have looked at providing the sermons through virtual means, but the prayer must be done in person.”
Head of the Inter-Religious Organisation Dean Knolly Clarke said the IRO too had no objections to the reduced capacity.
He told Newsday on Wednesday afternoon, “We are listening to the scientific justifications and are guided by that. There is no point in objecting if it means our congregations are safe.”
The post Religious groups: We’ll abide by new restrictions appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.