Delhi’s Jama Masjid May Be Closed Again; Read Why

New Delhi: Delhi’s iconic Jama Masjid may have to be temporarily shut down again keeping in view the spike in COVID-19 cases in the national capital, Shahi Imam of the mosque Syed Ahmed Bukhari said on Wednesday.

The mosque was opened only two days ago with easing restrictions across the country. The country has been under lockdown since March 25 to check the spread of the deadly coronavirus outbreak.

Bukhari’s decision of shutting down the mosque comes in the wake of a mishap in the wake of Bukhari’s assistant of nearly two decades, 57-year-old Amanullah, losing the battle against COVID-19 on Tuesday night.  He died at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital.

“Amanullah was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on June 3 after he tested COVID-19 positive. He had a heart condition, diabetes and also liver ailment. He was at home for the past three-four months, as he wasn’t keeping well,” Bukhari was quoted as saying by a section of the media.

According to an official in Shahi Imam’s office, he had sought feedback from people on Tuesday night to take a call on temporarily shutting down Jama Masjid till normalcy returns.

“A message was circulated on Tuesday night seeking people’s opinion on the matter. Most people are in favour of shutting down the mosque until the COVID-19 crisis blows over. People are airing their views on social media. A decision on this will be taken later in the day, as consultations are on and other mosques may also follow suit,” the official was quoted as saying.

Around 200 people offered namaz at the Jama Masjid on Monday after it was opened with the easing of lockdown restrictions.