Muslim clerics in Lucknow, including the imam of Lucknow Eidgah, have advised mosques to arrange Friday prayers around 2 PM instead of 12 PM.
The official notice was issued by Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, who is the chairman of the Islamic Centre of India and also a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. In his statement, he said that since Holi celebrations usually continue until 1 PM, Muslims should shift Friday prayers timings.
This decision comes after the controversial remarks passed by a cop from Sambhal who asked Muslims to stay at home if they had issues with Holi colours.
During the peace committee discussions, after a mutual agreement about Holi and Friday prayers, it was decided that Holi celebrations must conclude at 2:30 to facilitate Muslims to go to prayers.
The mosques are now set to hold prayers at 2 PM. However, in Sambhal, since Hindus are celebrating Holi until 2:30 PM, Muslims will start going to nearby masjids after 2:30. Meanwhile, Provincial Armed Constabulary have been deployed to maintain law and order in the area.
However, in Muslim localities, the prayer timings will remain the same, confirmed Maulana Mufti Shahbuddin Razvi from Bareilly. He also advised Muslims to avoid going out for at least four hours during Holi celebrations.
