Lucknow: In a gesture promoting communal harmony, the Imam of Lucknow Eidgah, Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali, has advised Muslims to adjust the timing of Juma namaz on March 14, which coincides with the festival of Holi. The second Juma of Ramzan falls on the same day as the festival of colors, prompting concerns about smooth movement for worshippers.
A press release from the Islamic Centre of India, where Maulana Khalid Rashid serves as chairman, stated that mosques where Juma prayers are usually held between 12:30 PM and 1 PM may postpone the prayer to 2 PM. The Jama Masjid Eidgah in Lucknow, which hosts the largest gathering for Juma prayers in the city, has already announced that it will hold namaz at 2 PM instead of 12:45 PM.
“We hope that this initiative will strengthen communal amity and national unity, reinforcing our Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb,” Maulana Khalid Rashid stated.
The advisory further suggests that Muslims should offer Juma prayers at their local mosques instead of traveling long distances, as March 14 is a public holiday and Holi celebrations typically continue until the afternoon.
Maulana Khalid Rashid, who is also an executive member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, emphasized that the decision was made to ensure that devotees can pray peacefully without facing any difficulties while commuting.
The move has been welcomed by community leaders and civil society members, who see it as a positive step toward fostering religious harmony. Mosque management committees and imams across the state have been urged to implement the advisory to facilitate a smooth and peaceful observance of both religious events.
