‘Ostracize those involved in act, high time for Moulvis, Imams, civil society members to play role’
Srinagar, July 20: Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Monday appealed to the people no to object to the burial of those who die due to COVID-19 pandemic in local graveyards as the move is totally against the basic tenets of Islam and the principles of humanity.
Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Mufti Nasir said that he has received scores of complaints from the locals of various areas of Srinagar where it is being stated that the COVID-19 victims, who die due to the pandemic in various hospitals in Srinagar, are later denied burial in their respective graveyards.
“I couldn’t sleep for the whole night after coming to know that our own Muslim brothers are objecting to the burial of those who die of COVID-19 in graveyards. I received complaints on phone and also various delegations visited my office seeking my opinion on the issue,” he said.
Mufti Nasir told KNO that there is no opinion or a need to announce a fatwa. “My question to those who are not allowing the burial of COVID-19 positive patients in local graveyards is that are we supposed to burn the bodies of people who die of this pandemic. Has humanity died? Aren’t we Muslims,” he asked in a strong tone.
“What treatment should be meted out to those who object to burial of COVID-19 patients, if they themselves die of the same virus? Should they be burnt on wooden logs?”
He urged people across Kashmir to wake up and instead of objecting to the burial of COVID-19 patients, facilitate the burial while following proper guidelines which include wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The Grand Mufti also appealed to the Moulvis, Imams, Khateebs across Kashmir to make people aware of some fringe elements who are trying to add more salt to the injury of those who lose their dear ones due to the deadly pandemic, by objecting the burial in local graveyards.
“It’s the prime responsibility of Moulvis, Imams, Khateebs and all the responsible people to ensure that whosoever dies of COVID-19, is given a proper burial in their respective graveyards. Those who object should be ostracized as they are not humans but elements trying to divide the Kashmiri society,” Mufti Nasir said.
