A joint religious decree issued under Pakistan Ulema Council has appealed the people to say Assalam-o-Alaikum to greet one another and avoid shaking hands and hugging to contain spread of coronavirus.

The statement said guiding principles of Islamic Sharia should be followed to get rid of the pandemic.

Keeping in view the worldwide risk of coronavirus, it called for immediate postponement of all religious and political gatherings. It said distance among prayer rows in mosques should be enhanced, while cleanliness be strictly observed at ablution centers and toilets.

The decree suggested to organize Juma prayer on floor without carpets and Friday sermon should be reduced to Arabic only by abolishing the Urdu speech.  

Akram/Abid