Hyderabad: To counter Covid-19, Muslim religious leaders urged Muslims to practice social distancing, wear masks, and get vaccinated on Friday (May 7th).

They said Covid-19 has affected the entire world, and people are suffering and the death toll is rising, speaking at a virtual panel discussion on “Ramzan – a cross cultural experience” hosted by the US Consulate General Hyderabad.

Deputy Director of Madrasa Al Mahad ul Aali Al Islami, Maulana Mufti Mohammed Omar Abideen, said, “When it comes to saving your health, you should definitely avail every available medical help. And the scientists and experts believe that Covid vaccination is the only solution to beat the virus.”

To prevent the spread of Covid-19, Mufti Mahmood Zubair Qasmi, General Secretary, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, urged Muslims to remain at home and avoid gatherings.

“Please perform prayers at home and don’t gather in large number in the markets for Ramadan shopping,” he pleaded, adding that Islam teaches people to take precautions and practice quarantine in the event of a disease outbreak.

Prof. M.A. Muqtedar Khan of the University of Delaware's Department of Political Science and International Relations urged Muslim clerics to appeal to the community to get vaccinated.

Previous Ramadan Muslims, according to Mufti Zubair, channeled their annual zakat fund to support people affected by the pandemic.

According to David Moyer, Public Affairs Officer at the US Consulate General in Hyderabad, “Over the past two years Muslims of the United States have been tirelessly leading our combined efforts to fight Covid-19, playing a pioneering role in vaccine development, and serving as frontline health care workers.”