New Delhi, Apr 7 (IANS): Amid the nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus scare, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said that the Central Waqf Council has asked state Waqf Boards to appeal to Muslims to observe the lockdown during Shab-e-Barat festival on April 8 and 9.

He said the Boards will also appeal to the people to cooperate with authorities in observing social distancing norms.

Naqvi pointed out that various religious leaders and organisations representing the Muslims have already appealed to the community members to observe lockdown during the festival on April 8 and 9.

Shab-e-Barat is celebrated by the Muslim by lighting mosques and preparing special dishes and praying to seek forgiveness for their sins.

"The whole country is observing a lockdown and any carelessness on our part can increase the problems for our family, our society and the nation," the Minister said.

Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Ahmed Bukhari said: "The Muslims have to pray on Shab-e-Barat. Nowhere is it said that they have to visit mosques or throng the streets. Stay in your homes and pray. Take all precautions.

"In normal times, the faithful in thousands gather at the Jama Masjid, while hundreds throng the streets outside and indulge in even sloganeering. However, this time, the country is facing the coronavirus crisis and we have to be careful."

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind leader Mahmood Madni has also appealed to the Muslims in India to remain indoors and pray and read the Quran. He emphasised the need to maintain social distancing and said nothing that endangers personal safety and violates the law of the land and ‘shariyat' should be done.

The Delhi Police had also on Sunday advised people not to come out of their homes to celebrate Shab-e-Barat in view of the coronavirus crisis and warned of stern action against lockdown violators.