Ban on chairs in mosques sparks outrage in Bangladesh

Fatwa by Islamic institute deems chairs to be 'illegal'.

Dhaka:  A ban on the use of chairs in mosques has sparked outrage in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, with critics terming it “incorrect” and exclusionary to the elderly and disabled.

The Islamic Foundation of Bangladesh, an autonomous government institute under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, issued the fatwa on May 31, saying Muslims can use Janamaz (prayer mats) in the mosques, but use of chairs is “illegal”.

“Nowhere in Islamic history and traditions was the use of chairs in mosques accepted. Muslims can say prayers standing, sitting and kneeling, but not on the chair,” said Mufti Muhammad Abdullah, an official from the Research Wing of the foundation.

For the sick and disabled persons it is not mandatory to attend mosques for prayers, he said.

“Once Prophet Muhammad was hurt after falling down from the back of a horse, but he sat on the floor of the mosque to say prayers although there were chairs,” he added. “Moreover, chairs spoil the beauty of the mosques.”

The move has drawn criticism from others in government as well as Muslim clerics.

Local media reported that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said she was “stunned” by the fatwa during a weekly cabinet meeting and termed it “incorrect”, noting that she also offers prayers on chairs during flights.

In Bangladesh, Muslims traditionally kneel on the floor to pray. However, in recent years, many of the country’s half million mosques have allowed elderly and infirm devotees to offer prayers on chairs.

“This is an incorrect and exaggerated decision,” said Mufti Ainul Islam, head imam of the Hizbul Bahar Jame mosque and principal of a madrassa in Dhaka.

“Allah is omnipotent and no matter what position we use, He will listen to our prayers. The foundation has taken a strict line on the issue unnecessarily,” the cleric said.

“The move will deprive and discourage the elderly and sick people from joining mosques for prayers.”

Source: ucanews.com