Namazees heave a sigh of relief at Mecca Masjid

Charminar: For the first time after the repair and renovation works were taken up at the Mecca Masjid, the devout praying in gallery had a sigh of relieve from the hot sun.

After the authorities raised temporary shelter to the namazis, most of them were able to pray avoiding direct radiation from the sun.

Following a news report 'Namaz in hot sun at Mecca Masjid' published in The Hans India on March 11, the management of the Mecca Masjid took note of the increased temperature in the summer and installed temporary shelters.

The story highlighted the challenge being faced by the Namazis, particularly during Friday prayer even as the mercury levels soared.

It pointed out that the roofing which provided shelter to devout attending prayers at Mecca Masjid remains yet to be installed, even as the repair works hit top gear.

Namazis at open-air gallery had to pray in hot sun on the second Friday of the month of March, as the mercury levels touched new high.

Even though repair and renovation works picked up pace after the recent visit of Advisor to Government (Minority Affairs), A K Khan, several namazis complained about lack of roof at the gallery during the prayers, even as summer started. Earlier temporary roofing protected the devout during different seasons, but to repair work being undertaken they were removed and are yet to be installed.

"At Mecca Masjid namazis are facing problems while praying under open sky. Even though summer has started but still no arrangements have been made to prevent from sun's radiation. Earlier shade was provided to offer namaz as thousands pray here," said one of the devotees.

On February 28, Khan visited the historic mosque to assess the progress of repair work and take stock of renovation works being undertaken by the Government and Minority Welfare Department.