It almost beggars belief that a certain prayer leader in Karachi defied the strict official lockdown, went ahead with Friday prayers – a large number of people reportedly took part – and even incited people to attack the police. Four people including the imam were duly arrested when a large police contingent later arrived to confront the violent mob. In doing so, once again a large number of people was forced to mingle, completely unnecessarily, only increasing the chances of the coronavirus spreading even further. One wonders how authorities can succeed in this extremely serious fight for all our lives, and how religious leaders can effectively lend a much needed hand, when individuals and groups on the ground continue to wave the religion card to break the law and put people’s lives in danger. Pakistan is not unique to the lockdown, of course, and mosques and all sorts of sites of religious worship and congregation are closed all around the world. Even the holy cities of Makkah and Medina are under curfew. In these circumstances it shouldn’t be too hard for our average neighbourhood mullah to appreciate the necessity of social distancing. All religions, especially Islam, are about enlightenment, never ignorance. And once all religious leaders have instructed their cadres to stop prayer gatherings in mosques till the mysterious, deadly virus is defeated — since such steps are very much justified by the scripture — then why must some people still feel the need to appear more holy than others?Hopefully this will be the last such episode. Still, perhaps, there is a need for Muslim leaders all around the world to make sure everybody understands just why such extreme measures are necessary at the moment, and how they are completely in keeping with religious doctrine. Time is of the essence in this fight. The purpose of the lockdown is two-fold. One, it should keep the virus from spreading; a purpose which is squarely defeated by people just like the arrested imam and his followers. And two, it should be disciplined and quick because there’s very little depth in the economy. If people just spoil the quarantine and more is required, the economy will implode because there’s just not enough money for another relief package. There must also be a special lesson for inciting violence, that too in the name of religion. These are extraordinary times. And those who do not realise this further endanger the lives of others, and should be dealt with appropriately in the larger interest of everybody. *