CONGREGATIONAL RELIGIOUS PRAYERS AMID COVID-19 AND PANDEMIC SPREAD – EVIDENCE FROM SOUTHERN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Purpose of the study: This study explored how opening up mosques amid COVID-19 pandemic may have increased spread chances disease and estimated many individuals, attending post-pandemic had experienced related symptoms in area. Furthermore, it evaluated successful were governmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for congregational prayers protecting masses against its three dimensions 1) citizens’ following SOPs themselves mosques, 2) implementation mosque prayer guidelines by committee 3) imams’ contribution mobilizing society pandemic.
 Methodology: Data collected from 800 respondents between ages 18 to 50 years who going regularly during lockdown using a purposive sampling technique. Descriptive statistics like frequencies percentages calculated. The 15 items self-constructed, piloted questionnaire was used current study.
 Main Findings: study’s findings revealed that religious gatherings played vital role as 66.25% sample communal at felt they contracted because offering mosque. Further, evaluation anti-COVID-19 policy measures namely degree citizen people themselves, prayers’ per announcement committee, imam’s mobilization perception also found be medium level best.
 Applications this gave an idea whether allowance gathering with some anti-COVID case Pakistan useful policy. It provided framework covid-19 policies (SOPs). Finally, could know public response need community stakeholders Islamic Mosque imams on grass-root Novelty/Originality uniqueness is success or failure announced government implement monitor committee. effective local pandemic– indeed missed out institutional means debate fight creating awareness.