SRINAGAR: In the wake of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and appeals to avoid large gatherings, the Jamiat-ul-Ahlihadees in Kashmir on Thursday decided not to hold the mandatory Friday prayers across the Union territory till March 31. Similar steps were taken by the Muslim community in Lucknow and Mumbai too.The Jamiat said in a press statement that the decision has been taken according to the teachings and principals of Islam. Devotees can offer prayers at home, it added. In Lucknow, Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad on Thursday announced that Friday prayers will not be offered at the Asafi mosque in Bada Imambara till March 31. Jawad also appealed to Imams of other states to cancel Friday prayers for the next two weeks. Sunni cleric Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangimahali had appealed to the elderly and the sick to pray at home and avoid visiting mosques.While the Haji Ali and Mahim Dargahs in Mumbai have been closed till further notice.