AIMIM’s Waris Pathan Offers Eid Namaz On Mumbai Road Amid Row In Meerut (Video)

Mumbai: AIMIM leader Waris Pathan extended his wishes to citizens across the country on Monday, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, stating, “I want to wish Eid Mubarak to all the citizens of the country… Today, we offered our prayers on the road.”

Pathan was seen hugging Mumbai Police Zone 3 DCP Dattatray Kamble, exchanging Eid greetings, and participating in Namaz prayers on the road. Large congregations gathered at Malad Malwani Jama Masjid, where over a thousand worshippers prayed in the streets, marking the grand celebration of Eid.

The crescent moon, sighted the previous night, signalled the end of Ramzan, leading millions of Muslims across India to mosques and prayer grounds on Monday morning to perform Namaz. Mumbai saw massive crowds gathering in mosques, with families and friends uniting to celebrate the festive occasion.

Controversy Over ‘Namaz On Roads’

While Mumbai witnessed widespread Eid prayers on roads, a controversy erupted following a directive by the Uttar Pradesh Police in Meerut, warning against unauthorised roadside prayers. The administration, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s BJP-led government, issued a stern warning on March 27, just a day before Alvida Jummah (the last Friday of Ramadan 2025). The police stated that violators could face passport cancellations and revocation of driving licenses if they were caught offering Namaz in public spaces without prior approval.

Owaisi Criticises Meerut Police Directive

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticised the warning issued by Meerut’s police chief, calling it ‘discriminatory.’ Addressing a gathering at Hyderabad’s historic Mecca Masjid on March 28, Owaisi condemned the move and accused the administration of double standards.

“A top cop in Meerut said that those found offering Namaz on roads will have their passports and gun licenses canceled. But if Hindus walk on the roads as Kanwariyas, you shower them with flowers from a helicopter. This is your justice system,” Owaisi remarked, drawing a parallel between the police crackdown on Muslims and their public display of reverence towards Hindu pilgrims.

Eid al-Fitr, meaning the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast,’ is a joyous occasion celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. After a month of abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours, Eid marks a moment of festivity, gratitude, and unity for Muslims worldwide.