People just don't know. It is so difficult for people who want to pray, having lived all their lives considering it as the most correct and pious thing to do, that just cannot be wrong, to be told not to do it. I understand the Muslims' feelings. They are not like Hindus or Christians who can look at church or temple praying as somewhat discretionary in a crunch. Not Muslims. It is their ultimate duty to do it, and perhaps to do it together too (I don't know the scriptural prescriptions). They will try to beat up people trying to stop them, as it is THAT important for them.
The Muslim leaders and scriptural experts need to get going, and immediately tell people, issuing Fatwahs and doing whatever they can, that they need to stop. That, to save themselves from disease is also their own duty. That certain kinds of worship activities and community activities can be very harmful to them.
But, as we always see, religious leaders are the worst, and they never listen to scientific or logical reasoning. But something needs to come from within the Islamic community. 2892 cases in India, and probably 2400 (easily) are Muslims. while they are only 15 percent of the population. Come on. This is so sad.
