THE Muslim congregation of Redditch Central Mosque prayed its final Jumu’ah prayer together on Friday, March 20, amid coronavirus fears, writes Shazad Hussain.
After its completion, staff confirmed all prayers at the mosque had been cancelled until further notice.
The Islamic place of worship was one of the few Mosques in the country to continue performing the weekly Jumu’ah prayer and worshippers were grateful for that as they left.
Speaking on Friday, the chairman of Redditch Central Mosque Raf Hussain said: “A majority decision was made by management to allow Friday prayers to carry on because we are the largest Mosque in the Worcestershire area and a lot of people rely on us.
“It was essential to use today to notify the public and hopefully they can pass on the valuable information to their families and friends because this is a religious issue as well as a safety issue.”
The Mosque’s plan to minimise the risk of Covid-19 was in full play during Friday prayers as staff members wore masks and gloves while tissues and hand sanitisers were also provided. People with temperatures were not allowed in and physical contact with others was prohibited.
Many of the daily activities the Mosque provides for the community such as Imam services as well as to its students at the Madrasah have also been cancelled.
The Mosque has asked parents of students to ensure their children continue revising at home to maintain their knowledge.
Funeral services have stopped too, and the Mosque has recommended in cases of bereavement people should stay away from visiting each other as this increases the chances of catching the virus.
The chairman added there is a very strong likelihood the Government’s instruction to refrain from large social gatherings will still be in effect come Ramadan.
The sacred Islamic month begins on April 23 but with the Muslim Council of Britain calling for the suspension of all congregational activities at UK Mosques it means that Tarawih prayers could be cancelled too.
As a result the Mosque has issued electronic prayer timetables for worshippers to follow and pray at the correct times.
In the meantime, the Mosque has said it will continue to provide help and support to those who require it.
“Anybody who needs any sort of help can contact the management team and we’ll endeavour to help them with food, medicine and transport,” said Mr Hussain.
“We’re prepared to help any community regardless of race or religion, any member of the public in Redditch and provide assistance free of charge.”
Contact on 07312 000 070 or [email protected] regarding general enquiries, emergencies or bereavement cases.
