Manchester's Central Mosque has become the first major mosque in the region to suspend Jummah prayers this week to help stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Whilst other mosques announced only restrictions.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) this week called for the suspension of all congregational activities at UK mosques and Islamic centres. 

This advice was not taken on board by some mosques whilst others have suspended prayers on advice of their own clerics.

All mosques were urging anyone (of any age) who has symptoms (constant cough or temperature) not come to masjid at all. They are also encouraging worshippers to pray at home and stopped the use of the wudu area.

Worshippers were also told not to shake hands after prayers.

Manchester Central Mosque, Victoria Park said in a statement, "MCM will not hold Friday Prayers / gatherings (Jummah Prayers) until further notice. As a result, brothers and sisters are advised to pray Zhur prayers at home instead. Masjid Madrassa will be closed with immediate effect until further notice.

"All other activities including lectures/weekends courses/darse Quran/mahafil zikr/khatme Quran/consumption of food will be suspended until further notice.

"Funeral prayers will be offered at the cemetery'

"All other prayers will be offered in the masjid as normal only in the designated areas."

Jummah prayers are continuing elsewhere in the North West

Zakariya Mosque in Bolton announced they closed the madrassah on Tuesday.

The Madina Mosque Oldham urged worshippers not to attend the msoque if they had pre-existing health conditions.

Masjide Raza and Madina Jamia Mosques in Blackburn said Jummah prayers would be restricted.

A statement read, "Please do wudu at home. Don’t use masjid toilets.
"Jumah: no speech just come 10 minutes before farz for khutbah and farz.(pray sunnahs at home). Raza Masjid juma is 1:00/ Madina Masjid 1:15
"Avoid shaking hands after Namaz."

Masjide Anisul Islam said Jummah prayers would take place but peoiple were asked to perform their nafl and Sunnah prayers at home. The mosque would be open from 12.45pm to 1.30pm.

Meanwhile the  Jamia Ghosia Mosque on Chester, Blackburn said a special speech by   Hafiz Usman regarding covid-19. 'It is requested for all brothers to turn up in good time as this concerns the community.'

Central Mosque Rochdale were holding two Jummah prayers and advised EVERYONE to bring their own towel or prayer mat.

Madressa closures

The Quwwatul Islam in Preston said, "Madrasah Closure - following the guidence from the Department of Education, we will close after Madrasah on Friday 20 March 2020 until further notice."

The Abu Hanifah Foundation in Blackburn closed their classes on March 18.

The Lancashire Council of Mosque advised that mosques close classes. 

The Rochdale Council of Mosques advised their members to follow NHS guidelines to help stop the spread of coronavirus