No congregational prayers at mosques

It means there will be no Jummah (Friday) prayers at mosques this week.

The new restrictions indicate that places of worship in England must close for congregational worship but can remain open for ‘individual prayer’. Since re-opening religious buildings have made huge efforts to enforce government restrictions. The status of evening madrasa classes was unclear but further advice last night stated that these classes must also be suspended.

The Lancashire Council of Mosques (LCM) had joined other organisations to call for an urgent review of new lockdown restrictions on places of worship.

The LCM said they will be updating their advice on madressas later today.

The Government advice on out of school activities says, “Out-of-school activities may continue to operate for the purposes of respite care, including for vulnerable children.

“Out-of-school activities that are primarily used by home educating parents as part of their arrangements for their child to receive a suitable full-time education (which could include, for example, tuition centres, supplementary schools, or private tutors) may also continue to operate for the duration of the national restrictions.

“Youth support services, including 1-1 youth work and support groups, may also continue to operate.

“These settings should continue to undertake risk assessments and implement the system of controls set out in the protective measures for holiday clubs and after-school clubs and other out-of-school clubs for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak guidance. Providers of youth services and activities should also refer to the National Youth Agency’s guidance for managing youth sector spaces and activities during COVID-19, where it is relevant to do so.”

Most notably it adds, “All other out of school activities, not being primarily used by parents for these purposes, should close for face-to-face provision for the duration of the national restrictions.”

Earlier this week Harun Khan, Secretary General of the MCB, said: “A new national lockdown will have ramifications for us all. We must continue to work together to find the most effective ways to keep everyone safe, support our NHS and saves lives. It is disappointing the Prime Minister did not mention the impact on places of worship, leaving Muslims and other faith communities with inadequate guidance. Clarity must be provided as a matter of urgency.”

He added: “Imams, mosques, Islamic associations, charities and the army of volunteers that support them have played – and are continuing to play – a crucial role in filling the gap by providing spiritual, social and welfare support for all communities. The second wave will in many ways be harder than the first – we pray for patience, fortitude, and unity across the nation in the difficult weeks ahead.”

Faith Associates have produced what is and is not permissible during this lockdown for Mosques and Madrassahs with key support information.