LEEDS COUNCIL OF MOSQUES Statement on Re-Opening of Mosques
The government’s announcement to open places of worship from 15 June for individual prayer is welcome. But the decision does not go far enough in recognising the religious practices of the Muslim community.
Mosques are first and foremost used for congregational prayers. Jama’at / congregational prayers even with a small group of people, following social distancing and other preventive measures, will not be allowed in mosques from 15 June.
Accordingly, opening the mosques on 15 June will cause significant challenges for Mosques and Imams as the expectation from the community will be to resume communal worship (Jama’at) for the public.
The Leeds Council of Mosques’ strong advice is for mosques to remain closed until congregational prayers are allowed
Covid-19 is still present and poses a threat to life, with higher cases within BAME communities, and therefore appropriate steps must be taken to minimise risk to health when our mosques do open.
www.leedscm.org.uk