Worshippers felt emptiness while away from mosque
WORSHIPPERS at the Musjidur Rahmaan Mosque in Durban North are grateful to resume to normal prayer.
Yusuf Desai, a trustee at the mosque, also referred to as the Mosque of the Most Merciful, said even with the relaxed rules, they were still following strict Covid-19 protocols.
The mosque, which opened four years ago, has seen worshipper numbers drop rapidly from 200 to 50 a day since the start of the pandemic. But Desai said the numbers were expected to increase.
“The past two years of Covid disruptions have affected our numbers in terms of regular devotees. Many opted to pray and worship in the confines of their homes. However, there were many who also felt that the mosque was the safest and cleanest public place anyone could pray in. This is because thorough and stringent ablution areas are designated at the entrances of every mosque, which in turn minimises any infection and contamination.
Our attendees prior to Covid averaged 200 per day. At the height of Covid, it dwindled to an average of 50 per day.”
Desai said the numbers have increased in recent weeks, and worshippers were happy to be back.
“Many have shared their experiences of a sense of emptiness when they were absent from the mosque. Many now feel that the mosque is like an oasis in the middle of a parched desert. It provides a sense of tranquillity, peace, serenity and mercy from the Almighty.
“The greatest challenge was the concern about devotees not attending mosque and the attempt to allay fears that the mosque could never be a spreader of the virus because precautionary measures were in place. Strict Covid protocols were followed and, most importantly, sickness and health ultimately is in the control of the Almighty.
"Mosques are regarded as gardens of the Almighty. Therefore, there can be no better place to supplicate and seek the Almighty’s help and guidance,” he said.