Getting more worshippers than allowed
WORSHIPPERS are flocking to the historic Juma Musjid in Dr Yusuf Dadoo (Grey) Street since the easing of the restrictions on religious gatherings.
AV Mohamed, the chairman of the mosque, said they were adhering to the restrictions of 1 000 people indoors for religious gatherings and were following all the other Covid-19 protocols. “We have been Covid-19 compliant from day one. In fact, my mosque was the first to close officially in the province because we found the safety of our people was very important.”
Mohamed said the mosque had remained closed for most of 2020.
“There were only six people who were able to pray five times a day at the mosque. This included the imam and staff for eight months. Even when it was announced that 50 people could be allowed at places of worship, we still did not open up to the public. It was only when the numbers increased to between 100 to 250 that we opened. However, this was provided that the worshippers wore masks, sanitised at the entrance, had their temperatures taken, and carried their own prayer mats.”
Mohamed said the greatest challenge was having to turn worshippers away.
“It was sad to do this. The mosque used to get about 1 500 worshippers during each of
the daily prayers during the week and more than 3 000 for the Friday prayer.
“The pandemic also placed further strain on security, management and worshippers’ emotions. Some worshippers were upset and said it was the house of God. They questioned how they could be restricted from praying. But we are governed by protocol and nothing else could be done. However, it was sad to turn away regular worshippers.”
Mohamed said that with the easing of restrictions, a large number of worshippers had returned to the mosque.
“This is since the recent easing of the restrictions. However, we are still following all the protocols and allow between 900 to 1 000 worshippers, while ensuring social distancing is maintained. We are, however, still getting more than the maximum number and have had to turn people away.”
Mohamed said his prayer and hope for the new year was to return to normality.
“I hope there is no longer this pandemic, so the restrictions and national disaster which are governing the Covid-19 protocols can finally come to an end. Until then, we cannot afford to lower our guard, and we have to respect the protocols. People must still be on guard, and not only look at their best interest but that of others as well.”