Mosques advised to stay shut despite change in guidelines
MOSQUES in Leicester will not be reopening with other places of worship from Monday, even though this will be permitted by the government.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced on Sunday that places of worship will be permitted to open next Monday, though for individual prayer only and with social distancing measures in place.
In response, the Federation of Muslim Organisations, based in Leicester, has announced that although it welcomes the “positive step towards supporting faith communities”, affiliated mosques will stay closed.
Suleman Nagdi, pictured, spokesman for the federation, said: “We are of the view the decision does not go far enough in accommodating the religious requirements of the Muslim community and other faith groups for whom a mosque or a public place of worship’s primary purpose is to facilitate led congregational or communal prayers.”
The updated guidance for places of worship still restrict congregational prayer. This means daily prayers in the mosque would still be restricted and Jummah (Friday prayers) would not be able to go ahead.
Mr Nagdi said: “We believe the decision as it stands is impractical to manage for mosque committees that are largely made up of dedicated volunteers and will cause confusion and further dismay to worshippers who may misinterpret the guidance as the resumption of congregational prayers.”
Mr Nagdi paid tribute to Muslims,
whom he said “have shown incredible patience, resilience and extraordinary generosity to the wider community over the course of the pandemic”.
He said: “Clearly, we are all treading in unchartered territory, with new information emerging on almost a daily basis.
“We will, therefore, continue to assess events as they unfold and review our position accordingly in liaison with our affiliates and the relevant authorities to work towards the reopening of mosques in a safe and measured way.
“However, preservation of life must be at the forefront of any local decisions.
“So in the meantime, we strongly recommend all mosques across the city and county remain closed for congregational prayers and gatherings until the government has confirmed a date and issued clear guidance in relation to facilitating congregational prayers in public places of worship.”
Guidelines define individual prayer as one person or household entering a venue to pray on their own.