President Erdogan of Turkey inaugurating Eco friendly mosque in Cambridge, UK. This was before the pandemic
Source: Arab News
Muslim leaders have urged the government to release clear guidelines to protect the safety of their congregations
LONDON: Muslim leaders in England have called for mosques to remain closed despite the government saying places of worship could open for “individual prayer.”
The plans to reopen churches, mosques and synagogues have been criticised by imams, who say they fail to take into account that prayers at mosques almost always take place in groups.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Tuesday the easing of restrictions for places of worship. Private prayer can take place from June 15, but weddings and other group activities will be restricted until at least July 4.
Imam Qari Asim, chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB), warned that taking this approach could “cause more challenges” due to the congregational nature of worship in mosques.
Imam Asim called on mosques not to reopen until it is safe to do so and they are able to hold congregational prayers.
“The fundamental difference between mosques and some other places of worship is that mosques are first and foremost used for congregational prayers,” he said.
“Individual prayers can be performed anywhere, primarily at homes. Accordingly, opening the mosques on 15 June will cause more challenges for mosques and imams as the expectation from the community will be to resume collective worship.”
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) also expressed concern over the viability and safety of the government’s plan.
Dr. Zia H Shah, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times
Suggested reading by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times
How the Fields of Neurology and Psychology Started in the 19th Century, Out of Religious Dogma
Did God Speak to the Fundamentalists of All Abrahamic Faiths Over the Weekend?
‘God is with us’: Many Muslims in Pakistan flout the coronavirus ban in mosques
When Not Going to Jumma is a Huge Blessing
Maulana Abdul Aziz, 6 others booked for violating govt order
Ultra-Orthodox Israeli town of Bnei Brak under lockdown
Virus Soars Among Ultra-Orthodox Jews as Many Flout Israel’s Rules
India confronts its first coronavirus ‘super-spreader’ — a Muslim missionary group with more than 400 members infected
Pastors sue California governor over coronavirus restrictions on church gatherings
Reading the Quran and the Bible Literally Means Demons and Jinns Will Rule Humans
The Muslim Times has the best collection on the theme of Religion & Science
When religion is dangerous for your health
Categories: Europe, Europe and Australia, Fundamentalism, Islam