Umar Mahmood
Will COVID19 force mosques in UK to close down for all prayers? Here a take by Umar Mehmood, Member, Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education (Lambeth Council), UK
The community was left reeling after news broke that several mosques in the UK had closed their doors in an attempt to delay the spread of the coronavirus. It comes after leading Muslim organisations implored the Mosque trustees and management to think about what the potential impact could be on their communities if they decided to stay open. Indeed, they could be right. To put matters into perspective, a leaked document from Public Health England reveals that they expect up to 80% of the UK population to be infected with COVID-19 in the next 12 month, resulting in a possible 7.9 million people potentially requiring hospitalisation. These statistics bring into sharp focus the need for people to take this seriously.
The corona virus is changing life for Muslims and people are understandably worried. Britain’s Muslims are amongst the hardest hit. Across the world, Muslim leadership (at all levels) are faced with an extremely difficult choice: close mosques to stop the spread of the virus or keep mosques open in observance with their faith by introducing strict safety measures. Morocco, Saudi Arabia, parts of the UK and other countries have implemented a temporary suspension. Both paths have merit and moaque management are taking different routes. Today, religion has become a social and political football for many. However, for those observant of their faith, it is very personal. For some, a way of life and others, a saving grace. Mosques in London, Leicester, Lancashire, Birmingham, Luton and other parts of the country have chosen not to shut their doors and instead have introduced restrictions.
So if the mosques close, what community activities will be affected? Mosques often provide regular prayer facilities, religious classes (Quran, Hadith etc.), marriage facilities (Nikaah), advice, counselling, social gatherings for elderly and the vulnerable, funeral services, community support, health advice and more. Take this away and there is a huge gap in the Muslim community and what they do. A number of mosques in the UK have already dropped several of their additional activities and reduced to a core function of prayers only, some only allowing the Friday Jummah prayers. On the other hand, some have estimated that perhaps up to 10% of UK mosques have only closed their doors completely. These decisions are not easy.
What we should not be doing is shunning or attacking those that are staying open. There are various sources of information being followed; we have to be patient and understanding of their beliefs. Mosques that are staying open are ensuring that strict advice on cleanliness is being followed. The Final Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (pbuh) has always referred to cleanliness and good hygiene, it is in line with many Islamic principles. Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Purity is half of iman (faith).“ [Muslim] Based on this aspect alone, a number of mosques will be taking extraordinary precautions.
Mosques have advised congregants ablution areas will be closed and for worshippers to bring their own prayer mats. They have also taken professional cleaning services for disinfecting the carpets and mosque areas. One Mosque advisor in London said “the local authority have completely failed to engage with us and instead have put out a statement with zero engagement with local mosques. What’s worse is that the councillor leading on it has issued a statement against those remaining open without having considered our opinions. I’m afraid this is not how officials must operate at a time of crisis, when we need outreach and support, they give condemnation and intolerance.”
My request to government, local authorities and representatives:
• Take decisive action and make clear the steps that must be taken — there should be no ambiguity or disparity, all must abide by the same.
• Make all efforts to engage with mosques and Islamic centres to guide and support them.
• Provide solutions and alternatives for them such as offering them support on engaging their congregation digitally.
• Be patient and show understanding for the difficult decisions they will be facing.
• Mosques will be facing similar issues that businesses do: rental issues, lack of income, uncertainty about opening, employees, utility bills and other overheads — they need just as much support as businesses.
My request to trustees and management of mosques:
• Engage with ulema and scholars to find the best solution.
• Engage with leading experts, especially scientists and doctors, to understand the nature and scale of the problem that we are facing.
For scholars in the UK, the divergence in opinion has come from the blanket approach to closure of mosques, as well as the lack of consistency across the board. The government only decided to close schools on Friday 20 March 2020 — perhaps one of the largest of gatherings. It was only in that same week that cinemas and theatres closed down too. According to Muft Shabbir Ahmed of Darul Uloom Bury, we should be taking into account our local circumstances to take action and should respect the decisions being made. The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) penned an open letter to the Muslim community urging them to take into account the seriousness of the disease and the harsh realities of life under coronavirus. BIMA say that there are certain “characteristics that place us at higher risk than the general population” and “specific risk factors for spreading the virus”.
The role of the mosque has developed significantly over the last decade. Many people find the mosque as a source of serenity, strength, comfort and reassurance. It is for many a solution to worldly problems. Without the ability to engage the mosque in a physical capacity, the rock which has formed begins to crumble. It is not without wisdom that Allah (SWT) says in Ar-Rad (verse 28): “… Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured…” and although this may be done at any time and any place, the mosque is perhaps best suited for people. Whichever path is chosen, the community understands that with the right intention, steered by our faith and good reason, Allah (SWT) will protect us.
The author is Member, Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education (Lambeth Council), and Advisor to Forum for International Development, UK
