Coordination Committee for Mosques and Islamic Centres, London
Reopening of Mosques
After months of closure, mosques are looking to reopen. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense hardship and suffering for many. Paramount importance is being given to the wellbeing and safety of returning worshippers and their families.
The government has announced that as of the 4th of July, places of worship may reopen for worship and other activities if deemed COVID-19 safe by their management. This is a welcome news, Alhamdulillah. May Allah make it easy to see off this Pandemic for good with minimum suffering and loss of lives.
But, as much as we welcome the opportunity to re-open our mosques, we take seriously our religious, legal and moral responsibilities for the safety of our worshippers, staff, volunteers, and neighbourhoods.
Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the age-standardised mortality rate is highest amongst Muslims compared to other religious groups [1], and that the mortality rate is highest amongst black and minority ethnic (BAME) groups than other ethnic groups[2].
For us, it is a delicate balance between asking our worshippers to bear with us a little more being away from their beloved mosques and rushing to reopen and subject our community to the risk, albeit small and limited, of COVID-19 infection and potential increase in Islamophobic sentiments.
As people rush to take advantage of the lockdown easing measures going in effect on 4th July, we hope and pray that the COVID-19 transmission rate declines. For now, our mosques will remain closed, but hopefully not one day longer than necessary. We are constantly reviewing our position in light of Government updates and advice from relevant bodies
If the COVID-19 transmission rate remains stable post 4 July, we envisage Mosques may start reopening hopefully very soon.
The Coordination Council of Mosques (and many other Mosques) will reconvene on the evening of Tuesday 7th July 2020 to reassess the date of reopening in light of the recent resurgence of the virus.
and Islamic Centres, London
• Finsbury Park Mosque
• The Islamic Cultural Centre & London Central Mosque
• UKIM West London Islamic Centre
• East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre
• Al Manaar – Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre
• Al Muntada Al Islami & WLICC
• Muslim Welfare House
• Mayfair Islamic Centre
• Masjid Al Tawhid
• Al-Nagashi Mosque & Centre
3 July 2020 / 12 Dhu’l Qa’da’ 1441 AH
References
[1] Coronavirus (COVID-19) related deaths by religious group, England and Wales: 2 March to 15 May, Office for National Statistics (2020). Available: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/articles/coronaviruscovid19relateddeathsbyreligiousgroupenglandandwales/2marchto15may2020
[2] Beyond the data: Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on BAME groups, Public Health England (2020). Available: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/892376/COVID_stakeholder_engagement_synthesis_beyond_the_data.pdf
[3] Staying safe outside your home, UK government (2020). Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home/staying-safe-outside-your-home
[4] Staying alert and safe (social distancing) after 4 July, UK government (2020). Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing-after-4-july
