"It is vital we continue to follow Government guidelines" says Greater Manchester Mayor

The Greater Manchester Council of Mosques is advising followers to adhere to Government guidance by worshipping from home and avoiding praying in large groups during the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed worldwide by Muslims as a month for fasting. It is believed to be the month when the Holy Quran was revealed and honours the values at the heart of Islam, such as compassion and service to others.

Mosques are at the centre of activities associated with Ramadan meaning partaking in religious rituals will be challenging for many, following the temporary closure of places of worship and suspension of congregational prayers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Together with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, The Greater Manchester Council of Mosques, an umbrella organisation which represents mosques around Greater Manchester, is advising people to perform daily prayers at home and not participate in the extra late evening congregational Taraweeh prayers in the mosque to help stop the further spread of COVID-19 and help save lives.

Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, spokesperson for The Greater Manchester Mosque Council, said: “We understand that this will be a challenging time for many people within the Muslim communities and the mosques and is a significant sacrifice but the situation we find ourselves and across the country is unprecedented and requires an extraordinary response.

“The Coronavirus pandemic has affected each and every one of us and we would like to thank all those who have followed government guidelines – it is great to see communities coming together to do their bit to support the NHS and the vulnerable.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “We understand that Ramadan is a time when family and friends come together and that Mosques are very much at the centre of that, however it is vital that we continue to follow Government guidelines. We must do this to protect ourselves, our families, our communities, the NHS and to help save lives by preventing the spread of this infection.

“Key agencies and emergency services are doing everything we can to play our part to protect you and your loved ones, but we need to get through this together, as a community. Please don’t socialise beyond the immediate people that you live with. Please don’t participate in other social gatherings inside or outside, no matter how small or big.

“Finally, I would like to wish our Muslim community a happy Ramadan.”

Article Published: 21/04/2020 17:25 PM