Ramadan During Covid-19 in U.K..

Ramadan in the Era of Coronavirus in UK:

The London Central Mosque

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Ramadan Mubarak Ramadan Kareem to all of you. The Ist Day of Ramadan 1441 Hijri is on Friday, the 24^th of April, 2020 both in the Haramain, (Grand Mosque in Makkah al-Mukarramah and the Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah al-Munawwarah) as well as in the United Kingdom. But unlike previous years, this year the celebration of Ramadan will be different, because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thus the 24^th April 2020 marks the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan, when two billion Muslim across the globe will spend thw next four weeks fasting, praying and reflecting on life in their communities.

Ramadan is usually a time of breaking fast together, prayer together and spending hours with family and friends, but with mosques shut and social distancing measures set to continue, the long lasting traditions will be scrapped, said Muslim Council of Britain.

This year the Ramadan prayers will be at home. This is due to the decisions already taken worldwide for isolation and social distancing. Both the Governments of the United Kingdom and that of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have taken the decision to fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Mosques Emergency Plan of Action: Suspension

of all activities of congregational prayers

As early as 18 March 2020 the Mosque authority of the UK has taken the decision to suspend all activities and congregational prayers including Jumaah prayers.     Coordination Council of Mosques consisting of 22 Islamic Centres and Mosques of the  United Kingdom has taken the following Mosques Emergency Plan of Action: immediate suspension of activities and congregational prayers. It said to cancel all major activities at their mosques with immediate effect from 18 March 2020 as a temporary measure. This includes:

-          Jumu’ah prayers

-          Daily Congregational prayers

-          Madrasah and educational classes, conferences and other regular activities.

Statement from the Coordination Council of Mosques

The statement said as follows:

“The recently declared pandemic of COVID-19 has gripped the world in fear and hysteria; however, such a generational event presents a unique opportunity of spiritual introspection for a believer, rather than the emotion, which gives rise to frenzied, irrational conduct.

“Pondering the Qur’an, we find that Allah ta’ala reassures us that life is ultimately dependent upon Him. When misfortune strikes, the fragile nature of life becomes ever apparent, and we tend to forget that it is Allah ta’ala who gives life and causes death; and that none, save Him, can do so. We find that Allah ta’ala emphasis that all that transpires in existence does so at His decree:

“Say, ‘Never will happen to us except what Allāh has decreed for us; He is our Protector.’ And upon Allah let the believers place their trust/reliance.” [9:51]

“In addition, we are ever reminded that in times of calamity and adversity, ultimate saviour lies in returning, repenting and humbling ourselves before His Majesty:

 “Then why, when Our punishment came to them, did they not humble themselves? But their hearts became hardened, and Satan made attractive to them that which they were doing.” [6:43]

“Following the latest rulings (fatwa's) from many reputable scholars, several Shari'ah Boards, as well as the latest UK governmental guidance and advice from medical organisations, the undersigned mosques have taken the unprecedented and difficult move to suspend all congregational services and activities. This is a decision that was not taken lightly and has been done to prevent the further spread of the virus in our mosques and the UK at large, with the foremost being the protection of the elderly and vulnerable amongst our communities.

“All mosques and faith institutions have a duty of care towards their communities. A unanimously agreed upon legal maxim in the Shari’ah states that: preservation of life takes precedence over the public commission of significant acts of worship, as well as the principle: Harm is to be removed. For these reasons, the undersigned are cancelling all major activities at their mosques, effective from the date of this statement, as a temporary measure. This includes:

· Jumu’ah prayers

· Daily congregational prayers

· Madrasah and educational classes, conferences and other regular lectures.

“We ask everyone to pray salah at home, this includes Jumu’ah, which should be replaced with the normal dhuhr (mid-day prayer consisting of 4 raka’at) prayer. Our mosques and Islamic centres shall ensure that telephone and online consultations with imams are regularly available during this period. We heavily advise communities to resort to their local Mosques and established organisations for Islamic advice and rulings. We also urge them to heed governmental advice regarding social interactions and precautions, all with the aim of reducing and containing the spread of the virus- both of which are ethical and Islamic objectives and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.

The onset of mass self-isolation gives the opportunity to reconnect with Allah Ta’ala in moments of seclusion rarely gifted in today’s world, allowing us to rediscover the Qur’an in preparation for Ramadan, praying Jama'ah with our family or performing additional acts of worship that have been largely ignored. We should also seek to serve our community and the creation in a safe manner, reducing risk to the vulnerable in our communities and observing the communal, collective obligation of assisting one another, with affection and compassion.

Ramadan in the Islamic Cultural

Centre & London Central Mosque

Now the month of Ramadan arrives on Friday, 24^th of April, 2020.The Islamic Cultural Centre has issued the following announcement regarding the Ramadan in the Era of Covid-19 in the Islamic Cultural Centre & London Central Mosque:

“Ramadan at Home

Dear Honourable Muslims: This year, we will welcome the blessed month of Ramadan in a very difficult time as the world is facing a unusual challenge i.e. the spread of coronavirus [COVID-19], a pandemic disease. 

“Therefore, mosques are closed and Muslims will not be able to attend congregational prayers during this blessed month. However, they can still do these prayers and worships with the family at home. They will hopefully get the same reward. In Islam, difficulties and calamities are destined by God Almighty. The Messenger of God [pbuh] said, "There is no trouble that comes to a believer except that it removes some of his sins..."

“Amid the current global crisis the world is facing, it is important for Muslims to counter this pandemic through undertaking the necessary policies and following medical instructions announced by NHS for protection and treatment. It is important to stay at home, keep the required distance when you pray at home in order to protect yourself and others.

“Finally, adhering to all medical procedures and health protective measures is required and Muslims must put their trust in God that He will remove the harm, cure the patients and immensely reward them in this world and the hereafter. There is no need to panic, it is better to occupy yourself with making worship as much as you can.”

Announcement of the beginning of

The blessed month of Ramadan

 The Islamic Cultural Centre & the London Central Mosque Trust announced the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan from Friday 24^th of April, 2020.

Ramadan Timetable

Ramadan Timetable 2020 of the Islamic Cultural Centre & London Central Mosque is now available. But due to the coronavirus epidemic, this year the Centre  cannot print the timetable, but you can still download your copy (PDF) by clicking on the link or image.: