On Sunday 1st November, UK largest representative body of Muslims has called for an urgent review of new lockdown restrictions on places of worship.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is reportedly in co-ordination with Mosques, Muslim charities, and Councils of Mosques across the UK after the Government unexpectedly announced a second national lockdown across England. This is in addition to the current restrictions in Wales and Northern Ireland, and regional tier system in Scotland. The MCB has highlighted that the government’s inadequate consultation and poor engagement with faith communities remain a problem as the pandemic endures.
Harun Khan, Secretary General of the MCB, said, “A new national lockdown will have ramifications for us all. We must continue to work together to find the most effective ways to keep everyone safe, support our NHS and saves lives. It is disappointing the Prime Minister did not mention the impact on places of worship, leaving Muslims and other faith communities with inadequate guidance. Clarity must be provided as a matter of urgency.
“Imams, mosques, Islamic associations, charities and the army of volunteers that support them have played – and are continuing to play – a crucial role in filling the gap by providing spiritual, social and welfare support for all communities.”
The new restrictions indicate that places of worship in England must close for congregational worship, but can remain open for ‘individual prayer’. The status of supplementary schools (madrasas) is still unclear. The distinction around individual worship is not straightforward or practical for many mosques, compared to other faith communities.
The MCB and partner organisations are writing to the Government to outline these concerns and call for an urgent evidence-based re-assessment of the status of places of worship, taking into account the societal harms closing them poses.
