Working together to keep Ramadan worshippers safe

As Eid approaches, leaders of two local mosques have told us what it has meant to them to be able to have Ramadan prayers in the mosque after having to stay closed last year.

The Council’s Public Protection team has supported all mosques in Blackburn with Darwen to carry out risk assessments and put in place adequate Covid-secure measures to keep their congregations safe.

Measures include having smaller numbers in the prayer hall at any one time, maintaining a 2m distance, keeping doors and windows open to improve ventilation, and sanitising touch points like door handles in between prayers.

Masjid-e-Saliheen and Jamia Al-Hashmi Masjid have worked hard to make sure their mosque communities follow the rules, for the safety of everyone.

Saleem Kapadi is the Chairman of Masjid-e-Saliheen in Didsbury Street, Blackburn. He said:

We’re so pleased to have the mosque open for Ramadan. Last year was a real mix of emotions to have Ramadan in lockdown, so it means a lot to be back this year.

At Masjid-e-Saliheen we’ve taken a very strict approach, monitoring events and activities as we continue to update and implement the safeguarding policies and procedures. These measures are part of our ongoing compliance to adopt a robust response to keep all attendees and their families safe.

We have been firm in ensuring that the guidance is adhered to at all times and have got more volunteers helping in the mosque. It’s thanks to their hard work that everything has gone so well. They show people to the prayer hall, get them seated and make sure they stay socially distanced.

Ramadan is a month of giving and sharing which is a normal practice. However this year, at Iftar time when we open our fast after the evening prayer, we’ve insisted that this does not take place and that they must bring their own water and dates.

It’s just one of things we have to do to keep people safe.

Mohammed Khaliq, who is the President of Jamia Al-Hashmi Masjid in Copperfield Street, Blackburn, added:

It’s a big blessing to be back in the mosque for Ramadan.

People have been very co-operative with the extra safety measures we introduced when we reopened. We ask our members to check in at every prayer for Track & Trace, for example.

Sadly, this community has lost a lot of loved ones – Covid has touched every family. This makes people more compliant with the rules; they’re doing it for the safety of their family and other families that could have vulnerable members at home.

I would like to thank all Jamia Al-Hashmi volunteers and council leaders for their positive contribution during this pandemic – they have all worked very hard during this difficult time.

On Eid day, which will fall on Wednesday 12 or Thursday 13 May, many mosques in the borough are planning to have staggered prayers so that fewer people are in the mosque at any one time.

Mohammed Khalid said:

We are only a small mosque, so we’re planning to do two or three separate prayers on Eid day to help people spread out and keep a safe social distance.

Saleem Kapadi added:

At Masjid-e-Saliheen we’ve got plenty of outdoor space. We’re putting in place preparations to pray outside if the weather allows it.

Martin Eden, Director of Place at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic we have worked closely with mosques, as with places of worships of other faiths, to support them to welcome their congregations while keeping everyone safe.

We’ve collaborated with them in the same way we have with other types of places where people gather, including workplaces, shops, pubs and restaurants.

On behalf of the Council, I wish Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating later this week.