This Ramadan has been a very different experience for Muslims around the world and in Birmingham, due to the impact of coronavirus and the celebration of Eid, it will also be different.
Since 23 March 2020, following the official announcement by the UK government that all places of worship should close, with advice from both the Muslim Council of Britain and the British Board of Scholars and Imams that Muslim communities should pray from home rather than gathering together, mosques and communities across the UK have diligently and responsibly adhered to the guidance and advice that continued throughout Ramadan.
Mosque leaders in Birmingham have been working extremely hard and have been instrumental in ensuring strict adherence to lockdown measures to protect lives.
Your continued support for these difficult decisions means that we have collectively succeeded in:
- Limit the spread of the coronavirus in Birmingham
- We are starting to see the number of new deaths go down
However, we are at a critical moment where any relaxation of social distancing could
cause a second wave of the epidemic of the disease COVID-19. and take away all the hard work so far.
Unfortunately, this means that the restrictions cannot be lifted anytime soon, and not before Eid. This means that joint prayers in mosques or outside in open spaces are still not possible.
Our clear guidelines are based on public health advice; to continue to protect, reduce the further spread of coronavirus and avoid a second wave of the COVID – 19 epidemic:
- To celebrate Eid at home
- Not holding joint prayers on the day of Eid in mosques, parks, open spaces or private yards (two people from different households represent a community)
- Not visiting family members and neighbors
- Adhere to one-person meetings outside of your household in open spaces
- Observe social distancing rules when visiting the cemetery
Use the many social media platforms available to celebrate Eid virtually with your family and friends.
We therefore ask that people do not go out and put the health and safety of themselves, their families and others at risk; this message is supported by all major mosques in Birmingham, Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police.
The Mayor of Birmingham, Mohammed Azim, said in a statement: “Social distancing measures remain in place as we work to protect ourselves from a potential second wave of infection over the autumn and winter. We are extremely grateful to Birmingham’s faith communities for their patience and continued adherence to the measures in place to save lives and protect public health. We are also grateful for the huge contribution that faith communities have made to keeping Birmingham’s civic, social and economic life moving during these difficult days. Many of you have worked closely with the city’s voluntary service and the Active Wellbeing Society to provide much-needed support to vulnerable families. Your contribution has been vital and has brought much comfort to our fellow citizens. Thank you and we wish you well in these challenging times.
