السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Sunday 21st February 2021.
Today, I would like to expand on my message yesterday about ‘Masjid Inspections’.
One of the regulations of the UK government is the covering of the mouth and the nose. This can be achieved by wearing a face mask or any other face covering like a scarf, shawl, etc. The key thing to remember is that the mouth and nose should be well covered.
However, the regulations allow for genuine medical exemptions. Therefore, if a Musallī cites an exemption, due to health reasons, then they must be allowed into the Masjid. Remember, you are about to enter Allāh’s house, so no false claims please.
Additionally, Ventilation is a key part of the protection strategy. Doors should remain open during Masjid opening times, and windows left open all day, not just during Ṣalāh times.
In my message, it was mentioned that we should have volunteers during all Ṣalāhs, moreso in Ẓuhr and ‘Aṣr. As most, if not all, volunteers are at work during those 2 Ṣalāh times, I personally feel there is a weakness in our management during those 2 Ṣalāhs specifically. Hence, I pointed them out. Ideally, we should be consistent in all 5 Ṣalāhs, Jumu’ah included, 7 days a week.
Finally, if your Masjid is inspected and weaknesses are pointed out, do not feel intimidated and go over the top, introducing extreme measures. In a polite, amicable manner, arrange a meeting with the inspector, and explain all the measures you have put into place, thoroughly.
Remember, there is a major difference between Regulations and Guidelines. Regulations are laws passed by the government. They must be followed by everyone, unless legally exempt. Politely ask the inspector for evidence regarding how many supermarkets they have visited? How many shops, takeaways, etc. Why are they coming down on Masjids like a tonne of bricks?
On the other hand, Guidelines are just official advice or good practice. They are not binding and, in general, action can’t be taken if they’re not being followed. Don’t get me wrong please; follow and obey both – Regulations and Guidelines. However, do let the inspecting team know that they cannot enforce guidelines on you. They can just advise.
Not long to go now; all lockdown restrictions will be lifted very soon, اِنْ شَاءَ الَّلهُ.
Almighty Allāh keep all Masjids open until the Day of Judgement, Āmeen.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala