السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Monday 1st February 2021.
My very special and important message today is specifically for all Masjid Management Committees throughout the UK. Please share this message of mine with each and every Masjid Committee Member.
When this third lockdown began, the majority of us thought that our Masjids would be closed again. However, when the government regulations came out, we were so happy that Masjids were allowed to be kept open.
Although the advice from some local authorities and Public Health Departments was to close or, at least, stop communal prayers, our British Law allowed us to remain open, اَلْحَمْدُلِلّه.
We, first and foremost, thank Almighty Allāh for this priceless gift and, thereafter, convey our gratitude to our government for taking into consideration our feelings when they decided upon such a sensitive issue.
As was expected, and quite rightly so, local authorities and Public Health Departments will keep a very close eye on all our Masjids, to ensure we follow all the rules and guidelines. They have a duty to do this and it is for our safety and the safety of others more than anything else.
During the last 2 weeks, I have been informed of random checks being made by the authorities, at 2 Masjids here in Blackburn. Maybe others have also been inspected. Both Masjids have come through with flying colours, مَا شَآءَ الله, with maybe very minor changes requested by the officials.
Speaking to a very close friend this evening in West Yorkshire regarding these random checks, he suggested that all Masjid Management Committees should be alerted to this.
He was of the view that although we may have taken all the necessary precautions, we do become a bit complacent now and then.
The biggest fear is if a few Masjids are found not implementing the regulations, then maybe all of us will pay the price and suffer the consequences.
Therefore, a very humble request to all to step up a gear or two and refresh all the arrangements we have all so kindly put in, and make sure you review and revisit them on a very regular basis.
Remember, these are random checks carried out at any time, at any place. All of us should be prepared all the time. Expand your volunteer base and make sure each and every regulation is being adhered to.
One of the points highlighted was the Musalli congregating outside the Masjid after Ṣalāh. This was specifically brought to the attention of the responsible volunteer present at the time.
Believe it not, the check took place at ‘Aṣr Jamā’ah time on Friday. One would have expected the inspection at Jumu’ah, when there are a large number of volunteers inside and outside the Masjid.
Our local authorities know us well enough and how our minds work. Please don’t get caught out.
Almighty Allāh keep all our Masjids open until the Day of Judgement, Āmeen.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala