Leeds Mosques announce suspension of all services and prayers

The announcement cited government advice and the "Islamic obligation and moral duty to protect lives...transcends all other considerations, including holding congregational prayers."

Mosques in Leeds are suspending:

* Congregational five daily prayers

* The Friday prayer /Jummah khutbah

* All madrasa teaching and dars related activities

A statement read: "We have taken this extremely difficult decision following the Government's latest announcement, and after careful consideration of medical and scholarly advice.

"The unprecedented move to suspend daily congregational prayers and all other services has been excruciatingly painful but our Islamic obligation and moral duty to protect lives and harm to others transcends all other considerations, including holding congregational prayers.

"We strongly urge everyone to continue praying at home, make sincere repentance and do du'a to Allah Almighty. The Jumu'ah prayer should be replaced with the normal Zuhur prayer at home.

"It's easy to get swept up in a sense of fear, anxiety and insecurity or become selfish during such testing times but this is also a time to strengthen our Imaan, show compassion, generosity and charity to others. Physical distance is important but do check up on neighbours, help them where you can and don't lose a sense of community.

"We pray that Allah grants us relief and cure during this extremely testing time."

On Thursday, it was revealed that 29 more people have died in the UK in the past 24 hours due to coronavirus.