"We're all in it together": Leeds Imam offers coronavirus guidance amid Covid-19 increase

A Leeds Imam has called on the community to pull together to ensure the most vulnerable are taken care of amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Qari Asim, Imam at Leeds Makkah Mosque in Burley Park and chairman of the Mosque and Imam National Advisory Board (Minab), called on people to stay calm while following hygiene advice to slow the spread of the virus.

"In Islam, preservation of human life is far more significant than continuity of even essential acts of devotion and practices of worship," he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Even if you are only experiencing mild symptoms like a cough or fever then it is better to pray at home than to come to congregation prayers."

Leeds Makkah Mosque Imam Qari Asim.Leeds Makkah Mosque Imam Qari Asim.
Leeds Makkah Mosque Imam Qari Asim.

Mr Asim said he was advising people to take preventative measures at mosques, such as not shaking hands and bringing in personal prayer mats.

"Our mosques and institutions should be prepared for this outbreak," he said.

"There are simple things that we can do - rather than shaking hands, we can just place our hands on our chests to show our appreciation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"And also, rather than using towels, we should use paper towels and make sure our mosques are sanitised and clean so that so that we do not become the cause of harm to others."

Mr Asim also called on mosques to invest in technology so worshippers could watch from home if necessary.

"Webcams, tripods, lighting - making sure services can be delivered online," he added.

And he also called on people to come together to help the needy and to not abandon those with symptoms.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: "We must come together to ensure that the most vulnerable in our communities are taken care of.

"It may be giving them a video call or delivering food and prescriptions on their doorsteps. Stop panic buying and think about others. We're all in it together."

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is starting in April, around the time the coronavirus spread in the UK is expected to be heading towards its peak.

Mr Asim said Muslim leaders would be closely following UK Government advice and would take the necessary steps if a ban on larger gatherings came into effect.

Related topics: