Mosques In England Hold Eid Prayers In Several Waves
JAKARTA - The Muslim community in the United Kingdom performs Eid prayers in mosques with strict health protocols after the British government granted leeway to worship and celebrate prayers in congregation, even with rules that must be obeyed together.
Reported by Antara, mosques in Southampton, Oxford, London and other cities held Eid prayers in several waves. Madina Central Mosque Southampton and Bashir Ahmad Mosque are recorded to hold Eid prayers in three waves.
Meanwhile, the Markaz Bilal Islamic Society (ISOC) mosque at the University of Southampton held prayers in four waves, namely at 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, and 10:30 in the morning UK time. This gradual prayer is to prevent crowds and avoid the wider spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Usamah, an Imam at the Markaz Bilal ISOC mosque, said it followed the rules set by the local government and also obtained permission from the campus authorities.
"This is the second year of Eid al-Fitr for us Muslims in the UK. Fortunately, this year the local government has given permission and the campus also agreed to hold this Eid prayer, of course with the application of strict health protocols," said Usamah, who is also a student of the University of Southampton.
He said residents who pray should bring complete equipment such as prayer mats, masks, and hand sanitizer and ablution from home. The management of the mosque closed ablution places and toilets to prevent the transmission of the virus and reduce the risk of disease.
Mosque manager Markaz Bilal ISOC requires eamaah to register in advance for the arrangement of Eid prayer quota. One week earlier, the mosque management shared information for prayer registration by utilizing digital technology.
This digital application for prayer place reservation is used to facilitate the application of health protocols. Applicants simply enter the name and prayer time data, then there will be a barcode used as a sign to enter the mosque.
"We use a digital application that can specifically monitor the number of people who want to pray Eid al-Fitr. Some of the students and their families, as well as muslims around Southampton," Usamah said.
Takmir mosque also provides a variety of snacks and fruit for children, which is given after the eid prayer.
Abu Yusuf, a Muslim citizen in Southampton, said he was happy with the implementation of this year's Eid prayer.
"Alhamdulillah, this year we in England can pray in the mosque. I remember last year we couldn't pray together because of the pandemic. So, this year's important progress, should be grateful. Hopefully the pandemic will pass soon," he said.
"Children are also happy because they can pray together. It's the momentum bai children to be able to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, after last year can not because of the pandemic," added Abu.
Indonesian Muslims in the UK are also happy with this year's Eid al-Fitr celebrations, despite strict health rules. Nizam, an Indonesian in Southampton explained that usually after Eid prayer there is an agenda of friendship and eating together. However, this cannot be held because of the pandemic.
"Before the pandemic, Indonesians in Southampton used to cook meatballs to be distributed to Muslim brothers from other countries. There is usually a large table in front of the mosque and in the garden, then everyone is free to grab food. This year can not be because of government rules," said Nizam who is a doctoral student in the field of English teaching.