Friday prayers at Peterborough mosques could stop this week due to coronavirus

Friday services are among the most important for Muslims across the world, and traditionally mosques are filled with worshippers.

However, Abdul Choudhuri, chairman of the Faizan e Madinah Mosque in Gladstone Street, Peterborough, said it was probable that Friday Prayers would be cancelled, starting on Friday. Earlier this week the Church of England cancelled services in churches across the country.

Mr Choudhuri said: “We are following government guidance at the moment - making sure people keep washing their hands, have a tissue, and have told elderly people and those with health issues to stay away, but we have a decision to be made. It is probable that we will have to close for Friday prayers, possibly this week.

“It is unprecedented, the first time the Mosque will stop, but we have to do it to keep people safe.

“We have already stopped some activities, and are meeting again soon to make a decision.

“People do know how to do prayers at home, and we do have a radio link as well.

“We are praying for the community, for schools, for everyone at the moment.”

Mr Choudhuri said members of the mosque’s congregation were also on hand to help vulnerable residents in Peterborough.

He said: “The mosque can help out - if anyone needs any help, whether they are Muslim or not, we can help out, whether it is do shopping or something else. If anyone is isolated and needs help, they should get in touch.”