The doors of the local mosque have opened up again this week as restrictions on religious organizations have eased. Imam Irshad is hopeful for a good turnout for Friday prayers. (Trevor Redden/paNOW Staff)

By Trevor Redden

Open Doors

Islamic community re-connects after distanced holy month

Jun 12, 2020 | 8:00 AM

For the first time since March, the doors will open for Friday prayers for members of the Prince Albert Islamic community.

The shutdown caused by the coronavirus has prevented any gatherings for the last three months, including the holy month of Ramadan which concluded in late May.

Imam Irshad of the Prince Albert Mosque said there has been light attendance for daily prayers since re-opening Monday, but he expects to see a larger turnout for Friday prayers today. The mosque is offering multiple services to stay under the gathering limit of 15 people.

“We are trying to see how many people want to come. We’re asking if they want to register so we know exactly how many people are coming and how we can manage the maximum,” Irshad said.

Typically, Friday prayers would draw 40-50 people but Irshad is unsure if they will reach that number again right away. They have implemented safety measures including sanitation stations at each door and inside, asking members to bring their own prayer mats from home, and ensuring at least six feet of distance between everybody.

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“I hope people start to come, but I don’t know the situation at the moment. Everybody wants to be protected and make sure everything is safe. Usually on Fridays after prayer we socialize, shake hands, and hug. But right now that will be restricted because of the virus,” Irshad said.

A very different Ramadan

Falling within the pandemic shutdown was the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a time when practicing members would normally gather at the mosque at sundown to pray and break a fast lasting from sunrise to sunset.

Sam Ismail, a board director for the Prince Albert Islamic Association, explained that this year had a very different feel.

“Unfortunately, you couldn’t re-create it without the mosque environment and the gathering, because there was no gatherings. Even at home, there was no gatherings, just family. It was like not being able to celebrate Christmas, basically,” Ismail said.

Members of the Islamic association still did what they could via technology, using Zoom for Friday prayers and offering classes for students.

“Of course it’s not the same, but we definitely tried.”

Ismail added that some people may take their time coming back to group gatherings, keeping safety a priority.

“[There is] some reticence and hesitancy, of course it’s been closed a few months now so it takes a while for people to get back in the groove, but otherwise things are going well,” Ismail said.

According to Imam Irshad, the local Islamic community consists of approximately 60 families.

The government announced updated guidelines Thursday including for places of worship. The limit for services is now either one-third normal capacity or 150 people, whichever comes first.

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trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden