Friday prayer will finally resume on December 4 in mosques in UAE, with availability of space to 30% people to maintain social distancing and all safety protocols. People coming to mosques to offer prayer should also act responsibly and follow all SOPs.
Mohammed Al Hasan Khan, is an Imam at one of a mosque in Deira, said he had been waiting for the day to arrive when Jumma prayer will be offered in Masjid as normal and was waiting for this Jumma to arrive.
Mohammed Al Hasan Khan, said “I am very much thankful to Allah that finally this day has arrived when Friday prayers will be held after a period of 37 Fridays. As per the guidance of our beloved messenger Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and to ensure the safety of those who get space to enter the mosque, the Friday sermon (Khutbah) has been prepared in a concise and comprehensive manner, to make sure that the Namaz and the Khutba (sermon) together will not exceed 10 minutes.”
Imam advises people to perform ablution from home to maintain less exposure and secure their place inside the mosque.
Imam said that “Mosques in UAE will be opened only half an hour before Azaan i.e. around 11:41 am. Everyone who is attending the mosque for Friday prayer should wear face masks, bring their own prayer mats, avoid conversations and greetings and do not gather at entry or exit points. People should cooperate with the volunteers at the mosque to avoid confusion.”
Imam Dr. Abdul Hameed Zafar, a leader at a mosque in the International City area, said this step will bring peace in the mosques in UAE and showcase the incredible protocols the country has taken to fight the Covid-19. He said “We should be thankful to Allah first and then the visionary leadership of the UAE which ensured that all the necessary arrangements are made. This, Indeed, is the best news since the pandemic which all worshippers have been eagerly waiting to hear for the last eight months.”
Dr. Zafar is anticipating a huge crowd today for Jumma prayer. “However, we hope that people will not be breaking rules for their own safety. We have gotten this chance after great effort that the authorities have given permission of praying Jumma in mosques in UAE. So, this should not be taken for granted.”
He urges people to obey all the rules and regulations. People are advised to offer Sunnah prayer at homes, maintain a 2 meter distance, do not stay longer in the mosque after the prayer. This should be made a blessed Friday for everyone.
Dubai residents are very pleased as Friday has its special importance and it is considered a mini Eid for Muslims. This Friday has more value as people are allowed to offer prayer in the mosques in UAE after a long gap of eight months.