12^th January 2021

PRESS RELEASE

Green Lane Masjid (GLMCC) Statement regarding lockdown measures

Following the UK government’s announcement on 6^th January of the latest lockdown measures, most Birmingham mosques continue to remain open for daily and Friday congregational prayers. We welcome this decision and we find it a reassuring recognition of the importance of keeping places of worship open during this testing time for people’s spiritual and mental wellbeing.

Birmingham mosques have been working closely with the BCC Public Health Department to ensure the health and safety of our congregation and public. We have completed risk assessments and incorporated many protective measures to prevent the spread of infection. The faith institutes have also played a major role in communicating key health messages to local communities.

Nonetheless, Birmingham remains a hotspot for the virus and we have witnessed the disproportionate effect on the BAME community. We are therefore continuously reassessing our safety measures in light of the changing situation.

With this said, at GLMCC, we will now be reducing the number of people attending Friday prayer to allow an increased gap between attendees. We will still hold 2 prayer jamaats/assemblies, but their timings will be further spread out for additional safety.

It is imperative that everyone continues to adhere to the health and safety guidelines, and we remind anyone coming to the mosque that they are still required to:

• Wash their hands
• Adhere to social distancing and not to mingle with others outside of their bubble
• Wear a facemask
• Bring their own prayer mat and a shoe bag
• Remain for the minimum amount of time and pray sunnah and nawafil prayers at home

Additionally, we now request that the elderly (over 70s) do not attend for their own safety. This group, as well as the vulnerable, and those with symptoms of the virus or other viral illnesses must remain at home and not attend the mosque until the situation improves. We also urge people to pray in their local mosques and not to travel afar to visit other mosques.

Ultimately, we turn to Allah/God and seek His protection in all matters, and this includes taking all the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and others.

We would like to remind the community to be patient during this period.

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient” [Al Quran:155]

We will continue to monitor the situation, reassess our safety measures and take all the necessary measures to keep the public safe.

GLMCC Management and Trustees

Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre is a leading UK mosque situated in the heart of Birmingham serving the community since 1979.  Operating from its award-winning grade II listed Victorian building, GLMCC fulfills its mission of inspiring, educating and serving through its educational college, outreach work, welfare services, youth work, international humanitarian wing, as well as its fully functional mosque which is attended by thousands every week.

For more information about or work and services visit: www.greenlanemasjid.org

http://greenlanemasjid.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/GLMCC-Annual-Report-2020.pdf