Elham Asaad Buaras
For the first time, nine mosques in an east London borough have been allowed to broadcast the call to prayer (adhan) publicly, due to the lockdown occurring during Ramadan.
Waltham Forest Council agreed that mosques could perform the adhan for Maghrib (sunset) prayers as mosques are closed and Muslims are unable to communally pray.
The adhan was first broadcast on May 4 and will continue throughout Ramadan as well as for Jum’ah (Friday) prayers.
Arfan Abrahim of Waltham Forest Council of Mosques, which made the request to the council, said, “It happens in Whitechapel at the East London mosque and has been happening for many years, but in this side of London never, and in this borough specifically, never.”
Abrahim said this Ramadan had been a very different experience than usual as mosques are closed. “It’s something that I don’t want to experience ever again, but we have to adapt and the plus point is we are spending more time at home with family and praying together as a family, spending more time with the kids,” he said.
He and others had leafleted houses in the surrounding area to explain what would be happening. “It has become quite a good talking point which breaks down barriers. We have had a generally positive response, but some negative which we expect. Overall it has been brilliant,” he added.
Waltham Forest-based mosques permitted to broadcast the adhan:
Cann Hall Dean Mosque
Faizan-E-Islam Mosque
Ghosia Masjid Wfia
Leyton Jamia Masjid
Leytonstone Masjid
Masjid Abu Bakr
Masjid Tawhid Masjid-E-Umer
Noor Ul Islam