DDHK.ORG - The Islamic Union of Hong Kong announced that starting Monday (31/8/2020) the Ammar Wan Chai Mosque and Halal Canteen on the 5th floor of the mosque will reopen to the public. However, the opening was accompanied by strict rules to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak.
The announcements were made in various languages, such as English, Kantoic, and Indonesian. “Reopening of Masjid Ammar Notice (in Bahasa). Peace be upon you, and Allah's mercy and blessings. God willing, the Ammar Mosque & Islamic Center Canteen will reopen on Monday, 31 August 2020, by implementing strict COVID-19 measures, "read the announcement on the official Facebook page of The Islamic Union of Hong Kong, Monday morning. .
Strict rules enforced, covering 12 points. Namely, the congregation is asked to immediately leave the mosque building, immediately after performing the fardhu prayer, not allowed to eat and drink in the building except at the Islamic Center Canteen (Lt.5), and the Canteen Islamic Center will comply with Government Regulations in terms of Business Prevention. Canteen and Disease Control.
Pilgrims are advised to perform ablution at home before visiting the mosque, congregations are required to wear face masks, face masks must be worn at all times, and congregants are encouraged to use their respective prayer mats and take them home after prayers.
Pilgrims are required to check their body temperature and use hand sanitation at the entrance to the mosque building, and all worshipers must keep their distance when praying. "Therefore, the capacity of the prayer room will decrease. Pilgrims may be refused entry if the prayer hall is full, "wrote the Islamic Union.
"According to Islamic law, Friday prayers are not obligatory on women. Due to limited space, the Men's Prayer Room and the Women's Prayer Room will be used for male congregations only on every Friday prayer. For women who want to attend Friday prayers, are welcome to the 7th floor lobby, ”wrote the Islamic Union.
Other provisions, all teaching and learning activities and any form of event at the Wan Chai Mosque building are still temporarily closed, for those aged 60 years or over, children aged 10 years and under are asked not to participate in congregational prayers, and if you feel unwell or have symptoms of respiratory problems, it is advisable to always stay at home and seek medical advice.
"Thank you for your cooperation. The Building Management Commission will review the situation from time to time. And let us pray to Allah (swt) so that the coronavirus epidemic will end soon so that we can reopen all the facilities of the Ammar Mosque & OR Sadick Islamic Center for the benefit and benefit of the people. Amen, ”wrote The Islamic Union of Hong Kong.
Kowloon Mosque Opens Early
Meanwhile, The Incorporated Trustees of The Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, as the manager of mosques in Hong Kong, including the Kowllon Tsim Sha Tsui Mosque, announced that all mosques under the institution's auspices have been reopened since Saturday (29/8/2020 ). The decision was taken in reference to the policy of easing social distancing regulations announced by the Hong Kong Government.
"The HKSAR government has increasingly relaxed social distancing measures since 28 August 2020. In light of the latest announcements and public expectations of Muslim brothers and sisters, the Board of Trustees (BOT) has decided to open mosques under BOT management from Fajr Prayer on Saturday, 29 August 2020, and comply with the provisions and guidelines for establishing the Ministry of Health as mentioned below, "wrote BOT which was published on the official Facebook account, Friday (28/8/2020).
There are 11 provisions conveyed by BOT in the announcement. Namely:
- Prayers must wear a face mask at all times in the mosque.
- Temperature checks will be carried out for all worshipers who enter the mosque.
- If you feel unwell do not come to the mosque and consult a doctor.
- Children under 10 years and elderly people over 60 are respectfully advised to pray at home.
- Prayers must perform ablution in their respective homes / offices before coming to the mosque.
- All congregants must clean their hands using hand sanitizers before entering the mosque.
- Social distancing must be maintained according to the signs placed on the floor of the mosque.
- Avoid body contact with each other in the mosque.
- All worshipers must leave the mosque as soon as the prayers are finished.
- No other religious activities are held in the mosque except prayer.
- All Government & Ministry of Health guidelines & regulations must be strictly followed.
"The Board of Trustees would like to thank all community members for their support and cooperation at all times," wrote BOT. [DDHK. ORG]
