Muslim Council of Britain > Resources > Latest COVID Advice for British Muslims

Latest COVID Advice for British Muslims

Covid-19 continues to circulate in the population, however, the majority of society has adopted a “live with it” approach. Covid-19 still has the potential to be harmful to many individuals and Long Covid is impacting the lives of many.

The MCB Covid Response Group advises that individuals & institutions take precautions that are reasonable for themselves and their context to enable a return to post-Covid normal while still acknowledging the above. This includes encouraging getting the Covid-19 vaccine when eligible.

In the meanwhile, please stay up to date with your local NHS and GP guidance.

The page below contains mainly archived guidance.

Advice for Mosques and Prayer Facilities

England

The current UK Government guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do.

UK Government information on COVID-19 is at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

The NHS guidance can be found at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

Scotland

The current Sottish Government guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

The NHS Scotland guidance can be found at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

Wales

The current Welsh Government guidance can be found at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus

The NHS Wales guidance can be found at: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

Northern Ireland

The current Northern Ireland Executive guidance can be found at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19

The PHA guidance for Northern Ireland can be found at: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus

 

Further resources for faith communities and places of worship available at www.interfaith.org.uk/news/covid-19

Over a dozen updated poster templates to adapt and display in your mosque can be dowloaded below. Your mosque/madrasa logo can be added to each poster.

Download the poster templates (PDF)

Click below to view a selection of the template posters as JPG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More example/template posters below. Download as PDF here (See Appendix)

This advice should always be reviewed and implemented only according to your own local context and with input from local medical experts and scholars. Ultimately the management personnel of each mosque is responsible for ensuring a safe and legally compliant place of worship and will decide their own rules according to what they deem is most appropriate at a particular time.

  • COVID-19 infection rates remain very high across the UK; we encourage Mosques to remind their congregations of the importance of being cautious when attending iftar or taraweeh prayers
  • Display posters reminding congregants of simple things they can do to reduce the spread of infection. See further down on this page for example/template posters you can adapt.
  • While Mosques may well return to serving iftaron their premises or as a group, they should consider continuing on the exceptional work done in providing boxed food for those who may be struggling to make ends meet or who are vulnerable within the community and in wider society, including NHS staff, as throughout the pandemic. Contact local food banks, charities and your local authority to identify where help may be required.
  • Many centres will already have a digital infrastructure in place, so lectures, Qur’an recitations and supplications should continue to be made available/livestreamed using Skype, Zoom, Facebook, YouTube or Instagram, for those unable to attend Mosque. Whilst Mosques and Islamic centres are physical hubs for communities to gather, we should also strive to be virtual hubs of community learning and activism.
  • Many Mosques may still be implementing basic COVID-19 safety protocol; for Mosques interested in (re-)introducing such measures, see previous safety guidance, including the 8-Step Guide to Re-Opening Mosques, and other archived guidance further down on this web page.
  • For further queries, please email [email protected] 

Checkout this useful advice poster from the Muslim Council of Wales:

More example/template posters:

This advice should always be reviewed and implemented only according to your own local context and with input from local medical experts and scholars. Ultimately the management personnel of each mosque is responsible for ensuring a safe and legally compliant place of worship and will decide their own rules according to what they deem is most appropriate at a particular time.

😷👍 1) Face coverings/masks are mandatory from Friday 10 December. Please remind your communities e.g. through announcements, posters (see example below) etc.
🤳🚪 2) NHS Covid Pass From the latest information available, this does not apply to communal worship at places of worship like mosques.
🪟💨 3) Ventilation This virus is airborne so good ventilation across your mosque rooms/halls is vital.
🤧🌡️ 4) Testing If symptomatic, please stay at home and get PCR tested rather than lateral flow.
🖥️ We will be delivering the latest update at the Our Mosque, Our Future Conference. Register free🎟️: *bit.ly/omof2021*

Following the identification of the new, highly mutated, COVID-19 Omicron strain, and its detection in the UK, select public health measures have been re-introduced by the government in order to mitigate potential community spread.

With input from healthcare professionals and health and safety specialists, the Muslim Council of Britain and British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) have produced top-line guidance on key control measures that Mosques should re-introduce.

Download COVID-19 Omicron & Winter Guidance here

July 2021 – Following the announcement of further lockdown restriction easing in England from 19 July 2021, it is important that we come out of the lockdown in a way that finds a balance between safety and a return to worshipping as normal.

With input from health care professionals, scholars, mosque committees and Muslim community members,  on 15 July the MCB has produced updated 8-step guidance for mosques in England to safely come out of lockdown.

Download the guidance here (PDF)

Click below to view a one page summary

Click below to view posters in the Appendix

This advice should always be reviewed and implemented only according to your own local context and with input from local medical experts and scholars. Ultimately the management personnel of each mosque is responsible for ensuring a safe and legally compliant place of worship and will decide their own rules according to what they deem is most appropriate at a particular time.

Separate guidance will be released for the devolved nations.

To get involved, email [email protected].

For many institutions, having to deal with a positive COVID-19 case within the congregation can be daunting. This  produced a toolkit with advice on how best to manage this swiftly.


What if there is an outbreak/confirmed cases of COVID-19 in my venue?

You must take immediate action, including:

  1. Identify or Find Out – who is/was the confirmed case
  2. Report & Seek Specialist Advice – contact your local HPT (Health Protection Team)
  3. Take Action- Follow actions from your local HPT team
⚖️ Throughout the pandemic we have adapted the guidance given by Government and other bodies so we can maximise safety whilst still doing our best to keep the requirements of our faith.
🗳️ As we move towards the lifting of lockdown restrictions, but the new Delta variant continues to escalate – we request your views and thoughts on next steps.
Complete this short survey at:

June 2020 – The MCB’s 9-step guidance pack for the safe and phased reopening of mosques for congregational worship can be downloaded below.

Download additional PDF resources and posters from the guide, including:

  1. Template High Level Risk Assessment (Editable Word Version)
  2. Example Communication Plan (PDF)
  3. List of Key Decisions for Re-opening Mosques (PDF)
  4. 5-steps for screening at mosque entrance (PDF)
  5. Poster: Should I pray in the mosque? (PDF)
  6. Poster: What to do if an attendees develops COVID-19 symptoms (PDF)
  7. Poster: Plan the prayer space ensuring correct 2m gaps (PDF)
  8. Printable Signage (PDF)
  9. Mosque Re-opening Checklist (WORD)
  10. Suite of other open access templates also available here
  11. Poster: Face Coverings – Advice for Mosques & Worshippers (JPG) 
  12. MCB Toolkit: Dealing with a Positive COVID-19 Case in your Building (PDF)
  13. GDPR Guidance for Places of Worship (PDF)
  14. Got an idea for a resource? Email us on [email protected]!

Click Here for a one-page summary of the 9-step guidelines (JPG). This guidance is also available in Arabic, Gujarati, Somali, Yoruba, Tamil, Turkish and Bangla, with more translations being added soon.

With thanks to the Muslim Council of Wales, Muslim Council of Scotland and British Islamic Medical Association for supporting with collating this guide and the translations..

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illayhi Rajioon (To Allah we belong, and to Him we will return). Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased and their families. Guidance relating to funerals and bereavement includes:

The National Burial Council has also issued guidance (PDF):

The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) has produced an advice concerning the number of people allowed during Janaza prayer and when viewing the body. See poster below for details.

Visit this dedicated MCB burial resources page for more information and FAQs. Due to potential differences in jurisprudence opinions, we strongly recommend consulting with your local Imam, scholar or funeral directors for specific advice

Click here for the latest UK Government guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic.

The charity Muslim Hands has also set-up a helpline for Muslim Burial issues (Call 0115 970 3332, Monday to Sunday, from 9AM to 4PM) 

Keeping Safe - Advice for Individuals

❄️ Let’s remember that safety applies everywhere. Especially during the winter break, many friends and family plan to meet up. Please consider the following:
💉 Please get booster vaccine to best protect vs Omicron
😷 Wearing masks properly reduces risk by up to 50%
🪟 Good ventilation reduces risk
🧪 PCR test if you have any symptoms
🧫 Lateral Flow if you have no symptoms

 

England

The current UK Government guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do.

UK Government information on COVID-19 is at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

The NHS guidance can be found at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

Scotland

The current Sottish Government guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

The NHS Scotland guidance can be found at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

Wales

The current Welsh Government guidance can be found at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus

The NHS Wales guidance can be found at: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

Northern Ireland

The current Northern Ireland Executive guidance can be found at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19

The PHA guidance for Northern Ireland can be found at: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus

 

Further resources for faith communities and places of worship available at www.interfaith.org.uk/news/covid-19

This Ramadan, most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. While this is welcome, we can still take simple steps to protect ourselves and others, especially while the rates of COVID-19 & hospitalisations are increasing:1️⃣ 😷 Wear masks in enclosed spaces, especially if clinically vulnerable.2️⃣ 🪟 Ensure adequate ventilation in indoor settings.3️⃣ 💉 Get 1st, 2nd, 3rd or booster COVID-19 vaccination if eligible (remember having the vaccine does not break the fast).4️⃣ 🏠 If you have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive, isolate at home.We pray that Allah grants us His mercy and protection throughout this month and beyond.

For full MCB Ramadan 2022 guidance, visit www.mcb.org.uk/ramadan

30 Dec 2020 – COVID-19 hospital admissions are currently very high across the UK, however, relatives are not able to enter with the sick patient in most NHS hospitals. See this guide for practical tips to consider should you loves ones require urgent medical attention.

Beware Fake News! – It is important we verify any news you receive/come across before acting upon it or forwarding on. 

“Fake news” that causes panic is also easily spread during a crisis like this. Educate yourself and your family/friends on avoiding fake news, including 1) Consider the Source, 2) Read Beyond, 3) Cross Check, 4) Don’t forward every message, 5) Check the date and 6) Don’t panic

With children who may not be able to go to school, parents need to interact constructively with their children during this challenging time. Check out these six one-page Healthy Parenting tips produced by the WHO for parents covering planning one-on-one time, staying positive, creating a daily routine, avoiding bad behaviour, managing stress, and talking about COVID-19.

For the latest guidance and updates on school reopening, visit the Department for Education website, and check online with your local council.

Click here for useful advice from NHS England on staying safe whilst isolating at home.

General advice

The following general guidelines should always best kept in mind to protect ourselves by following good hygiene practices:

  1. Wash hands frequently with soap/water (for at least 20 seconds) or hand sanitiser gel
  2. Wash your hands as soon as you get home
  3. Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues
  4. Throw away used tissues (then wash hands)
  5. If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve
  6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed/uncleaned hands
  7. Avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Much of this advice, and an emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene is in line with Islamic tradition. Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Purity is half of iman (faith).“ [Muslim]

If you are in any doubt visit ​NHS111 Online​ or call 111. Do not attend your GP practice or pharmacy as this places others at risk. For NHS advice on what self-isolation means, click here.

What about weddings/marriage ceremonies e.g. Nikah?

Click here for the latest UK Government guidance for weddings

What about funeral prayers (Janazahs)?

Visit this dedicated MCB burial resources page for more information and FAQs. Due to potential differences in jurisprudence opinions, we strongly recommend consulting with your local Imam, scholar or funeral directors for specific advice.

Click here for the latest UK Government guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic.

Vaccinations

The national vaccination programme is underway across the UK. In December 2020, the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) initiated producing detailed and summary position papers on the Pfizer and AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine, and these papers are supported by the Muslim Council of Britain. Later a statement on the Moderna vaccine was also issued.

Click here to view detailed BIMA position papers and further resources

Click here to visit the BIMA Vaccination Hub

With more than half of the UK adult population already vaccinated, now is the time to help communities in low- and middle-income countries around the world with the same free access to the vaccine.

The MCB is an official champion of UNICEF UK and Crowdfunder’s nationwide appeal to support the biggest vaccine drive in history to fund and deliver COVID19 vaccines around the world. Support the campaign by donating at:

www.vaccinaid.org

As vaccines are being rolled out in phases, many British Muslims will be invited to receive a vaccination jab whilst they are fasting during the Month of Ramadan in 2021 and 2022.

BIMA have consulted a wide range of Islamic scholars and the opinion of the vast majority is that receiving a vaccine does not invalidate your fast. Please consult your local Imam or scholar for further details, or see graphics below for further detail.

With so much information and misinforming spread regarding the vaccine, BIMA has produced a series of infographics to answer common myths about the vaccine, which have been translated into 10+ languages. Visit the BIMA vaccine hub for details.

In addition, the British Society for Immunology has prepared a guide to vaccinations for COVID-19.

Read the guide here.

Mental Health During the Pandemic

Several Muslim mental health organisations in the UK have united to provide a range of services to tackle mental health problems arising from the coronavirus pandemic.

Each organisation specialises in a different aspect of mental health, and can be contacted as your needs require. More details can be found at the MCB Mental Health Resource page or in the flyer below.

A few webinars were held to address the different topics which concern one’s mental health and welfare.
Click on the links below to watch the recordings of each webinar.
1) Men’s Mental Health and the Role of Fatherhood – Click here to watch
2) Coping With Change – Click here to watch
3) Muslims and Suicide Prevention – Click here to watch
For faith-sensitive and confidential mental health advice, Muslim Youth Helpline offer online chat/email and phone support on 0808 808 2008 available for Muslims of all ages.

Inspirited Minds also offer online support.

A poster on mental health support during COVID-19 pandemic can be found here.

Boloh, Barnardo’s COVID-19 helpline, was set up to offer a support service to help children and young people and their families from these communities develop coping strategies and build resilience. If you have been affected by the pandemic and you need advice or someone to talk to, call the helpline on: 0800 1512605. They are available to talk Monday -Friday, from 10am-8pm, and Saturday – Sunday 10am-3pm. For more information, visit helpline.barnardos.org.uk

The World Health Organisation has published guidelines (PDF) and also produced advice on individuals and communities coping with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak, which includes advice such as the following:
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle – diet, sleep, exercise etc.
  • Don’t use smoking, alcohol or drugs to deal with emotions
  • Get the facts from the authorities – do not base your actions on hearsay
  • Limit worry by lessening time you/your family spend listening to media coverage
  • Draw on skills you have used in the past to help you manage adversities

Further information on coping with mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak is published by the Mental Health Foundation here.

A useful guide on Mental Health by Rehab4Addication (PDF) to improving mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are lucky enough to be able to work from home, be aware of and manage the risks associated with this. A useful guide is below. Credits: Theoxfordpsych

Advice for Umrah/Hajj Travellers

The current COVID-19 pandemic means that there is uncertainty in many aspects of life and the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages are no different.

Umrah 2022

UPDATE 29 March 2022– the Council of British Hajjis UK has issued a guidance for prospective Umrah pilgrims including visa route options. Click here to read latest CBHUK guidance for British Muslims.

Hajj 2022 – will be approximately 7-12 July 2022. Updates to follow.

Click here for FCDO guidance on pilgrimage travel to Saudi Arabia.

For more information and general advice on Hajj , visit the news page from the Council of British Hajjis UK

For UK Government’s general travel advice to Saudi Arabia, click here.

Ramadan 2021 (Archive)

Top tips for celebrating a #SafeEid for Eid Al-Fitr 2021 in England can be found below. Click here to view the full press release. Please check separate guidance for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Overall #SafeRamadan 2021 guidance can be viewed online at: www.mcb.org.uk/ramadan

This web page contains guidelines, advice and signposting resources to help Muslims in Britain make the most of the blessed month, as well as friends, neighbours and colleagues of Muslims, whilst staying safe and supporting the fight against the virus. Alternatively, click here to download the #SafeRamadan 2021 Guide as a PDF

Ramadan 2021 will be a very different experience for us all. The MCB’s full Ramadan 2021 guidance is at www.mcb.org.uk/ramadan.

For mosque leaders and organisers, guidance for #SafeRamadan has been produced for organisers of taraweeh, i’itikaf and other Ramadan activities to help in their planning for Ramadan this year to keep our communities as safe as possible. See below or click here to download as PDF.

On 3rd May, an update for i’itikaf and Eid was issued, see below.

Click here to download #SafeRamadan 2021 Guide for Mosque Leaders as PDF.

Click here for #SafeRamadan 2021 guide in Arabic
Click here for #SafeRamadan 2021 guide in Urdu
Click here for #SafeRamadan 2021 guide in Kurdish
Click here for #SafeRamadan 2021 guide in Bengali
Click here for #SafeRamadan 2021 guide in Pashto

The above supplements the wider advice contained within the 9-Steps to Reopening Mosques (PDF) published in June 2020.

With special thanks to Penny Gibbs, Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent CCGs and the Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support for arranging the translations into Arabic, Urdu, Bengali and Kurdish.

Please note, guidance is generic and should be tailored to your local context following consultation with your local scholars, public health officials and community. Nobody should be obliged to follow this guidance which is advisory only and it is ultimately the responsibility of venue trustees or legally responsible persons to ensure compliance with the law. For queries, please email [email protected]

Download this #SafeRamadan2021 template Friday sermon (khutbah) and share with the Imam at your local mosque(s).

#SafeRamadan 2021 Under COVID (April 2021) – PDF

As vaccines are being rolled out in phases, many British Muslims will be invited to receive a vaccination jab whilst they are fasting during the Month of Ramadan (circa 12/13 April – 12/13 May 2021, depending on moon sightings) this year.

BIMA have consulted a wide range of Islamic scholars and the opinion of the vast majority is that receiving a vaccine does not invalidate your fast. Please consult your local Imam or scholar for further details, or see graphics below for further detail.

As vaccines are being rolled out in phases, many British Muslims will be invited to receive a vaccination jab whilst they are fasting during the Month of Ramadan (circa 12/13 April – 12/13 May 2021, depending on moon sightings) this year.

BIMA have consulted a wide range of Islamic scholars and the opinion of the vast majority is that receiving a vaccine does not invalidate your fast. Please consult your local Imam or scholar for further details, or see graphics below for further detail.

Are small outdoor in-person gatherings for iftar permitted? Below is a summary of the current rules (as of 6th April) for socially-distanced outdoor gatherings in the UK. We must remember that the threat of the virus is still with us and it is extremely important we exercise caution and take extra care if planning to meet others for iftar in small outdoor gatherings with appropriate social distancing, especially for elderly or vulnerable family members who are most at risk of serious illness or death.

In all cases below, indoor gatherings with people outside our household or support bubble are not yet permitted.

  • England – Step 2 of the Roadmap is expected to start from 12 April. Up to 6 people (including children of all ages), or two households of any size, can gather outdoors including in private gardens. Restaurants will be able to serve meals outdoors only from 12 April.
  • Wales – Currently, 6 people from a maximum of two households can meet outdoors, including gardens. Carers, or children under 11, are not included in the count. Restaurants are expected to be able to re-open to serve meals outdoors only from 26 April.
  • Scotland – Currently, 4 people from a maximum of two households can meet outdoors, including gardens. These numbers may increase from 26 April. Children under 12 are not included in the count. Restaurants are expected to be able to re-open to serve meals outdoors only from 26 April.
  • Northern Ireland – From 12 April, up to 10 people (including children) from no more than two households can meet up outdoors including in a private garden.

Whilst such small outdoor gatherings can provide welcome respite, we must always exercise caution and take extra care, especially for elderly or vulnerable family members who are most at risk of serious illness or death.

For more information, see BBC article summary here.

This page has been continuously updated since 26 February 2020 to provided up-to-date guidance for British Muslim communities.

If you found this page useful, please consider supporting the MCB with a donation www.mcb.org.uk/donate. Thank you for your support.

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