Hawzah News Agency  (Accrington - UK) - Raza Jamia Masjid has remained opened 24 hours a day for emergencies and has attracted around 5,000 people for virtual services. 

The Covid-19 pandemic forced the mosque to close for worship, gatherings and social activities, however they have remained open 24 hours a day for emergencies, for those who need food, medicine or urgent support.

They have offered online services, remained active on social media and, in some cases, had upwards of 5,000 people attending programmes ‘virtually’.

Gatherings of more than 30 people are now permitted as of July 4 but only in certain public places as set out in law. This includes places of worship and their surrounding premises.  

Jawid Hussain, founder and patron of Raza Jamia Masjid, said before lockdown the mosque was serving the whole Hyndburn community and beyond, being used for conferences, business meetings, educational workshops and everything from first aid training to functions.

He said: “On a usual day over 100 people would come to worship and we would often see over 1,000 people attend for special occasions.

“We quickly put many measures in place to ensure the safety of the community including signage, sanitizing stations and very clear guidelines.

"Several mosques throughout the UK have called us and want help with their own safety measures after seeing our efforts on social media.

"We have had people visiting from Birmingham to have a look, I have been personally to Leeds to give assistance and many other cities and towns have been in touch with us.”  

County and borough councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP said the national recognition the mosque is receiving is testament to everyone involved and urged the wider community to support their local places of worship, donate when they can and help them on their steps to recovery.

He said: “This is very much an icon mosque and I could not be prouder to be part of its community.