Hawzah News Agency - The MP3 players in the shape of a cube play recitations and prayers from the Quran and were donated to the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s Chaplaincy Department

These, alongside MP3 players pre-loaded with Islamic prayers and Quran recitations, have been used by the Spiritual Care Team to support patients at the Trust’s five hospitals – Royal Blackburn and Burnley General Teaching Hospitals, and Accrington Victoria, Clitheroe and Pendle Community Hospitals.

Imam Fazal Hassan, Muslim Chaplaincy Co-ordinator, said: “We were delighted to receive these donations, which go a long way to provide the emotional support and spiritual healing for our Muslim inpatients.

"Having prayers and Quran recitation played next to their beds, particularly for end of life patients during the pandemic, who are too weak to pray for themselves, can make a big difference.”

Seventy of the Quran Cubes were donated by Guidance Hub, a community charity in Manchester, in memory of Mrs Asiya Shah, one of their volunteers and a Chaplain at North Manchester General Hospital.

ELHT staff members Aamena Patel, Asia Azram, Shahla Hussain, Naimat Jan, Sanah Mahmood, Khatija Patel and Nazneen Kadir, some of whom work in the Critical Care Unit, acquired 50 MP3 players and 25 mini Quran Cubes.

Mo Congress, a local community activist also supported the Quran Cube project through social media appeals, and by donating hundreds of disposable earphones, power leads, and chargers.

Imam Fazal added: “The Quran Cube project gives our patients’ relatives a great sense of relief and comfort knowing their loved ones are being supported in their faith at such a crucial time. We’ve received feedback from staff, recalling that when families have heard the Quran being recited during their video calls, they have become overwhelmed by this gesture from our staff.

“I believe it is a very positive reflection on our Trust’s commitment to providing individual care and compassion and a demonstration of our duty to fulfil the spiritual, religious and emotional needs of our patients.”

Jude Harrison, Ward Manager of Reedyford Ward at Pendle Community Hospital said: “I would like to express how comforting our patients find the Quran Cubes during these unprecedented circumstances. Thanks to all involved in the project."