Reopening responsibly: Residents pledge to abide by safety rules when mosques reopen in Dubai

Dubai - "We are more than ready to abide by all the precautionary measures set by the government," said worshippers.

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Although no date for opening the mosques to public has been announced yet by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, some mosques have placed posters of detailed guidelines that worshippers must adhere to when the mosques do reopen. (Photo: KT reader)
Although no date for opening the mosques to public has been announced yet by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, some mosques have placed posters of detailed guidelines that worshippers must adhere to when the mosques do reopen. (Photo: KT reader)
Wearing a mask and gloves while praying; worshippers bringing their own prayer mats; and leaving a 1.5m gap are among the conditions stipulated in the guidelines.(Photo by Mohammad Mustafa Khan/KT)
Wearing a mask and gloves while praying; worshippers bringing their own prayer mats; and leaving a 1.5m gap are among the conditions stipulated in the guidelines.(Photo by Mohammad Mustafa Khan/KT)
“We are more than ready to abide by all the precautionary measures set by the government if only places of worship would open,” said some of the worshippers Khaleej Times spoke to. ( Photo: Juidin Bernarrd/KT)
“We are more than ready to abide by all the precautionary measures set by the government if only places of worship would open,” said some of the worshippers Khaleej Times spoke to. ( Photo: Juidin Bernarrd/KT)
The UAE had announced the suspension of prayers at all places of worship on March 16 for four weeks to contain the spread of Covid-19 and protect public health. The closure of mosques and other places of worship was extended “until further notice” on April 9.(Photo: Shihab/KT)
The UAE had announced the suspension of prayers at all places of worship on March 16 for four weeks to contain the spread of Covid-19 and protect public health. The closure of mosques and other places of worship was extended “until further notice” on April 9.(Photo: Shihab/KT)
Mohamed Taher, an Indian resident, said restrictions have now been eased and people are allowed to go to several places outside. “Hopefully, mosques are no exception. We promise to fully observe all precautionary measures.” (Photo: Shihab/KT)
Mohamed Taher, an Indian resident, said restrictions have now been eased and people are allowed to go to several places outside. “Hopefully, mosques are no exception. We promise to fully observe all precautionary measures.” (Photo: Shihab/KT)
Ibrahim Abdulqader, an Egyptian resident, said it was “heartbreaking” that the mosques have been closed for so long. “My late father was an imam and he began taking me to mosques when I was just three years old. I still cannot believe that I have not prayed at a mosque for almost three months now.” (Photo: Sajjad/KT)
Ibrahim Abdulqader, an Egyptian resident, said it was “heartbreaking” that the mosques have been closed for so long. “My late father was an imam and he began taking me to mosques when I was just three years old. I still cannot believe that I have not prayed at a mosque for almost three months now.” (Photo: Sajjad/KT)
Syrian resident Ahmad Jamil said the public does understand the need to avoid crowds and gatherings. “We are well aware that the suspension of prayers at the mosques was meant for public safety, but now things seem to be under control with more Covid-19 recoveries and fewer new cases.” (Photo: Shihab/KT)
Syrian resident Ahmad Jamil said the public does understand the need to avoid crowds and gatherings. “We are well aware that the suspension of prayers at the mosques was meant for public safety, but now things seem to be under control with more Covid-19 recoveries and fewer new cases.” (Photo: Shihab/KT)
According to the guidelines, women’s prayer halls will remain closed, while people above 60 and children below 12 years will not be allowed inside. (Photo: Sajjad/KT)
According to the guidelines, women’s prayer halls will remain closed, while people above 60 and children below 12 years will not be allowed inside. (Photo: Sajjad/KT)
Muhannad Saif, an Iraqi resident, said he did not frequent mosques before. “However, I was deeply touched by two viral videos on social media — the first was of an old man knocking on the door of a closed mosque; and another was of a person of determination in tears outside a mosque.” (Photo: Shihab/KT)
Muhannad Saif, an Iraqi resident, said he did not frequent mosques before. “However, I was deeply touched by two viral videos on social media — the first was of an old man knocking on the door of a closed mosque; and another was of a person of determination in tears outside a mosque.” (Photo: Shihab/KT)
Egyptian resident Ahmad Salem said he has still not come to terms with mosques being shut. “I know it was for public safety, but I was still shocked.”   (Photo: Shihab/KT)
Egyptian resident Ahmad Salem said he has still not come to terms with mosques being shut. “I know it was for public safety, but I was still shocked.” (Photo: Shihab/KT)

Published: Sat 30 May 2020, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Sun 31 May 2020, 1:10 PM

Muhammad Zafar, a Pakistani resident, said he yearned to go back to the mosque again to “recharge” his faith.ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
Muhammad Zafar, a Pakistani resident, said he yearned to go back to the mosque again to “recharge” his faith.ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

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