A local mosque in Accrington, Lancashire, has been recognized for its efforts to provide medicine, food, and virtual programs for the community during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Before COVID-19, the Raza Jamia Masjid used to open its doors for 24 hours a day for emergencies.

Though the pandemic outbreak forced mosques to close doors for worship, the Jamia Masjid remains open to help those who need urgent support.

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The mosque also offered virtual services to around 5000 people during the lockdown.

Reopening Mosque

As the restrictions eased, starting from July 4, the mosque has reopened its doors to welcome gatherings of no more than 30 people.

“On a usual day over 100 people would come to worship and we would often see over 1,000 people attend for special occasions,” Jawid Hussain, founder and patron of Raza Jamia Masjid, said recalling time before lockdown, Lancashire Live reported.

“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.”

Over the past weeks, several mosques across the UK launched food banks to help the needy during COVID-19 lockdown.

Mosques volunteers delivered thousands of isolation food packs and hygiene kits to vulnerable people over the age of 65 in the community.

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