Mosques across Scotland welcomed worshippers back on Wednesday, July 15, after long months of lockdown due to coronavirus.
The lockdown, in place since March, forced Muslims to pray individually and celebrate Ramadan and `Eid Al-Fitr in isolation.
Days before hajj season and `Eid Al-Adha, Aberdeenโs Masjid Alhikmah and Community Centre has now reopened.
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โIt was an extremely busy, yet exciting first day,โ Farooq Durrani, from Masjid Alhikmah, told The Press and Journal.
โThis has been a challenging time for everyone, particularly those who live alone, and having to keep the mosque shut during `Eid and Ramadan was of course very different for us.
โThroughout lockdown we have been doing virtual services and the community has been great in helping each other.
โBut of course it is great to get back into some sort of routine, albeit with social distancing, and itโs been a big relief for everyone. People have been so patient.
โSafety remains paramount and we are ensuring we have staggered congregational prayers. The advice from the Scottish Government has been very helpful.โ
Mosques Reopen
Inverness Masjid and The Highlands Islamic Education and Community Centre have also opened after weeks of preparation.
Dundee Central Mosque also opened its doors on Wednesday.
In the UK, mosques reopened their doors on June 15 after three months of closure.
Across the world, some Muslimsโ reaction to the reopening of mosques went viral including that of an American Muslim basketball player who couldnโt contain his excitement as mosques reopened in Qatar.