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, Aberdeen’s Masjid Alhikmah and Community Centre has now reopened.
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“It was an extremely busy, yet exciting first day,” Farooq Durrani, from Masjid Alhikmah, told The Press and Journal.
“This 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.
“Throughout lockdown we have been doing virtual services and the community has been great in helping each other.
“But of course it is great to get back into some sort of routine, albeit with social distancing, and it’s been a big relief for everyone. People have been so patient.
“Safety remains paramount and we are ensuring we have staggered congregational prayers. The advice from the Scottish Government has been very helpful.”
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 Muslims’ reaction to the reopening of mosques went viral including that of an American Muslim basketball player who couldn’t contain his excitement as mosques reopened in Qatar.