Worshippers are being asked to perform Wudu (ablution) at home in a bid to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
One Bolton mosque was amongst others which is now asking their worshippers to perform the obligatory washing before prayers at home.
The mosques had no cases of coronavirus.
Muslims cleanse parts of the body, a ritual purification and involves washing the hands, mouth, nostrils, arms, head and feet with water.
The Ghosia Masjid posted, "The Masjid Wudhu area will be closed until further notice to minimise the risk of infection. Please perform Wudhu prior to making your journey to the Masjid for Salah. JazakAllah."
The Masjid Wudhu area will be closed until further notice to minimise the risk of infection.
— Masjid E Ghosia (@MasjideGhosia) March 13, 2020
Please perform Wudhu prior to making your journey to the Masjid for Salah.
JazakAllah
Masjid-E-Ghosia
Lenton Muslim Centre in Nottingham has also told worshippers to perform Wudu at home (where possible) and suspend shaking hands.
Imam Husnain Yaqoob posted, "After consultation with my teachers, Lenton Muslim Centre has made the decision to temporarily suspend the practise of hand shaking after prayers. Attendees have also been encouraged to perform wudu at home where possible, and bring their own sajjaadas."
After consultation with my teachers, Lenton Muslim Centre has made the decision to temporarily suspend the practise of hand shaking after prayers. Attendees have also been encouraged to perform wudu at home where possible, and bring their own sajjaadas.
— Imam Husnain Yaqoob (@HusnainYaqoob10) March 13, 2020
As the coronavirus spread across the world many Muslims shared how they were already taught to wash their hands as part of the ablution.
A professor of pulmonology at Al-Azhar University, Dr. Taha Bakri, said that Wudu (ablution) plays an important role in preventing diseases, particularly the #Coronavirus. The practice of repeatedly washing five times a day protects people against microbes.#Sawt_Alhikma pic.twitter.com/AgD5pVqP9S
— Sawt Al-Hikma (@SawtAlHikma_EN) March 10, 2020
The amazing benefits of performing wudu! 💧 As Muslims, we are not only taught to purify ourselves spiritually, but outwardly also. When making wudu, we actually do both!
— Shabbir Hassan (@shabbirhsn) March 12, 2020
Transliteration of the du'a: Allāhumma-ij'alnī min al-tawwābīna wa-ij'alnī min al-mutatahhirīna 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/LTVKaxoQCk
Mosques are only cleanest area around the world. Muslims doing wudu ( which means cleaning and washing hands , face , nose , head , arms , foots 5 times a day ) for every each 5 prayers , and US media using mosque mic for covid news
— 🌸💜 (@_violets8) March 13, 2020
Their purpose is clear ... https://t.co/rZrKVk6HIY
Earlier this week The Muslims Council of Britain had given advice to mosques and madrasas as on what to do in the event of the virus spreading further.
As part of the advice the MCB said, "Mosques, madrasas and Muslim community centres should already be following best hygiene practices, but during this COVID-19 outbreak it is especially important that:
"Wudu (ablution) areas have sufficient soap, hand sanitiser and paper towels to ensure visitors are able to comply with hygiene advice.
"Carpeted prayer halls are cleaned more regularly than normal and keeping the building/rooms well ventilated at all times
"Displaying posters produced by public health bodies regarding hygiene and handwashing."
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