From pocket prayer mats to downloading the Quran: 5 ways to make the most of Friday prayers during the pandemic

Social-distancing measures mean going to the mosque requires planning

Mosques have reopened with social-distancing measures in place. Antonie Robertson / The National

The resumption of Friday prayers at UAE mosques in December 2020 was met with relief and joy by worshippers.

And while doors may now be open after eight long, unprecedented months, a “new normal” still continues, with all UAE mosques abiding by a set of strict and necessary measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

These steps include delivering group prayers while standing alone and apart from others (congregational prayers are usually conducted shoulder to shoulder) and seeing mosque bookshelves devoid of copies of the Holy Quran and related spiritual literature.

A list of safety measures in mosques provided by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments. Saeed Saeed

However, despite the many upheavals the past year has created around the world, what faith should provide is some sense of resilience.

And, with each visit to my neighbourhood mosque, the Masjid Al Aziz on Reem Island, I have not only seen worshippers making the most of the situation, but also using some innovative methods to remain spiritually connected and enriched.

Here are five tips for making the most of Friday prayers in the current climate.

1. Arrive early

While this is encouraged by the Prophet Mohammed in order to reap the full spiritual rewards of Friday prayers, arriving early at the mosque in the age of the pandemic is also vital.

With venues operating at a lower capacity due owing to social-distancing measures, prayer spots are limited. Before Covid-19, you could arrive at a full mosque a few minutes before prayers and find a place among fellow stragglers in the outdoor courtyard – now, such options are rarely available.

With officials ensuring social distancing is followed inside and outside the prayer hall, it is best to arrive 40 minutes before the adhan (call to prayer) to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience.

2. Get a pocket prayer mat

Trust me, this is essential.

With health regulations stating all mosque visitors must bring their own prayer mats, carrying some types of rugs can be cumbersome.

It is also impractical to have one with you at all times of the day, in case you are next to a mosque and the call to prayer rings.

Therefore, it’s best to go online or to a decent grocery store and get a plastic pocket prayer rug. Priced at around Dh20, they come in a zip-locked bag that fits nicely in your kandura.

3. Download the Quran on your mobile

The Muslim Pro app is ideal for reading the Holy Quran on your mobile phone. Saeed Saeed

With mosque shelves not carrying any books at present, and reading the Quran before the call to prayer recommended, it is best to download the spiritual text on to your phone.

There are dozens of reputable and free apps with well-designed versions of the Quran that you can find. I recommend Al-Quran and Muslim Pro for their accessibility and design.

4. Also download the Awqaf app

The Awqaf app allows you to access the Friday prayer sermon, also known as the 'khutba', in English. Saeed Saeed

Not only is it an excellent one-stop shop where you can access the daily prayer times and the location of your nearest mosque, the official app of the UAE's General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments also provides the Friday prayer sermon in English in advance.

With the address delivered in mostly classical Arabic, having an English version of the speech on hand has been immensely helpful in understanding certain words and phrases.

5. And finally ... enjoy the silence

While we all like to think the prayer hall is normally quiet in the minutes leading to the call to prayer, the reality is there has always been a steady hum of discreet chatter.

In my mosque, social distancing has muted that. With worshippers sitting alone and apart, mosques have become extra quiet, with the only exception being the arrival of people into the prayer hall.

Not only is it calming, but it does wonders in elevating your spiritual state. Here is hoping we can maintain that volume once life gets back to normal.

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Read more:

‘We shouldn’t take life for granted’: The emotional experience of returning to the mosque after three months

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