THE Muslim community is calling on the Government to rethink its ban on communal prayer in places of worship.

THE Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB) labelled the move as 'disheartening'.

In a statement this afternoon MINAB said: "The fundamental difference between Mosques and some other places of worship is that mosques are first and foremost used for communal prayer.

"MINAB recognises the need to combat covid19 and supports any measures necessary to defeat it but the Muslim community seeks continuation of limited communal prayer in mosques, which is effectively individuals praying in unison following social distancing measures.

"Over the past few months, Mosques, similar to other places of worship, have taken extra pre-cautionary measures to keep their spaces safe and covid-19 secure."

Through the Government's Places of Worship Task Force, MINAB is asking that the Government's detailed guidance accommodates the need of all faith communities, and allows for communal prayer to be offered in places of worship in a Covid-secure manner.

Imam Qari Muhammad Asim, chair of MINAB, added: "Mosques have contributed tremendously throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to support those who are vulnerable and in need, to mobalise vulnteers in their neighbourhoods and to offer facilities to alleviate pressure on the NHS, to provide pastrol care, to name but a few.

"Much of this work is sustained by communal prayer.

"We believe the continued running of mosques with all the necessary precautions is vital for the wellbeing of all communities."