CAIR Connecticut and mosque leaders are urging Connecticut Muslims to pray at home this Friday, March 13, instead of congregating at mosques. In response to the growing COVID 19 pandemic several mosques in Connecticut have canceled indefinitely Friday prayer services and other activities including Sunday school programs for children, family nights, and other religious lectures and classes.

“As responsible citizens we want to encourage community members to do their part in helping to stop the spread of the corona virus by practicing social distancing measures and this includes gathering in large numbers at the mosque,” said Tark Aouadi, Executive Director of CAIR Connecticut.

Aouadi mentioned that even though Gov Lamont’s Executive Order prohibiting gatherings of more than 250 people exempts religious services its important for Muslims to respect the intent behind the guideline.

Friday congregational prayers are an obligatory religious activity for Muslims. The Muslim format of prayer is a physical activity that involves standing, bowing and prostrating as men and women stand next to each in close proximity in gender segregated groups.

It is part of the Muslim religious tradition that well being and protection of the community is paramount. Even in their religious requirements Muslims are required to do what is most beneficial and causes the least harm.

As part of their religious practice Muslims pray five times a day and wash their hands completely before each prayer. Mosques in Connecticut are also advising their congregants to perform their ritual washing with soap and to avoid shaking hands and hugging after prayers, as well as using their own prayer mats

For more information contact Tark Aouadi, 407-692-4112; Dr Reza Mansoor, 860-794-4011; or Khamis Abu-Hasaballah, 860-502-9308.