Worshippers made an emotional return to mosques up and down the country for the first Friday prayers in nine months. The pandemic-enforced break changed the routines of millions across the UAE, but some sense of normality returned despite capacity in places of worship capped to 30 per cent. Social distancing guidelines were recognised inside mosques, as they have been throughout daily prayers that resumed in July, but busier Friday services remained off limits until now. “I was filled with joy and emotion as I went back for Friday prayers after so many months,” said Mohammed Abdulla, an Indian resident in Dubai who works for the government. “It was a joyous occasion and I was emotional when I saw the gates of the mosques open after such a long time. “It was a very happy feeling.” Muslim community life revolves around the mosque, so it was a special day for the faithful in the UAE. Many were meeting up with friends and acquaintances they had not seen for some time. “My extended family were at the mosque and meeting them today was extremely special,” said Mr Abdulla. Mr Abdulla said he had missed the community feel and weekly reminders of his faith delivered by the Imam. Inside, worshippers diligently adhered to social distancing regulations, wore facemasks and carried their own prayer mats and Quran. Children were also not allowed inside mosques and the distribution of post-prayer lunch boxes were also prohibited. The sermon focused on giving gratitude to God in what has been a difficult year for many, as those in attendance were reminded to be grateful and try to keep good health during tough times. Friday prayers in congregation is an obligatory act of worship in Islam, so the day carried extra special significance for all those attending a sermon. Almir Smajlovic, a volunteer khateeb, the reader of the sermon, at Masjid Aisha Umm Al-Mu'mineen in Jumeirah said, the Friday prayers went well. "People kept their distance and were very happy and grateful to be praying at the mosque after a long time,” said Dr Smajlovic. “They were optimistic that there was some way back to normality. Earlier, we took things for granted. “We would say what did we do from one Friday to the next? "The last time we attended prayers was 37 weeks ago, now thankfully we are able to do this again." While capacity at mosques was capped, worshippers were required to maintain a two-metre distance from each other and perform ablutions at home. Mohamed Faisal, an Indian marketing executive who attended prayers at a mosque with his 15-year-old son, found the occasion almost too much to bear. “This was a long-awaited event so it was overwhelming," he said. "I met some people for the first time in months." The Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the nation’s largest mosque, was one of those offering a warm welcome back for Friday worshippers. Mohammedullah Moin, the Imam of Ali Salem Al Kaabi Mosque in Abu Dhabi, said he spoke of the need to be grateful to God that prayers could be resumed. "I am so happy and grateful,” said Mr Moin, who reduced the usual 20 minute sermon down to just seven and urged worshippers to be careful during the pandemic. “Every Imam is happy at the decision that Friday prayers have resumed as it is very important for muslims.”
