An Imam has said that leadership which is key in the religion of Islam is key to curbing the spread of coronavirus once faith organisations are allowed to reopen. 

The President has been consulting with faith-based organisations on how protocols would be enforced in churches and mosques should he give an order for them to resume their services.

“We need our leadership to give us a clear cut direction as to where we are heading. If it has to do with decongestion of our mosques so that we will resume to an extent, the way some of the churches would, we would have prayers in sessions because of practices such as social distancing. So be it,” Imam [didn’t catch his name] said on the Super Morning Show, Wednesday.

He added that naturally though, Islam is structured in such a way that leaders are supposed to assume the position to lead and others follow with respect. Therefore, ensuring protocols would not cause a problem.

“Enforcing social distancing (for example) would not be an issue because when we were in normal times, usually if we are to begin prayers, the Imam would have to make sure that we have a strict row [of people] and the rows are filled.”

“This time around, what the Imam would have to ensure that people stand two metres apart, before commencing the prayers. So once the mosque is full, the Imam would have to ask the others to be patient so that he can lead them another prayer. 

The Imam reserves that right to lead the first session, second session and for as many sessions as they want,” the Imam said.

He further explained that as a religion of cleanliness, Islam has naturally provided measures such as performing ablution rigorously three times which can also help curb the spread of the disease, especially when it comes to encouraging hand-washing.