The Church of England and Islam: A False Conspiracy Theory

I recently received an email to the effect that Justin Welby's stance on not allowing clergy in England to livestream from their own churches (or ring bells) is being done, with government approval, not to offend Muslims, who would otherwise be tempted to break the lockdown during Ramadan.

This is a conspiracy theory, and I think it needs addressing - hence this blog. It is palpable nonsense, but poisonous nonsense.

While I think Justin Welby’s stance is mistaken – the Welsh Bishops led by Archbishop John Davies (who livestreamed from Brecon Cathedral and is encouraging limited bell-ringing where safe and also livestreaming from churches) are (in my humble opinion) just as sensible, if not better, it has absolutely nothing to do with Islam in the UK, as any research will demonstrate. Saying that it does is only likely to rouse fears about Islam, and we could do without that.

So here are a few facts:

1. The Muslim Council of Britain is fully supportive of a lockdown Ramadan and believe me there will be NO temptation. One of the Hadith traditions is to keep the community safe, so actually this supports social distancing, and closing Mosques etc to public use. In fact, back in March, over 375 mosques, community centres and prayer facilities in the UK had confirmed the suspension of congregational prayers. This came in a week that the Muslim Council of Britain called for the suspension of all congregational activities in Muslim communities, including prayers, events and weddings. The decision has not been taken lightly, given the centrality of prayer and congregational prayer to Muslims.

2. The British Islamic Medical Association offers free training for all for all medical students joining the frontline. As locals are aware, in Jersey as in the UK, a number of staff including senior medical staff, are Muslims. Last week, the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) has announced a free webinar for all final year medical students that are being recruited to work in the NHS amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. That's ALL, not just for Muslims, please note. They are supporting the front line, both in training and manpower.

3. Harun Khan, Secretary General of the MCB said: “Safeguarding all of our communities is paramount, and it’s reassuring so many mosques and prayer facilities have heeded this advice in trying their best to minimise the spread of the coronavirus. Crowds at mosques draw the elderly, vulnerable and those who are high risk. With the increasing rate of transmission and the number of deaths, for the safety of our families, our communities and society, we cannot afford to take any risks. We all have an Islamic and public duty to protect one another from harm, and I hope the remaining mosques, Islamic centres and prayer facilities across the UK take this extraordinary step in these unprecedented times and suspend all congregational activities.”. Please note “Islamic duty to protect one another from harm”! This is a religious obligation for Muslims. Would that some of the more secular inhabitants of this Island who flout social distancing follow that guidance!

4. To get around the social distancing restrictions, organisations and mosques have set up online webinars and video conferences. One such example is the UK's Ramadan Tent Project, which usually hosts an outdoor open iftar every Ramadan: this year it will host online webinars to address spiritual questions and offers advice on how to benefit from the holy month.

5. Many mosques are now giving online alternatives, such as video conference platforms or live streaming, as a substitute for the centuries-old tradition. I’ve checked a number of UK sites which are offering livestreaming by Muslim leaders, some from within Mosques, which is like Anglican Wales or Roman Catholics, within Government guidelines. In particular they have been live streaming the khutbah, the sermon given before the congregational Friday prayers. This virtual congregation may continue during Ramadan so that prayers can be observed from the safety of worshippers’ homes. East London Mosque (the largest in Britain) is livestreaming from the main prayer hall. This makes a nonsense of the idea that Muslims will defy the government. They are working within the guidelines.