Starting Ramadan online, Burnaby mosque finds new ways to celebrate
Posted April 25, 2020 4:17 pm.
Last Updated April 25, 2020 4:22 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BURNABY (NEWS 1130) — Mosques across the Lower Mainland are closed, and Ramadan celebrations are moving online.
On a typical Friday, 1,000 people gather at the Masjid Al Salaam Mosque in Burnaby.
Now, the Masjid al Salaam and Education Centre is using Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to connect with the congregation.
Imam Yahya Momla says Iftar — the daily breaking of the fast at sunset — is usually a time when people gather whether in mosques, homes or restaurants.
“As far as Ramadan is concerned, there is a communal aspect to the month and there’s a devotional aspect. So, of course, this year the communal aspect is lost for most people,” he explains.
Momla says the extraordinary circumstances posed by the pandemic do offer an opportunity to focus on other aspects of the holy month.
“My message to my own community is that these are extraordinary times and we hope that this experience of Ramadan during a pandemic will enable us to be more grateful for the things that we took for granted,” Momla says.
“Hopefully this year we can concentrate more on the devotional aspect and being in service to others, being in service to humanity, and just looking after those who need us most during these difficult times.”
The mosque is offering daily sermons, lessons, and messages online.
“The actual prayer itself, unfortunately, can’t be transferred online,” he says, adding this is one reason online services can not fully replace in-person worship.
“The feedback I’m getting is that although the community does appreciate our efforts in trying to move things online. It’s not the same as an in-person lesson or sermon so they are definitely looking forward to coming back.”
