Muslim burials across Lancashire including Blackburn, Lancaster, Morecambe, and Preston have been disrupted because of the coronavirus pandemic and national lockdown.

 

Funerals across different faiths have been disrupted throughout Lancashire as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has swept the nation and world.

Churches and Islamic organisations across the red rose county, along with local authorities, have introduced a number of measures to limit where funerals can take place, who can attend them, and how many people can attend them.

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on Monday evening (March 23) that the UK was being placed in complete lockdown for an initial three weeks, with residents only allowed to leave their homes for a limited number of essential reasons.

Johnson also stressed that people should stay at least two metres away from others that they do not live with while out of their home.

Here is the latest on Christian and Islamic funeral arrangements under current Covid-19 restrictions:

 

Islam

Following the nationwide lockdown on Monday (March 23), the Lancashire Council of Mosques has urged all mosques and Islamic organisations across the county to stop funeral rites and burials.

Instead it has urged all funeral rites and burials to be carried out only by the Blackburn Muslim Burial Society.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council had also restricted the number of visitors to Pleasington Crematorium and its cemeteries to 28 to ensure appropriate social distancing.

But in an update on Friday afternoon (March 27), this number was reduced to 10, with all cemeteries to close except for funerals with immediate effect. The reduction to 10, including family members, any faith representatives and staff, is set to be enforced from Monday (March 30).

Latest Muslim funeral restrictions across Lancashire due to coronavirus Blackburn Muslim Burial Society
Masjid E Salaam Mosque (Image: Google Street View)

In a letter form the LCM – an umbrella organisation representing mosques and religious teaching institutions in Lancashire – to the Muslim community, it reads: “This will help ensure Personal Protective Equipment resources are effectively used and that Covid-19 safety requirements are met by volunteers.

“Again, we know this is an incredibly difficult and emotive subject, and we will endeavour to keep you updated at every point so that we can continue to support you and provide the reassurance at this difficult time.”

The community has nominated Imran Patel from the Blackburn Muslim Burial Society as a “single point for information that is up to date, trustworthy, consistent and accurate.” He can be contacted directly on 07703 228796.

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