South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings has written to members of the Muslim community to ask them to observe Ramadan at home rather than by visiting mosques for the sake of the health and well-being of the whole community.

The Covid19 pandemic has yet to reach its peak in the UK and has significantly affected all communities, events and celebrations. Christian and Jewish communities have recently seen their Easter and Passover celebration severely affected by the disease. Ramadan is the latest to be affected and will see worshippers observing celebrations in a different way to normal.

In his letter Dr Billings has reminded the Muslim community that the world is in a very different place. He has asked that communities continue to observe the emergency government legislation throughout this period to help overcome the disease and protect the NHS. The social distancing measures exclude socialising in groups that do not share a family home and only leaving the house for exercise and essentials.

Dr Billings, said: “The holy month of Ramadan begins next week and marks an important event in the Muslim calendar where followers deepen their faith and drawer closer to God through prayer, fasting and acts of charity.

“Staying at home to observe Ramadan, rather than visiting the mosque will be an act of charity for the sake of the health and well-being of the whole community.

“When the crisis has passed we can return again to our places of worship and give thanks to God for all his blessing to us.”