Mosque in UK Apologizes to Neighbors for Ramadan Traffic by Sending Chocolates
Seeing larger numbers of worshippers during Ramadan, mosques are usually busy around prayer times during the holy month.
In a neighborly gesture, a Hall Green mosque sent a chocolate bar alongside a letter to local residents about how they’re trying to avoid ‘traffic inconvenience’ during Ramadan.
Masjid Ēsa Ibn Maryam, on Etwall Road, asked local attendees to walk to the mosque, nightly parking patrols and encouraged less parking on Etwall Road, Birmingham Mail reported.
“Neighborhood and neighborliness is an important social value that is often overlooked. The rights of neighbors are strongly emphasized in Islam,” the letter organized by Abdul-Haseeb, Operations Administrator of ArRahma Foundation read.
“As you can imagine our Masjid is expecting the busiest period of the year with daily attendees, particularly, during the night prayer.
“I understand this may cause some traffic inconvenience, however, let me assure you the management are doing all they can to reduce the traffic burden on the locals.”
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint, and good deeds.
The mosque also invited locals of all faiths and none, to an open day to help build bridges within the community.
“Ramadan is one of the busiest seasons for the Masjids. ArRahma Foundation felt it was vital to be proactive in reaching out to our neighbors and to inform them of the busy period to follow,” Abdul-Haseeb said.
“Furthermore, we felt it was necessary to reassure them that we as a trust are exerting ourselves to ensure our neighbors don’t face any disruptions or difficulties.
“There have been incidents in the past and even during Friday prayers where people travelling or commuting for work just simply search for the nearest mosque, sometimes as they are not familiar with the area. They may hastily park haphazardly in a rush to get the prayer and return back to work.
“The response from the residents about the letter has been very heart-warming, friendly and supportive. Some neighbors used the opportunity to voice their concerns and share their experiences they’ve had with some of the attendees.”
The gesture stirred positive reactions with residents praising the “fantastic gesture” and saying “thank you for the consideration”.
“We were delighted to receive this letter from our local mosque today, along with a bar of chocolate! I was delighted at the consideration shown, proactive measures put into place and how the mosque wanted to work positively with the community,” a Hall Green resident posted on the Hall Green Residents Facebook Group.
Another added: “This is how it should be, well done to all involved!” Another wrote: “What a fantastic gesture and also during such a religious time for Islam.”
One post read: “Absolutely wonderful. What a tremendous example of thinking of the community. Absolutely brilliant.”
Source: aboutislam.net
