SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — Religious institutions closed on March 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last week, small religious gatherings of up to ten people could start on Thursday, May 21. However, he stressed the importance of following social distancing guidelines as well as masks should be worn to protect against the infection of the virus.
Imam Mohammed ElFiki with the Islamic Society of Central New York planned to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, one of the biggest holidays in the Muslim faith on Sunday, May 23 with 3,000 worshippers.
“For our community alone around an average of 3,000 gather this day. We were supposed to be in the Manley Field house, the place was booked but of course we cancelled it all,” he said.
Although he believes Gov. Cuomo’s announcement is wonderful news, he would still face challenges with capacity restrictions and social distancing even after Eid al-Fitr, since hundreds of people usually attend his Friday sermons.
“We cannot come together as five hundred people,” Imam ElFiki said.
He will continue to have service online to avoid putting his church members at risk.
“We will have to keep it as it was, for the past two, three months. Just myself and one employee in the mosque. There will be no congregation, just something live, for people to watch at home,” Imam ElFiki said.
When he does reopen, his plan is to have staff members at the entrance of the mosque to allow the first 10 worshippers inside. Masks are required for entry so they will provide one to those who don’t have. “We made a decision today someone’s only job will be to lock the doors once 10 people are in. People will understand it’s for their safety,” Imam ElFiki said.
He believes it will be unfair of him to only allow 10 people inside with long lines of others waiting to come in and worship. Therefore, he is considering having additional services so more than ten people can worship a day. “We may open for a second congregation of ten people,” Imam ElFiki said.
As a part of the Eid al-Fitr celebration this year, the Islamic Society of CNY organized a drive-thru event for kids. They received gift bags and were greeted by staff members who held colorful welcome signs.
Imam ElFiki will have virtual services for as long as it takes .
“If a day comes that authorities say you can gather more people to worship together but we find that medical experts say otherwise we will not open,” he said.
