ONE of the UK’s leading Imams has spoken over a recent incident at a Blackburn mosque which saw 250 people attend a funeral despite Covid-19 guidelines.

250 people had attended a funeral at the Jamia Ghosia Mosque on July 13, a higher number than the 30 currently permitted by regulations, sparking fears of another virus outbreak after the Imam tested positive for Covid-19.

Now the government’s Islamophobia adviser Qari Asim MBE has called for closer adherence to government guidelines.

He said: “It is a shame to see that one of the Mosques in Blackburn has had to close by not following Covid-19 guidelines.

“This is an unwanted situation that could result in Mosques being re-closed which for many is a step backwards in what has been a difficult few months for all.”

This comes as Blackburn has overtaken Leicester to claim England’s highest rate of infection.

Mr Asim said that it was important that the incident was not allowed to fuel racial divisions and scapegoating.

He said: “As reports have shown us, the BAME community have been hit hard by Covid-19.

“We do not want to give rise to Islamophobic hateful narratives that some groups will try to exploit as a result of this as we have seen and been witness to over the lockdown period.

“The Muslim community should not be punished for this unfortunate incident, so I along with Imams across the country, urge people to be more vigilant and more careful in following guidelines to not risking lives.”

More guidance on mosque procedures is available at http://minab.org.uk/.