How Zakaria Masjid in Dewsbury is helping the community through the outbreak

A mosque in Dewsbury is reaching out with support for people who need it in the middle of the current coronavirus outbreak.
Zakaria Masjid's education centre in Savile Town, Dewsbury.Zakaria Masjid's education centre in Savile Town, Dewsbury.
Zakaria Masjid's education centre in Savile Town, Dewsbury.

Zakaria Masjid, based in Savile Town, has been putting together and donating valuable care packages to those who are unable to leave their homes in the current lockdown.

Soyeb Yusuf, a member of the mosque’s committee, says over 100 volunteers had come forward to help those most in need in the local community.

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“We’re looking to help anybody that needs it,” Mr Yusuf said. “Predominantly, the people who are volunteering are from this mosque and surrounding area but anyone who’s willing to come and help can do so.”

The mosque launched its support before the Government issued orders for a lockdown, offering to pick up food and medicine for vulnerable people.

Since then it has started to put together care packages, delivering basic provisions across the community. It is also offering support to frontline workers. Mr Yusuf says that the mosque is simply following the principles of Islam.

He added: “Islam teaches that we are here to help the whole of mankind. Islam is not just about religion or religious action. It’s a whole way of life.

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“That includes everything - social welfare, community responsibility and all the things that society needs to function.”

Zakaria Masjid has had to adapt itself as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak. Social distancing means the mosque is shut to daily prayers until restrictions are lifted. While its Madrasa and school has moved to online learning.

The mosque was already looking to launch a helpline for vulnerable people in the local community. The covid-19 outbreak has given it the drive and resources to support more people.

Mr Yusuf said: “We feel it’s an obligation and our duty that in times of crisis we come together for the benefit of humanity.

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“We’re looking at working in many different areas and many different ways where we can support not just on religious matters but with general day-to-day things as well.”

To access support from the mosque call 07459 290 125 or 07405 187 897. The mosque can also be contacted through Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zakariamasjid/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zakariamasjiddewsbury/.