Nottinghamshire's Muslim community thanked for following lockdown restrictions ahead of Ramadan

Nottinghamshire Police has thanked the Muslim community for their support in following the government’s restrictions.

With Ramadan starting this week, the stay at home guidance will have a huge impact on how the holy month is observed.

Chief constable Craig Guildford said: “We are in unprecedented times and the current situation has seen the closures of many places of worship, including mosques across the country and across Nottinghamshire. I know how important the mosque is for our Muslim community.

“I am pleased to say, in Nottinghamshire, the advice for Muslims to refrain from attending any mosques and to observe their prayers at home has been well received and supported, I thank you for this.

“I realise how significant the month of Ramadhan is for Muslims. However, the position remains unchanged. As Ramadhan will start this week, I would appeal to our Muslim community to respect the same advice.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank our Muslim community again, whilst we are in unprecedented times, I want to wish you a safe and blessed Ramadhan Mubarak.”

Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: “The message for this Ramadan is clear: fast and pray at home and share Ramadan digitally. This is the way to help save lives.

“Ramadan is about connecting to God through worship, reflection, compassion and giving back to others.

"It is important to use this time to reconsider, to reflect on the way we live our lives and the way we relate to our Creator, our communities and those in need. We must be sure to celebrate Ramadan in the safest way possible: in our homes.”