Barcelona Mosque Sparks Controversy with Prayer Fees Ahead of Ramadan

5 April 2021 – bySylvanus@Bladi · 1 min read

In Barcelona, the imam of a mosque has made a rather controversial and shocking decision as Ramadan approaches. He imposes a fee on the faithful who usually attend the Friday prayer or the Tarawih prayers.

Every believer must pay 50 euros for the Friday prayer and 100 euros for the Tarawih. This is what the imam of a mosque located in Barcelona demands from the faithful. "No exception will be made. Those who do not pay, they will not be allowed to enter the mosque. [...] If you don’t pay, don’t bother coming to the mosque," he has hammered.

The health crisis related to Covid-19 has not spared places of worship where fewer worshippers participate in prayers. Compliance with health measures requires it. Seats are therefore limited. As a result, the coffers of places of worship are empty or almost empty. A situation that would have led the imam to make this decision that raises a lot of controversy.

He also tries to justify himself. "Don’t take this negatively. Consider it a contribution to help the mosque and lighten your sins," he said.