Grand Mosque of Paris to Reopen June 2 After COVID-19 Closure

Before reopening its doors, the Grand Mosque of Paris participated in the awareness-raising effort towards Muslims who have been extremely attentive to the health recommendations advocated by the scientific authorities.

Thanks to the sacrifices made by the entire society and by the majority of the faithful who have chosen, in all responsibility, to accept this constraining and unprecedented situation, very encouraging results have been obtained. These results led the authorities to authorize religious ceremonies by decree as of May 23, 2020. They reminded the managers of places of worship of the importance of respecting and ensuring compliance with a number of precautionary measures.

Some specific arrangements were made at the beginning of May in order to prepare for a return to normal worship life, while strictly respecting the government’s recommendations and with a view to the reopening of places of worship.

In addition, the disinfection of the premises and the prayer room has been ensured as well as floor markings to help the faithful respect physical distancing. An awareness campaign targeting imams and mosque staff, but also the faithful, has also been carried out.

To test the reception arrangements, the Friday prayer was organized with a reduced number of faithful. "We are pleased to announce that the mosque will resume (almost) normal worship life starting Tuesday, June 2, 2020," the GMP recalled.

From that date, the five prayers will be organized in compliance with the barrier measures, namely: wearing a mask and washing hands before entering the mosque and physical distancing. In addition to these measures, it is not recommended for people over 65 years of age or for sick people to go to the mosque. Likewise, the faithful are invited to do their ablutions before arriving at the mosque and to keep their own prayer mat.