BBC Radio to Air Azaan and Friday Sermons for the First Time in UK
In a first of its kind initiative, BBC radio is all set to commence a Muslim audience-centric program on Friday titled Islamic Reflections. The program to be aired on Friday morning’s every week would begin with recitation from Holy Quran, followed by Hadith of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and then transmission of Azaan by an Imam who would then lead in the prayers.
The program, set to be aired on 14 local radio channels in the UK, is the network’s attempt to cater to the Muslim community who remains away from mosques amid the Coronavirus lockdown in the country; and with the month of Ramadan approaching has a greater need to get in touch with the religious practices.
“With many local mosques being closed because of the coronavirus outbreak there’s an overwhelming sadness with the loss of your spiritual connection that can be gained from congregational prayers, so we are trying to fill the void in some small way with Islamic reflections,” said BBC CWR presenter Phil Upton.
Every week a new Imam would be delivering the Friday sermon on Islamic Reflections after which call to prayer would be heard across the UK. This also comes as a counter-effort to reduce Islamophobia in the country where extremist groups are targeting Muslims for the spread of Coronavirus.
“Local radio is all about connecting communities, and we hope these weekly reflections will go some way to helping Muslims feel a sense of community while they are isolating,” said Chris Burns, the head of BBC Local Radio.
