Surah At-Tawbah [9:51]: Say, O dear Prophet "Nothing shall befall us except what Allah has destined for us; He is our Master; and the Muslims must rely only on Allah."

The Garden State Islamic Center will remain open for Friday Prayers. Out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to reduce harm and protect our congregants and in following the lead of our local health department officials, we will be conducting multiple Jumu’ah Khutbah and Prayer sessions to accommodate members, while adhering to current restrictions. 

Each Jumu’ah session will be conducted within a 10 minute timeframe. Individual admittance into each session will be limited. 

The Khutbah and Prayer sessions will be conducted as scheduled:

1st Khutba & Prayer (1:15 to 1:25)

2nd Khutba &Prayer (1:35 to 1:45)

3rd Khutba &Prayer (1:55 to 2:10)

* Additional sessions will be conducted if necessary.

* Prayer areas will be sanitized after each session.

We ask that each community member take personal responsibility to observe the following restrictions for the greater good of the community. 

Please do not attend the masjid for Jumu’ah and any congregational prayers if you have any of the following symptoms:

- Fever

- Cough

- Sneezing

- Joint Pains

- Any other flu-like symptoms

It is also highly recommended that you do not attend the Masjid for Jumu’ah or any congregational prayer if you are:

- Over 60 years old OR have:

- Diabetes

- Heart condition

- Respiratory conditions such as Asthma

- Autoimmune disease

- Blood disorders

- Chronic kidney disease

- Compromised immune system

- Pregnancy (current or recent)

- Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes)

- Metabolic disorders

- Heart disease

- Lung disease

- Neurological conditions

• Women and children are not required to attend Jumu’ah. They are encouraged to not attend to reduce exposure to health risks.

For those attending prayers, please follow all hygienic protocols and instructions as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to avoid getting sick or spreading droplets.

When attending the Masjid:

1. Bring your own prayer rug. (Wash your prayer mat regularly)

2. Please make your Wudo at home.

3. You may wear a mask that cover your mouth and nose.

4. Adhere to protocols involving social distancing.

We will comply with any further recommendations of the State and Local Health Authorities. 

The Garden State Islamic Center will continue to cater to the spiritual needs of our community and will take all necessary precautions following the lead of local officials while relying on the protection of Allah SWT, asking Him for the continued health and wellbeing of our community and larger society. Ameen 

* For additional updates and information, visit us online at  www.gsicnj.org and stay connected by also checking the GSIC WhatsApp Group