Minimal disruption

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, little disruption has been caused to religious activities in mosques throughout Xinjiang, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, which this year fell in April and May.

Musa Asan, the Reste Mosque imam, said, "Mosques in Xinjiang reopened immediately after the regional outbreak was brought under control."

Guidelines for religious venues have been put in place during the pandemic, he added.

"We have carefully disinfected and ventilated the mosque. With the aim of protecting our community, we also require people to wear face masks and keep a safe distance during prayers. We have ensured local communities and residents that they can continue practicing their religion safely during the pandemic."

Religious activities also went ahead as usual during Ramadan at Yanghang Mosque in Urumqi.

The venue, built in 1897, is popular among Muslims from all ethnic groups, including Uygur and Hui. Muslims from other countries also visit the mosque for prayers, according to Bekri Yaqub, the Yanghang Mosque Democratic Management Committee director.

"Medical workers were at the site during Ramadan to offer health checks to people who were fasting. The pandemic had little impact on religious activities in Xinjiang during the holy month," he said.

No cases of infection have been reported at locations in the region where religious activities take place, according to the Xinjiang Islamic Association.

It said a series of groundless claims have been made, such as restrictions being placed on freedom of religious belief, ethnic groups denied the right to such belief, mosques being compulsorily demolished and religious figures persecuted.