Cork Islamic Cultural Centre

Community Announcement

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

We would like to remind everyone that CICC stands in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters during these difficult times.

As part of this stance, we kindly request all community members to support this position by boycotting Israeli products. Please refrain from bringing any Israeli dates or Israeli-made products (including certain soft drinks, bottled water, juices, and similar items) onto the CICC premises.

We also encourage everyone to continue supporting for Gaza and to contribute generously toward various CICC projects.

May Allah reward you for your understanding, cooperation, and continued generosity.

Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Child Safety & Masjid Etiquette During Ramadan – Community Guidance

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we enter the blessed month of Ramadan, we would like to share some important reminders to help ensure the safety of our children and preserve the sanctity and serenity of the Masjid, in line with Irish child safeguarding and duty-of-care principles.

1. Children Under 4 During Taraweeh

Taraweeh prayers involve long periods of standing and require focus and devotion. For the well-being and safety of young children, and to help maintain a calm prayer environment, we kindly advise parents not to bring babies and children under 4 years old to the Masjid during Taraweeh Salah.

This guidance is based on:

Years of community experience

Child safety best practices under Irish safeguarding principles

Our shared responsibility is to provide a reasonably safe environment for all attendees

We have observed situations where children were running or playing inside and outside the Masjid premises, including beyond the main gate, which presents serious safety risks.

Please note that under Irish duty-of-care standards, parents and guardians remain fully responsible for supervising their children at all times. The Masjid administration (CICC) cannot assume responsibility for incidents arising from a lack of supervision.

We respectfully request parents to:

Keep children under constant supervision

Ensure children remain beside them at all times

Prevent children from roaming unattended inside or outside the Masjid

2. Masjid Etiquette for Teenagers, Youth & Adults

We also kindly remind our teenage boys and girls, youth, and adults to observe proper Masjid etiquette, especially during Ramadan.

Masajid worldwide, including in Makkah and Madinah, uphold clear etiquette to preserve:

Quietness during prayer

Cleanliness of the prayer area

Respectful conduct

Avoidance of unnecessary worldly talk

These guidelines are not meant to discourage attendance, but to ensure a spiritually uplifting environment and to honour the sanctity of the House of Allah.

3. Cleanliness and Respect for the House of Allah

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who stand in prayer…”
(Qur’an 22:26)

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized cleanliness and dignity in the Masjid. He taught that removing harm from the Masjid is an act of charity and discouraged foul smells, excessive noise, and inappropriate behaviour.

He ﷺ also said:

“The mosques are not for worldly talk; they are for the remembrance of Allah, prayer, and recitation of the Qur’an.”
(Muslim)

Maintaining cleanliness, calmness, and respectful conduct is part of honouring this sacred space.

4. Encouragement, Not Discouragement

Children are a blessing, and nurturing their love for the Masjid is important. However, this must be balanced with:

Their safety

The safety of others

The focus (khushu‘) of worshippers

Respect for the sanctity of Ramadan and Taraweeh

Ramadan is a month of discipline, mercy, and spiritual growth. Taraweeh is a special opportunity to reconnect with the Qur’an and strengthen our relationship with Allah.

5. Summary of Community Guidelines

We kindly and humbly request that the community members:

Children under 4 are not able to attend long Taraweeh prayers

All children remain under direct parental supervision

Teenagers observe full Masjid etiquette

No running, shouting, or playing inside or outside the premises

No worldly talk during prayer times

Everyone helps maintain cleanliness and respect

May Allah reward you for your understanding, cooperation, and commitment to preserving the sanctity of His House.

May He grant us khushu‘ in our prayers and allow us to benefit fully from this blessed month.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your continued support.

Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.