""Qari Asim, a Leeds imam and BBSI member, said the pandemic had given momentum to the fledgling panel, accelerating its acceptance within the fragmented British Muslim community. “In uncertain times there are some important opinions that are required,” he said. “BBSI brings the glorious ancient teachings and connects them with the modern world, for instance whether or not to suspend public prayers, which is a huge thing, or how to pray with social distancing. It all hinges on theological interpretation and the need to protect the community, and that’s where scholarship comes in. It’s very timely from that perspective.”"
