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Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA), “A statement regarding the latest developments of COVID-19 outbreak and their impact on the congregational services”: 

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Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA), “A statement regarding the latest developments of COVID-19 outbreak and their impact on the congregational services”: 

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Read Arabic version
A statement regarding the latest developments of COVID-19 outbreak and their impact on the congregational services

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

In light of the new developments of the COVID-19 outbreak (may Allah keep us and all people safe), and in light of the various recommendations of the different authorities, AMJA issued the following statement:

First: AMJA affirms its commitment to the rights of Allah and establishing the symbols of devotion to Him, and its commitment to the sacredness of human life and wellbeing. AMJA also reiterates that its legal stance hinges on the government mandates and the guidance of the relevant public health agencies.

Second: AMJA requires the Muslims to follow the updates of the CDC and comply with its instructions, since it is the most relevant and trustworthy authority in this regard.

Third: in the absence of government mandates banning all gatherings and demanding the closure of the houses of worship, AMJA advises the caretakes of the major masjids to establish the services by the imams, muazzins, employees, and those who may be at the masjid at the time of the prayer for any reason, such as seeking the imam's counsel or any form of assistance. This is as long as their numbers don't exceed the CDC-allowed numbers and they can observe all the other precautions, such as the recommended distancing, proper hygiene, etc. The muazzins should add in their adhan: "pray in your places."

Fourth: It is incumbent upon those who visit the masjids to observe all the necessary precautions to prevent spread of the virus, and that is by making ablution at home, practicing hand (and face) hygiene, covering sujood spots with disposable papers, or bringing their own prayer rugs from home and disinfecting them, as well as keeping the recommended distance between the worshippers and all the other precautions advised by the specialists.

Fifth: it is permitted for the public to miss jumuah and pray dhuhr at home or work. For those who wish to establish jumuah in their homes or workplaces, they may establish a jumuah congregation while abiding by the CDC-allowed numbers (or any lower numbers enforced by local, state or federal authorities) and observing all the necessary precautions. This is because jumuah is valid outside the masjid according to the position of the majority.

Sixth: we request that the masjids communicate with their congregations through virtual technologies. This is important, in order that the masjids may address the spiritual and emotional needs of the congregation, since the material available online would not substitute for that masjid-congregation connection. However, jumuah and the congregational prayers in general would not be valid through such technologies.
Finally, and most importantly, AMJA implores all Muslims to beseech Allah, the Almighty, for assistance in these dire circumstances, and return to Him, and excel in His service, particularly by reaching out to those in need during these times, and assisting them. May the blessings of Allah be on His last Messenger, and all praise belongs to the Lord of the Worlds.

Resident Fatwa Committee
Read English version
بيان بشأن آخر تطورات فيروس كورونا وأثرها على صلاة الجمعة والجماعة

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله وعلى آله وصحبه ومن والاه، أما بعد: ففي ظل المستجدات التي تطرأ كل يوم على وباء فيرس كورونا - عافانا الله وإياكم وسائر الناس - والاختلاف في توصيات السلطات، فإن المجمع يعلن ما يلي:

أولا: يؤكد المجمع على موقفه الثابت من المحافظة على مقصود الشارع من تعظيم شعائر الله وإقامتها من جانب، والمحافظة على الأرواح وعدم التغرير بها من جانب آخر، كما يؤكد أن موقفه الفقهي يدور في فلك الأوامر الرسمية وتوجيهات الهيئات الصحية المعنية.

ثانيا: يهيب المجمع بالمسلمين متابعة توصيات مركز مكافحة الأمراض السي دي سي، والالتزام بها، فهم الجهة الأوثق والأكثر تخصصًا فيما نحن فيه.

ثالثا: في ظل غياب أوامر رسمية بمنع جميع التجمعات، وإغلاق دور العبادة بصورة شاملة، يوصي المجمع القائمين على المساجد الكبرى بإقامة الشعائر فيها في حدود ما تسمح به توصيات مركز مكافحة الأمراض بمن حضر في المساجد الجامعة من الأئمة والمؤذنين والموظفين وغيرهم ممن وقع حضوره في وقت الصلاة لأي سبب، كالتشاور مع الإمام أو طلب العون، ما لم يتجاوز العدد المسموح به وتم الالتزام بسائر الاحتياطات الأخرى، كالتباعد بين المصلين وغيرها. وعلى المؤذنين أن ينادوا بالصلاة في الرحال.

رابعًا: على من حضر إلى المسجد أخذ الاحتياطات الكاملة لتجنب انتشار الفيروس بالوضوء في البيوت وتنظيف الأيدي والجباه واستعمال أوراق استعمال المرة الواحدة لمواضع السجود، أو استصحاب سجادة صلاة شخصية والعناية بتعقيمها، والتباعد بين المصلين وغير ذلك مما يوصي به المختصون.

خامسًا: يرخص للعامة في التخلف عن الجمعات والاكتفاء بصلاتها ظهرا في رحالهم، ولمن شاؤوا أن يقيموا هذه الشعيرة في أماكن عملهم ومنتدياتهم فعل ذلك مع التقيد بالعدد المسموح به وأخذ الاحتياطات المأمور بها، فإن المسجدية ليست شرطا في صحة صلاة الجمعة في الراجح من أقوال أهل العلم.

سادسًا: نهيب بالمساجد التواصل مع جالياتهم من خلال تقنيات العالم الافتراضي، وذلك لسد حاجاتهم الروحية والنفسية، ولا يغني عن ذلك ما هو موجود على الشبكة من الدروس والمواعظ. لكن الجمعة والجماعة لا تصح عن طريق هذه التقنيات.

وقبل كل ذلك وبعده، يوصي المجمع بالتضرع إلى الله عز وجل في هذه الظروف الحرجة وتجديد التوبة إليه جل جلاله، ومضاعفة الجهد في العمل الصالح، سيما العناية بالضعفاء وأصحاب الحاجات، والله من وراء القصد.

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A statement regarding the latest developments of COVID-19 outbreak and their impact on the congregational services | AMJA Online

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Read Arabic version A statement regarding the latest developments of COVID-19 outbreak and their impact on the congregational services In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful In light of the new developments of the COVID-19 outbreak (may Allah keep us and all people safe), and in light of the various recommendations of the different authorities, AMJA issued the following statement: First: AMJA affirms its commitment to the rights of Allah and establishing the symbols of devotion to Him, and its commitment to the sacredness of human life and wellbeing.

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Grand Ayatollah Sistani (Iraq) and Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America

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Grand Ayatollah Sistani (Iraq) and Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America

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http://ijtihadnet.com/ayatollah-sistanis-advices-over-coronavirus/

and

https://connect.imam-us.org/acton/rif/26493/s-015c-2003/-/l-sf-contact-000d:17f/l-sf-contact-000d/showPreparedMessage?utm_term=Click%20here&utm_campaign=Advisory%20Announcement%20Regarding%20Coronavirus%20(COVID-19)%20&utm_content=email&utm_source=Act-On+Software&utm_medium=email&cm_mmc=Act-On%20Software-_-email-_-Advisory%20Announcement%20Regarding%20Coronavirus%20(COVID-19)%20-_-Click%20here&sid=TV2:JIncq9Hkn

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[see also this earlier, undated guidance]

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu 'alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh (Peace, Blessings & Mercy of Allah be upon You).

This statement is being reissued on the 22nd of March 2020 at 16:00, and supersedes all previous statements on the subject. These detailed discussions have taken place between Ulamā and Health experts over the last 24 hours and we have explored all possible avenues from many perspectives in reaching this decision. We have also reviewed and considered the guidance of Senior Ulamā reached in their summit on the 21st of March 2020 Jamiatul Ilm Wal Huda (Blackburn).

These restrictions will be reviewed regularly and further guidance will be issued as and when necessary.

This advisory will be updated once the guidance from Public Health England and the subsequent decision of the Ulamā changes.

All Mosques in Britain who chose to follow this advice, must follow it in its entirety and the restriction recommendations. Please DO NOT take these recommendations and apply them partially OR without adequately educating your communities. The Mosque committees need to work at the grassroots level to calm their communities, and educate them on these measures and why they are being taken.
Advisory for Mosques

There has been fundamental shift in the past few days towards self-isolation and social distancing. Muslims (in line with others) in Britain should stay at home and should not emerge unless it is absolutely essential and necessary. When there is a need to emerge, appropriate precautions as advised by Public Health England should be taken.

While we are isolated at homes, it is necessary for our homes to continue to be beacons of light and guidance. In these trying times, it is more necessary than ever to turn towards Allāh Ta'āla in repentance, and strenuously engage in acts of worship, charity and prayers for everyone. In addition, everyone is urged to provide support to each other in the communities so we can all get through these trying times.

We will emerge from this pandemic, but let's all stand together and face this challenge with unity and discipline while keeping true to the teachings of our religion.

Due to the urgency, the need and strictness of the isolation, it is acknowledged that normal congregational activities within the Mosque cannot continue. Thus the advisory for the Mosque has been revised as follows:

1. All Mosque activities including public congregations Salāh should be suspended until further notice. However, use the Radio transmitters or the Internet to continue to educate the British Muslim communities. We urge Scholars to increase live interactions using Social Media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc) and other technical aids at their disposal.

2. Activities relating to children and the Maktab can also continue remotely. We have reviewed several tools which can be used for this purpose.

3. We advise that due to isolation guidelines, a select few individuals should be designated to continue with congregational Fardh (obligatory) Salāh and Jumuāh (Friday) prayers in the Mosque. The minimum congregation requirement for Jumuāh (Friday) prayers is 4 adult (male) individuals i.e. Imām + 3 (others). Sunnāh and other non-obligatory prayers should be done at Home.

4. Those who are isolated at home should pray the Dhohar Salāh on Friday instead of Jumuāh.

5. Continue to call the Adhān for five times daily congregational prayers and the Jumuāh (Friday) prayers with the following change:

The following should be proclaimed:
صَلُّوا فِي رِحَالِكُمْ صَلُّوا فِي رِحَالِكُمْ Health & Safety Caveat:
Those who volunteer to pray with the Imām should be clear of all symptoms and not be part of Coronavirus (COVID-19) at risk group. They should not be expected to put their own health on the line for the sake of keeping the Mosque open. Those who voluntarily choose to go into 'Itikāf (Seclusion) should do so for the entire duration of the crisis. Food and provisions will have to be brought to the door. They should not leave to go back to their respective homes.
Congregational Fardh (obligatory) Salāh Procedure:
This is a brief reminder of the Masāil (issues) regarding congregational Fardh (obligatory) Salāh. It should be remembered that Salāh done in congregation is superior to Salāh done individually.

Ibn Umar (RA) narrated that Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon Him) said: "Salah in congregation is twenty-seven degrees more virtuous than a man's Salah alone"

Congregational Fardh (obligatory) Salāh can be divided into 3 main scenarios when it comes to arranging the rows, as follows:
Scenario 1: Imam and one male adult or minor

Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that "I stayed overnight with my maternal aunt Maimunah, and the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) got up during the night to perform prayer. So I got up and stood on his left. He took me by the hand and made me stand on his right."

From this Hādith we learn that if there is an Imām and only one male Muqtadi (follower), it is best to stand to the right of the Imām. It is however permissible if necessary, that the Muqtadi (follower) stands either to the left or behind the Imam.

It is preferable that the Muqtadi (follower) stands parallel (in line) with the Imām, ensuring that he does not advance the Imām, as advancing the Imām will invalidate the Salāh of the Muqtadi (follower). Alternatively, he may also stand a little behind the Imām in a manner that the toes of the Muqtadi (follower) are in line with the heal of the Imām.

Sisters in all cases will stand in the row behind the Imām.
Scenario 2: Imam and 2 males; adults or minors

Samurah bin Jundub narrated that "Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon Him) ordered us when we were three, that one of us (the Imam) should stand forward."

From this Hādith we learn that when there is an Imām and two male Muqtadi (followers), the Imām will stand in front and the two male Muqtadi (followers) behind the Imām.

If due to necessity, for example a lack of space, the Muqtadi (follower) stand to the right and left of the Imām, then this is also permissible. It has been reported that Abdullah bin Mas'ud (RA) led Alqamah (RA) and al-Aswad (RA) in prayer. He stood one to his right and the other to his left. He then attributed this to the Prophet.
Scenario 3: Imam with two or more males and females

It was narrated from Anas bin Malik, that his grandmother Mulaikah (RA) invited the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon Him) to come and eat some food that she had prepared for him. Then he said: Anas (RA) narrated "Get up and I will lead you in prayer." Anas (RA) said: "So I got up and brought a reed mat of ours that had turned black from long use, and spread some water on it. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon Him) stood and the orphan and I stood in a row behind him, and the old woman stood behind us, and he led us in praying two Rak'ahs, then he left."

From this Hādith we learn that when the congregation is a mixture of males and females, the order of rows will be as follows: males, then the children and then the females. Children can also be joined with the males due to space restrictions etc.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) at risk group:

1. Anyone in their 70s or under 70 with the following conditions;

2. Anyone being seriously overweight, for example with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.

3. Anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds.

4. Anyone with an impaired immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy.

5. Anyone with diabetes.

6. Anyone with problems with their spleen, for example Sickle Cell disease or have had their spleen removed.

7. Anyone with underlying lung conditions or chronic (long term) respiratory diseases such as Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis.

8. Anyone with chronic heart disease such as heart failure.

9. Anyone with chronic kidney disease.

10. Anyone with chronic liver disease such as hepatitis.

11. Anyone with chronic neurological condition such as Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning difficulty or cerebral palsy

12. Anyone with cancer.

13. Those living with someone who is in a risk category.

14. Those who cannot avoid being in contact with someone at risk.

Spiritual Action Plan

1. All Muslims are urged to turn towards Allāh Ta'āla in repentance and seek forgiveness.

2. All Muslims are urged to inculcate and adopt the noble and blessed Sunnāh of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) in all aspects of their lives.

3. All Muslims are urged to be particularly diligent and attentive in their five daily prayers.

4. All Muslims are urged to set aside some time daily in recitation of the Qurān and engage in Dhīkr (remembrance) and adhkār (litanies and invocations) which are from the Qurān and the Sunnāh.

5. There are some special and particular Duās from the Sunnāh which should be particularly and frequently recited at this time, they are as follows:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الَّذِي لاَ يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الأَرْضِ وَلاَ فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ، لَمْ يَضُرَّهُ شَيْءٌ‏‏

In the Name of Allāh with Whose Name there is protection against every kind of harm in the earth or in the heaven, and He is the All-Hearing and All- Knowing

أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ

I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allāh from the evil of what He has created

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُنُونِ وَالْجُذَامِ وَالْبَرَصِ وَسَيِّيءِ الأَسْقَامِ ‏

O Allāh, I seek refuge in You from vitiligo, madness, leprosy, and bad diseases.
Position on Mosque, Adhān and congregational Salāh
Mosques are special places where the Mercy and Blessings of Allāh Ta'āla descends upon, enriching those who frequent them. Each and every step taken towards the House of Allāh Ta'āla is meritorious and virtuous. In addition Adhān and congregational Salāh are special salient features and manifestations of Isl ā m which need to be practiced.

أَخْبَرَنَا سُوَيْدُ بْنُ نَصْرٍ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ الْمُبَارَكِ، عَنْ زَائِدَةَ بْنِ قُدَامَةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا السَّائِبُ بْنُ حُبَيْشٍ الْكَلاَعِيُّ، عَنْ مَعْدَانَ بْنِ أَبِي طَلْحَةَ الْيَعْمَرِيِّ، قَالَ قَالَ لِي أَبُو الدَّرْدَاءِ أَيْنَ مَسْكَنُكَ قُلْتُ فِي قَرْيَةٍ دُوَيْنَ حِمْصَ ‏.‏ فَقَالَ أَبُو الدَّرْدَاءِ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ مَا مِنْ ثَلاَثَةٍ فِي قَرْيَةٍ وَلاَ بَدْوٍ لاَ تُقَامُ فِيهِمُ الصَّلاَةُ إِلاَّ قَدِ اسْتَحْوَذَ عَلَيْهِمُ الشَّيْطَانُ فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِالْجَمَاعَةِ فَإِنَّمَا يَأْكُلُ الذِّئْبُ الْقَاصِيَةَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ السَّائِبُ يَعْنِي بِالْجَمَاعَةِ الْجَمَاعَةَ فِي الصَّلاَةِ ‏

It was narrated that Ma'din bin Abi Talhah Al-Ya'muri (RA) said: "Abu Ad-Darda (RA) said to me: 'Where do you live?' I said: 'In a town near Hims.' Abu Ad-Darda (RA) said: 'I heard the Messenger of Allāh Ta'āla (Peace be upon Him) say: "There are no three people in a town or encampment among whom prayer is not established, but the Devil takes control of them. Therefore, stick to the congregation, for the wolf eats the sheep that strays off on its own." (One of the narrators (As Sa'ib) said: "The congregation means the congregational prayer.") [Sunan an-Nasa'i]

We have to review the latest medical advice and balance it against the teachings and commandments of Islām.

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Wifaqul Ulama (UK): Coronavirus guidance

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see also this earlier, undated guidance] In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu 'alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh (Peace, Blessings & Mercy of Allah be upon You). This statement is being reissued on the 22nd of March 2020 at 16:00, and supersedes all previous statements on the subject.

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1) Its a religion obligation for the society to listen to public health directions. If you are sick at all, stay home and you won't be around in a mosque or any other religious gatherings. Anyone suffering from respiratory conditions must pray at home instead.

2) It is everyone
3) They refer to muslim ruling where in they give the religious leader the say on what rules the people should obey. It is passed down through the govern
4) Says to strictly adhere to all health regulations outlined by health experts and institutions. does not say anything else regarding WHO or CDC.
5) Make sure to quarantine in order to prevent the spread of illness. The document quoted Abu Hurayah, a messenger of God, who said "do not enter land afflicted with epidemic and if you are in the land afflicted with it, don't leave."

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Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP), Islamic Society of North America, (ISNA) and Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA)

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Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP), Islamic Society of North America, (ISNA) and Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA)

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A fatwa is a non-binding opinion given by an individual for one to help better navigate difficult situations.

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A fatwa is a non-binding religious ruling that is justified on the basis of a hadith or the Qu’ran.

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The premise for these advisory's to be given is due to the risk and dangers of spreading Covid-19 amongst one another during religious ceremonies.

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They reference that protecting people by "avoiding life threatening dangers" is one of the base fundamentals of the Qur'an based on the prophet's experience, therefor its more important to protect people then it is to go to the religious gatherings.

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Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP) Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) North American Imam Federation (NAIF)

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The fatwas recommended cancelling most things to avoid crowding and spread, and to hold video conferencing instead. Also it mentions basic Covid guidelines such as don't come into direct contact with other people.

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Allah Almighty Says in the Holy Quran: "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits"
The Qur’an quoted Prophet Ibrahim (p) as saying, “It is He who created me and He will guide me It is He who gives me food and drink and heals me when I am sick. He will cause me to die and will bring me back to life.” [The Holy Quran 26:78–81]

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(CHAPTER 3, SECTION 32) FATWA ISSUED FATWA COMMITTEE, ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF SINGAPORE The Fatwa Committee held a special fatwa meeting on 18 February 2020 to discuss questions received from Mosque and Community Development Strategic Unit in Muis (MCM) on precautionary measures that should be undertaken by mosques in dealing with the transmission of Covid-19
FATWA
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم الحمد لله رب العالمين ، والصلاة والسلام على سيد المرسلين وإمام المتقين نبينا محمد وعلى آله وأصحابه أجمعين. اللهم أرنا الحق حقا وارزقنا اتباعه، وأرنا الباطل باطلا وارزقنا اجتنابه، وبعد.
2. The Covid-19 coronavirus emerged in late 2019. According to recent reports, the number of infected individuals have increased exponentially with thousands of deaths linked to this virus being reported. Singapore reported its first case on 23 January 2020, and since then, there has been evidence of community transmission. In light of these developments, the Singaporean authorities have upgraded the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) to the orange level on 7 February 2020. Measures have been taken by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to control the spread of the virus. This announcement is followed by some general guidelines, such as the cancellation or suspension of large-scale events.

3. Several places of worship have been affected. This is a result of some individuals who continued attending religious ceremonies at places of worship despite being infected with the virus or exhibiting symptoms. There are others who refused to take any precautions even when they were ill. This careless attitude worsened the situation, affected public health and places of worship. Several places of worship in Singapore have taken precautions and postponed all their major ceremonies and religious activities while offering alternatives such as conducting religious services online etc. In the event of a mosque facing a similar situation, the Fatwa Committee has discussed several approaches that mosque managements could apply.

I. Religious textual evidence on need to contain spread of plague ;

II. Religious concession to not attend Friday prayers and congregational prayers for those with religious exceptions;

III. The role of maqāṣid in providing religious guidance during emergency situations such as in a disease outbreak.

I) Religious textual evidence on need to contain spread of plague

لَا يُورِدَنَّ مُمْرِضٌ عَلَى مُصِحٍّ

Meaning: " Do not place a sickly patient with a healthy person." (Hadith reported by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim).

إِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ بِهِ بِأَرْضٍ فَلاَ تَقْدَمُوا عَلَيْهِ وَإِذَا وَقَعَ بِأَرْضٍ وَأَنْتُمْ بِهَا فَلاَ تَخْرُجُوا فِرَارًا مِنْهُ

Meaning: " If you hear that a land has a plague in it, do not go forward to it. If it comes upon a land which you are in, do not depart from it" (Hadith reported by Imam Muslim).

7. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w was once visited by the Thaqif tribe who wanted to pledge allegiance to him, with one of its members infected by a contagious disease. To avoid shaking hands with the infected individual, The Prophet s.a.w sent a messenger to him and without shaking the hands of the infected person (as the norm was) he told the messenger to convey that he said: " We have received your pledge of allegiance, do return back to your place. " (Hadith reported by Imam Muslim).

II) Religious concession to not attend Friday prayers and congregational prayers for those with religious excuse

8. Rukhsah is a term in Islamic law which provides concession for Muslims when facing difficult situations in performing religious duties. It seeks to eliminate the difficulties faced by individuals or communities by providing facilitative religious positions which enables Muslims to perform their religious precepts and obligations within any limitations or challenges they face.

9.Based on textual sources, religious scholars have discussed a number of situations that would allow an individual to be excused from performing Friday and congregational prayers. Among them, is the concession given to not attend Friday prayers during heavy rain as reported by Imam Bukhari and Muslim, that Abdullah bin Abbas r.a. ordered the one making the call to prayer to add the following line in the call for prayers. ( " صلوا في بيوتكم Pray in your own homes). Ibn Abbas r.a. said:

فقال ابن عباس : أَتَعْجَبُونَ مِن ذَلِك! لَقَدْ فَعَلَ ذَلِكَ مَنْ هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِنِّي، إِنَّ الجُمْعَةَ عَزْمَةً، وَإِنِّي كَرِهْتُ أَنْ أُخْرِجَكُم فَتَمْشُوا فِي الطَّينَ وَالدَّحَضِ.

Meaning: " Ibn Abbas said: Are you surprised with this statement! It has been done by someone more noble than me (that is Rasulullah s.a.w.). The Friday prayers is an obligation but I do not like to order you to go out and attend prayers while walking on wet earth and mud. "

10.Imam Al-Nawaw ī detailed in al-Majmū' that there are several factors that can lead to the concession to suspend congregational prayers, be they the five daily prayers or the supererogatory ones:

(أما حكم المسألة) فقال أصحابنا : تسقط الجماعة بالأعذار سواء قلنا إنها سنة أم فرض كفاية أم فرض عين

Meaning: "(With regard to this issue) Our fellow scholars (the Shafi'is) have opined that: Congregational prayers can become non-obligatory due to legal exceptions. This includes supererogatory prayers, communal or individual obligations... (fardu kifayah or fardu ain) "

11.He further mentioned that the same religious excuse which render congregational prayers non-obligatory can also be applied for Friday prayers:

من الأعذار المرخصة في ترك الجماعة، يرخص في ترك الجمعة

Meaning: "The religiously valid excuses that can render congregational prayers non-obligatory can also be accepted as valid excuses to not attend Friday prayers."

12.Thus, if there are valid reasons such as a Muslim who has contracted an infectious disease, then he is permitted to not attend Friday prayers. But, he has to offer Zuhur prayers in its place.

III) The role of maqāṣid in providing religious guidance for emergency situations such as during a disease outbreak

13.Islam places a high importance on human safety especially in situations that can adversely affect and threaten our lives. Islam has set some specific guidelines for dealing with emergencies such as a disease outbreak . This emergency situation allows individuals, and the public, to take certain precautions as provided by the following Islamic legal maxim :

الضرورة تبيح المحظورات

Meaning: " Emergencies permit the unlawful. "

14.When there is a clash between a benefit ( maslahah) and a harm ( mafsadah), avoiding the harm ( mafsadah)is prioritized. If a harm is left unchecked, it will leave a lasting negative impact compared to when a benefit is avoided. This is in line with the Prophetic saying on avoiding any forms of harm and to not harm others:

لاَ ضَرَرَ وَلاَ ضِرَارَ

Meaning: " Let there be no harm and no reciprocation of harm. " (Hadith reported by Ibn Majah).

15.The same follows for the Islamic legal maxim: الضرر يزال (المشقة تجلب التيسير ( harm must be eliminated) that has been agreed upon by Muslim religious scholars as one of the five main legal maxims in deriving Islamic rulings. The legal maxim hardship begets facility) also means that in Islam, any forms of hardship, even if it does not threaten lives, will allow for flexibilities in performing religious duties. Thus, although the Covid-19 virus is not shown to affect the whole population of a country or to certainly cause deaths to those infected, this disease is still considered an emergency as its implications are feared and causing anxiety within the society.

16.Islam also allows relevant authorities to implement precautionary and preventive measures to safeguard the individual and societal well-being. Any form of advisories issued by the healthcare authorities must be observed by all. This is in line with the Islamic principle:

تصرف الإمام على الرعية منوط بالمصلحة

Meaning: " A leader's decision is based on the welfare of his people."

17.Taking precautionary and preventive measures to avoid being infected by any diseases is also highly important as it is in line with the Islamic principle of preserving one's life. Furthermore, Islam emphasizes the necessity for those who are unwell to seek medical advice and undergo necessary treatments, based on the Islamic legal maxim known as Sadd al-Zara'i'.

18.The Prophet s.a.w. used to instruct those who are well to avoid coming into close contact with individuals who have been afflicted by infectious diseases. This has been used as a basis by Muslim scholars to conclude that taking precautionary and preventive measures are better than having to seek cure or undergo treatment.

19.Based upon the religious textual sources and principles above, the Fatwa Committee is of the opinion that mosques' management has the religious duty to request or prohibit any unwell congregants from entering the mosque area, whether for performing prayers or other matters. This is because their presence may cause the transmission of the virus and harm to mosques and the community. The general well-being of mosque congregants should be safeguarded.

20.The Fatwa Committee is also of the opinion that if there is a wider spread of the Covid-19 virus and the situation becomes more critical which would require the closure of public places, including houses of worship such as mosques, or if there is a need for public access to public places such as mosques to be restricted, this will be considered as an emergency situation. Accordingly, the Fatwa Committee is of the view that the closing of a mosque or the suspension of congregational prayers and Friday prayers during this situation, is required.

21.The Fatwa Committee also advises the Muslim community of Singapore, to strengthen our faith in these difficult times and to increase in prayers and supplications to Allah s.w.t, in addition to taking every necessary preventive measures to contain this Covid-19 situation. The Muslim community must remain united with all Singaporeans and partake in the shared responsibility of safeguarding our welfare.
الله أعلم ، وبالله التوفيق ، وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم.
DR MOHAMED FATRIS BIN BAKARAM
CHAIRMAN, FATWA (LEGAL) COMMITTEE
MUFTI OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE
ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF SINGAPORE

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(CHAPTER 3, SECTION 32) FATWA ISSUED FATWA COMMITTEE, ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF SINGAPORE The Fatwa Committee held a special fatwa meeting on 18 February 2020 to discuss questions received from Mosque and Community Development Strategic Unit in Muis (MCM) on precautionary measures that should be undertaken by mosques in dealing with the transmission of Covid-19 FATWA بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم الحمد لله رب العالمين ، والصلاة والسلام على سيد المرسلين وإمام المتقين نبينا محمد وعلى آله وأصحابه أجمعين.

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1.  A fatwa is a non-binding legal opinion.  Although, the word fatwa is not specifically used

2. Detailed discussions have taken place between Ulamā and Health experts over the last 24 hours regarding the COVID-19 response.

3. They refer to "from this hadith", broken down by specific quantities of people (ex: 1 Imam and one male adult or child", "Imam and 2 male adults or children", etc.)

4. Public Health England is mentioned.  "We have to review the latest medical advice and balance it against the teachings and commandments of Islām."

5. The minimum congregation requirement for Jumuāh (Friday) prayers is 4 adult (male) individuals i.e. Imām + 3 (others). Sunnāh and other non-obligatory prayers should be done at Home.

Those who are isolated at home should pray the Dhohar Salāh on Friday instead of Jumuāh.

They have 17 measures set up for people who are "at risk", including people with cancer, heart disease, asthma, etc.

6. The mosques are closed.  However it says that there is a minimum congregation requirement.

7. Hadith is quoted trying to display procedural measures over placement of people in the mosque.

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1.  A fatwa is a non-binding legal opinion issued by qualified Muslims scholars to guide people. 

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1.  A fatwa is a non-binding legal opinion issued by qualified Muslims scholars to guide people. 

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3. They refer to the teachings of the Prophet and also take information from textual sources read by scholars. 

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3. They refer to the teachings of the Prophet and also take information from textual sources read by scholars. 

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They believe that mosques if continuing their programs should do so within the certain guidelines and protocols.

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They recommend closing mosques, they also mention cancelling all congressional prayers, which would include stuff such as Sunday school and mass gatherings for Friday prayer.

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4. They refer to the Ministry of Health and their response to Covid. They also mention how Covid is making it more critical to close public spaces

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4. They refer to the Ministry of Health and their response to Covid. They also mention how Covid is making it more critical to close public spaces

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5. Based on the Prophet s.a.w.  people should take preventative measures so that the sick do not infect the healthy. They also say to avoid close contact and if infected with disease, you are permitted to not attend Friday prayer. Also avoid shaking hands in general. 

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5. Based on the Prophet s.a.w.  people should take preventative measures so that the sick do not infect the healthy. They also say to avoid close contact and if infected with disease, you are permitted to not attend Friday prayer. Also avoid shaking hands in general. 

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They mention "During these stressful times, all believers should find comfort in this verse: “Say: Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us! And He is our Protector; let the believers put their trust in Him!”", we don't know if its from the Qur'an or a Hadith, but it seems to be from one of those.

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6. It says that it is the job of the mosque to keep unwell people from entering The Fatwa Committee recommends the closure of all public spaces including mosques if there is a wider spread of Covid. If this is declared it will be considered an emergency situation. It advises Muslims to strengthen their faith in these hard times and take any necessary preventative measures to stop the spread. 

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6. It says that it is the job of the mosque to keep unwell people from entering The Fatwa Committee recommends the closure of all public spaces including mosques if there is a wider spread of Covid. If this is declared it will be considered an emergency situation. It advises Muslims to strengthen their faith in these hard times and take any necessary preventative measures to stop the spread. 

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7.Congregational prayers can become non-obligatory due to legal exceptions. This includes supererogatory prayers, communal or individual obligations… (fardu kifayah or fardu ain)” [12]. The religiously valid excuses that can render congregational prayers non-obligatory can also be accepted as valid excuses to not attend Friday prayers.”[13]

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7.Congregational prayers can become non-obligatory due to legal exceptions. This includes supererogatory prayers, communal or individual obligations… (fardu kifayah or fardu ain)” [12]. The religiously valid excuses that can render congregational prayers non-obligatory can also be accepted as valid excuses to not attend Friday prayers.”[13]