MMLC Statement Regard Coronavirus Pandemic
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,
Minnesota Muslim Leaders Coalition (MMLC) leaders met by teleconference Thursday, March 12th along with Islamic scholars and Muslim medical professionals based in Minnesota to discuss the response and preparedness of the Minnesota Muslim community to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
To date, directives from the federal government, CDC, departments of public health and state governors and local authorities have restricted large and small group social gatherings as well as initiated closures of schools and dine-in restaurants. Healthcare organizations as well as nursing homes have instituted significant restrictions on visitors and non-workers as well.
These significant and unprecedented efforts are intended to limit social gathering in order to slow the spread of this new and serious threat to public health because of its real danger to cause large numbers of people to become sick, seriously ill, or die and overwhelm current healthcare capacity, leading to greater harms.
In order to limit the very real risk of rapid spread among the Muslim community and surrounding communities, and in review of guidance from Islamic scholars and jurisprudence, national Islamic organizations, and public health and medical professional expertise, MMLC consensus urges that all masjid activities, including congregational gatherings for prayer, be suspended until the risks associated with public gathering and spreading of this disease is once again deemed safe.
This recommendation is not made lightly but is in line with guidance of Islam, the traditions and example of the Prophet ( ), and our responsibilities as Muslims.
Protecting human life is one of the fundamental objectives of Islamic Shari’ah. This concept takes precedence over all other objectives of Islamic faith as life represents the foundation of our existence. Therefore, at times, preservation of human life and human rights is far more significant than continuity of even essential practices of devotion. (Joint Statement Regarding the Global Coronavirus Pandemic; ISNA, IMANA, AMHP, Fiqh Council of North America)
The Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America (AMJA) clearly outlined that in the event that public authorities advise avoidance of large public gatherings, masjid should comply with such instructions and follow updates that are periodically issued by public health agencies and comply with their instructions. (AMJA Declaration Regarding Coronavirus Disease)
The Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America (AMJA) also clearly outlined that with regard to Friday Prayers (Jumu’ah), excuse not to attend is only permissible in the event of “justifiable (not conjectural) fear for oneself or others” and that if public health authorities advise avoidance of all public gatherings, then “the epidemic has reached a level making that fear justifiable” and therefore, this permissibility would be in effect. (AMJA Declaration Regarding Coronavirus Disease)
Abdullah ibn al-Harith and Imam Muhammad ibn Sirin said that Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas addressed us on an extremely rainy day and when the Muadhin stood to announce the prayer, Ibn ‘Abbas said, “When you say, ‘Ashhadu ana Muhammadan Rasūlallāh do not say, ‘Hayya al-Salah (come to Prayer)’ but rather say, ‘Pray in your homes.”” The Companions said that the Prophet was not given an option between two things except that he chose the easiest of them out of concern for people – not desiring to put them through hardship (Tirmidhi).
There are several resources available through the CDC that outline what this novel coronavirus is and the disease it causes (COVID-19) as well as steps individuals and communities should take to limit risk of infecting themselves and others as well as when to seek care and how to manage in the presence of symptoms. (https://www.cdc.gov/covid19)
WHY TEMPORARILY SUSPEND PRAYERS OR EVENTS IN THE MOSQUE?
Current understanding suggests that this coronavirus may last longer in the air or on surfaces than originally thought when they are released from someone who is infected when they sneeze or cough. Performing ablution (wudhu), making prostration (sujuud) on the carpets, and customarily embracing or shaking hands during salam may all be unique ways in which we can spread this disease among ourselves.
In addition, it is increasingly thought that this new infection may be spread by those who have been infected with it – but before they have significant symptoms (typically, cough, fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches).
For this reason, it is possible that many individuals may unknowingly spread this infection before they realize they are sick. By then, they will have spread this to many others, including those most at risk of complications.
Even if we prevent those who are actively sick or elderly or those with chronic diseases from coming to the masjid, and only allow healthy, young people to come, these individuals will still go back home or interact with their parents, grandparents, or other relatives who may be at higher risk if they become infected.
Therefore, standing in congregation in the closed spaces of the masjid, even if at some distance, may still raise the risk of spread within our community and to others.
Oh Allah, we seek refuge in you from vitiligo, insanity, leprosy and all major illnesses. Oh Allah, protect everyone in this world and this country from this disease and illness. Oh Allah, show mercy to Muslim Ummah, grant us sabr and increase our taqwa Oh Allah, grant wisdom and guide the leaders of the Muslims to take the appropriate decisions for their communities