Covid-19 Guidelines

Should the masājid close under the current circumstances?

According to the law and current government guidelines, places of worship are allowed to remain open during the current lockdown. Hence, in view of this, the masājid should remain open whilst strictly adhering to the precautionary measures outlined by the Government.

What if a masjid does not have adequate volunteers to manage the safety measures?

It is imperative that the management exhausts all avenues to facilitate the safe opening of the masjid. Serving the masjid and those attending it is a great honour for Muslims; hence they should be encouraged to volunteer for this noble act so that they may become a means of fellow Muslims reaping the benefits of attending the House of Allāh ta‘ālā. The importance of keeping the masājid open cannot be stressed enough and the masjid management should facilitate this even if they have to incur costs.

The masājid remaining open whilst the number of Covid-19 cases continue to rise is causing anxiety amongst some members of the community. Should this be considered?

There are two aspects to consider;

• Firstly, from a logical perspective, there is no data to prove that the masājid remaining open has been a cause of any significant rise in the number of Covid-19 cases. Furthermore, outlets providing essential needs and services have been kept open and any potential rise of Covid-19 cases due to this has been tolerated. For Muslims, the masājid are also an equally, if not a greater essential need and this has also been recognised by the Government.
  
  
• Secondly, the masājid are sanctuaries of safety and serenity for all and a means of the Blessings of Allāh ta‘ālā descending upon the community. The masājid contribute to spiritual and mental wellbeing and they are places of solace and tranquillity for the distressed. Furthermore, it is our belief that attending and spending time in the masjid will be a means of Divine protection. It has been reported that our Beloved Nabī ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam stated: ‘When a calamity descends from the sky, it is averted from those who frequent the masājid.’ (Shu‘abul-Īmān)

Therefore, the current circumstances advocate a greater need for the masājid to remain open.

Q. What is the Islamic ruling regarding the following vaccines?
a) Pfizer-BioNTech
b) Oxford-AstraZeneca
c) Moderna

A. After carefully considering the contents of these vaccines in consultation with medical experts, we conclude that all three vaccines are permissible.

Q. Is it permissible to take a vaccine although it has side effects?

A. In principle, if the general side effects of a vaccine are minor along with it being effective in providing immunity from a harmful illness, then it would be permissible to take it.

Q. Is it obligatory to take a vaccine from a Shar‘ī perspective?

A. The necessity to take a vaccine will differ according to a person’s personal circumstances. Therefore, first one should consult relevant medical professionals to ascertain his/her medical necessity to take a vaccine. Thereafter, one should consult a proficient Muftī to ascertain the Shar‘ī ruling for his/her circumstance.

Q. Is it against tawakkul (having faith in Allāh ta‘ālā) to take a vaccine?

A. The taking of a vaccine does not contradict tawakkul, as long as ones belief is that a vaccine will only protect from the illness if Allāh ta‘ālā wills.