What should masājid do regarding congregational prayers during this current Covid-19 outbreak?

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

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

The present lockdown is based on curbing the Covid-19 virus. Governments use quarantines to stop the spread of contagious diseases. It is compulsory upon all Muslims to abide by the rules of the lockdown that our respective governments have placed. It is also imperative to take precautions and maintain the legal restriction of numbers in the masājid. The administration of the various masājid is responsible for administering the congregations accordingly.

It is incumbent upon those who are infected by the virus or show symptoms of the virus not to attend the masājid and other public places until they are cured.

However, Sharī’ah has emphasized for menfolk to perform ṣalāh with a congregation. It is a sin to perform ṣalāh without a congregation unless one has a valid excuse. Menfolk should perform all ṣalāh’s at home with their family members. It is sufficient for a minimum of two individuals to form a congregation.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Ibn Aḥsan

Student - Darul Iftaa

New York City, New York, USA

Checked and Approved by,

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

11-09-1441|03-05-2020