Fatwa #4764513 April 2021United States of America
Salah with face mask and social distancing
Question
Muhtaram Mufti Saheb
Assalamu Alaykum
I came across a book titled performing “Salah in the musjid” jointly published by Wifaqul Ulama and Taleemuddeen.
On page 25, it states that the view of covering the mouth in Salah due to the virus is totally incorrect as it opposes clear Ahadith.
Many people follow your fatwa on covering the mouth to protect us from the virus. This seems to be a practical approach. For how long can we continue wearing the mask in Salah.
Please advise.
Answer
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
We disagree with the statement made in the book “Performing Salah in the Musjid” on page 25.
We have issued our fatwa of permissibility of face mask and social distancing with references of the Fuqaha.
This is also the fatwa of Darul Iftaa Deoband and other prominent world renowned Muftis who experienced the plague and its consequences.
https://www.darulifta-deoband.com/home/ur/Salah-Prayer/179482
https://www.darulifta-deoband.com/home/ur/Halal--Haram/177989
The premise of the opposing view being against the hadith is academically incorrect even according to the fatwa of Taleemuddeen. There are many Ahadith emphasising on Musafahah and its virtues. Despite so many Ahadith, Taleemuddeen issued a fatwa that it is “ok” not to shake hands in the Ebola plague. They considered social distancing in that fatwa despite Ahadith on Musafahah. See the attached fatwa:
https://islamqa.org/hanafi/muftionline/96515
Fatwas are issued on the basis of guidelines set by the Fuqaha and not on looking at the apparent meaning of Ahadith.
Furthermore, the interpretation of the Fuqaha presented in the book in reference is out of context. When time permits and the need arise, I will contextualise the issue and explain it in more detail.
Nevertheless, we have always stated that there are differences of opinions on the issue. We advise the public to tolerate differences of opinion. Do not adopt an attitude that my view is 100% correct and the other view is 100% [totally] incorrect. Such an attitude is dangerous for one’s Nafs and Islah. Such an attitude leads to Ujb [ego]. We advise the public to practice on the view of the Mufti you have confidence in.
My humble opinion is it is permissible to perform Salah with mask on and also maintaining social distancing in the context of Covid 19 and as long as there is a need to do so.
The Salah with a face mask and social distancing is valid. The Salah will not be Makrooh.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.