بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Covid-19: From an Islamic Jurisprudence Perspective
“Prayer for Humanity” initiative unites the whole world against Covid-19, a deadly microscopic weak creature! Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the world is witnessing heartbreaking events and restrictive measures to curb the deadly spread of this virus. In fact, the whole world is vulnerable, even the highly developed civilized countries and the greatest empires. Understanding the history of pandemics, realizing how digital technology is useful during a pandemic, deducing moral lessons from the crisis and spreading verdicts which a Muslim should know in the time of a pandemic present a good insight into the impacts of Covid-19.
Covid-19: From an Islamic Jurisprudence Perspective
Being a lifestyle and not a one-sided religion, Islam teaches us many attitudes and approaches to deal with pandemics. It was said that Islam is valid at any time and place. Yet, time and place are not valid except by Islam. Nowadays, World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministries of Health all over the world are raising the awareness of people towards hygiene and preventive measures in facing Covid-19. when reading the list of recommended preventive measures; stay home as much as you can, keep a safe distance, wash hands often, cover your cough and others, one can guess that it was inspired by the Islamic Teachings. For example, quarantine during pandemics is a Prophetic Tradition. Fourteen hundred years ago, our Prophet (ﷺ) speaks about the concept of quarantine. ‘Usamah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If you get wind of the outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; and if it breaks out in a land in which you are, do not leave it.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Later, Caliph Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) urged the army commander to retreat from the expedition in the face of the plague. In addition, Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sneezed, he would cover his mouth with his hand or a piece of cloth, suppressing the sound this way [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
How Digital Technology is Useful During a Pandemic
“Allah would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost” (2:143). The mosque, the house of Allah, has formed a hub of communication, a bridge of relations and a spiritual center for all Muslims. After the outbreak of Covid-19, episodes and blogs focusing on ritual acts during this global crisis go viral. Some countries apply preventive measures instead of the shutdown and curfew. For many spiritual leaders, the decision to shut their doors is very difficult. For example, Indonesia and Pakistan are among the countries to apply preventive measures instead of the shutdown. However, the year 2020 is witnessing a great shutdown of mosques, churches and temples. Some countries prefer the shutdown over taking the preventive measures to flatten the curve and curb the spread of the virus. For example, Dar al-Iftaa’, an Egyptian official institution responsible for Islamic legal guidance, tweeted on March 24 that any call for citizen gatherings now in the streets or anywhere else, under any slogan and under any pretext, is malicious, religiously forbidden, and detestable to the face of Allah. Adherence to what the competent authorities decide in order to protect people from epidemics and diseases is a religious and national duty. Whoever violates these procedures under any pretext is a religious transgressor. Later on, the Egyptian Ministry of Religious Affairs threatened to punish those gathering in the streets or on rooftops for congregational prayers. By locking down mosques until further notice, congregational prayer, after-prayer lectures, Friday sermons and other religious and social activities organized inside are ceased. Yet, modern technology helps in rewiring the closed mosques and rebuilding bridges for a sustainable personal communication.
We can realize the significant role of an Imam in such crisis. Many Imams offer online services especially online Quranic memorization classes all over the world. Many scholars launch special episodes and publish various posts on social media to teach people how to perform congregational prayer at home. People also start inviting their relatives and friends for their online weddings instead of delaying their marriage. For example, Sheikh ‘Ekrima Sa’id Sabri, Imam and Orator of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Grand Imam of Jerusalem, offered online Nikah services on a platform named “Mosque Online”. In addition, A Turkish Imam named Erol Nayir is a role model for each Imam at a time of a pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic has left mosques deserted and Nayir felt lonely especially during Ramadan. Nevertheless, he has found new ways to keep in touch with people. He contacts with his congregation through social media prioritizing those who are over 65 years old; giving them financial aids and buying food for them. On the other hand, “For many Christians, the very concept of not gathering as the people of God is unacceptable. And yet even in a time like this, we can find gratitude. We live in a time when technology allows us to stay connected in ways once unimagined,” Ed Stetzer wrote.
Guidelines: What every Muslim should know in the time of a pandemic
Thanks to Covid-19, people get acquainted with some unknown Islamic verdicts and rulings and also got aware of the importance of Fiqh of contemporary issues. In fact, Fiqh fits all times and places although the texts were fixed and limited; making Islam a universal religion. Therefore, an Islamic jurist should be aware of the necessities of people when dealing with newly arising issues depending on the Quran, Sunnah and Ijma’ (consensus), the three sources of Islamic legislation. In fact, verdicts issued for a community with Muslim minorities are different than those issued for a Muslim community, but every Jurist should follow the sources of legislation without deviation or yielding to his desires. These are some verdicts and guidelines relevant to the crisis of Covid-19 showing what every Muslim should know in the time of a pandemic.
First, after the lockdown, we heard about online congregational prayers! In fact, this is a controversial issue. Some scholars state that it is permissible to join online congregational prayers in general. Others state that it is only permissible to join online Taraweeh prayer as it is not an obligatory act. On the other hand, the majority declare that online congregational prayers as a general are invalid.
Second, for centuries, Hindus gathered to burn corpses on funeral pyres along the Ganges River. Jews received condolences at home during a seven-day mourning period. Muslims huddled together to wash the corpses of loved ones. Yet, global burial rituals are being dramatically changed by the coronavirus pandemic. Allah Almighty has ordained for us communally obligatory measures concerning the deceased which are washing the deceased, shrouding the deceased, praying over the deceased and the burial. Unfortunately, the fear of the contagion pushes many people around the world not to exactly apply these measures. WHO states safe burial practices for the infected deceased and many countries allocate mass graves for coronavirus victims. Video shots show some Muslims applying dry washing to the infected deceased instead of the original washing, and praying funeral adhering to social distancing requirements. Later on, WHO in its March 24 guidance on burials of COVID-19 victims says dead bodies are generally not infectious. Unfortunately, you have no chance to pray funerals at mosques. Yet, it is permissible to pray funeral at home alone or with your family members.
Third, After the lockdown, scholars differ in the rule of leading Friday prayer at homes. For Imam As-Shafee, Friday prayer is not permissible to be performed with a small gathering, as the quorum should be at least 40 eligible persons. As for Imam Ahmad and others, Friday prayer can be valid to offer with at least 3 eligible persons, an imam and other two persons. Thus, Dr Muhammad Salah, through Huda TV platform on Youtube, stated that it is recommended to follow Imam Ahmad in such situation to revive and maintain the Sunnah of delivering Friday sermons. Others state that it is permissible to perform Dhuhr prayers with 4 units (Raka’at) at home instead of Friday prayers. And Allah knows best.
Fourth, Truthful worshippers can perform all their worshipping acts at all circumstances. Allah the Merciful has ordained for us to pray five time daily and if there is any hardship, He the Almighty allows us to shorten or sum up the prayer. In times of war, worshippers are taking the Rukhsah of praying during fear “SalatulKhauf” which is performed different than the original prayer. Allah the Almighty knows that we are weak without His Support and deviated without his Guidance. Praise be to Allah for lifting the hardship and easing the difficulties. Verily, with the hardship, there is relief. In fact, ER doctors and nurses at isolation hospitals who wear medical protective apparels all the time find difficulty in performing ablution for each prayer or even pray on time. Some scholars state that prayer is valid for someone who can neither perform ablution nor Tayammum (dry ablution), claiming that it is a kind of elevating the hardship and honoring the Symbols of Allah. Thus, it is permissible for them to perform Tayammum instead of ablution and even to sum up prayers (Dhuhr with A’sr) and (Maghrib with I’shaa).
Fifth, some scholars prohibit the use of Ethyl alcohol-based perfumes and cosmetics, yet, after the outbreak of the virus, they allow the usage of alcohol-based disinfectants if there are no alternatives such as Isopropyl alcohol disinfectants.
Sixth, the Adhan (call to prayer) has never been suspended throughout the Islamic history. Although the mosques closed their doors, many Imams, fortunately, are keen on raising the Adhan on time. Yet, it is the first time to hear a different version of Adhan. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) used to tell the Mu’adh-dhin to pronounce Adhan and say, “Pray at your homes” (صلوا في رحالكم) at the end of the Adhan on a rainy or a very cold night during the journey, exempting Muslims from praying at mosques. A question is raised about what to say after these words? Scholars say that it is recommended to repeat La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah “لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله” after this call.
Seventh, is it permissible to perform congregational prayer without Straightening rows in prayers and standing closely shoulders to shoulders? Yes, it is permissible in time of pandemics because saving lives should be at the top of the priorities.
Eighth, A key factor to restrict the spread of the virus is to understand and explain human behavior. After the threat of Coronavirus prevails all over the world, we watched through media some irresponsible and irrational attitudes proving that fear, greed and selfishness appear to be more dangerous for mankind than a pandemic. For example, Cameras shot many scenes showing people stockpiling a huge amount of goods to be prepared for the quarantine. Consequently, others fail to buy even one pack of rice! Some customers overdose vitamins thinking that it is a good way to boost their immunity. In fact, People’s manners and attitude reflect their creeds and thoughts. It is merely a symptom of “the anxiety people experience in a time of uncertainty”. In addition, some companies favor their business interest over the public interest; increasing the prices of needed goods and medicines. It is known that hoarding is among the forbidden acts regarding the Fiqh of business dealings. Governments all over the world are warning against hoarding and overdosing. Thus, each one should avoid being a part of this.
Covid-19 Crisis: Life-Changing Lessons
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “O Allah! I pray to you to grant me such firm faith as can make dangers and difficulties from you easy on me.” This crisis could be a turning point to those who are eager to improve their life, purify their heart and strengthen their faith. Life-changing lessons regarding spiritual, social and financial aspects can be deduced from Covid-19 crisis.
Firstly, Religious guidance can motivate us to combat anxiety and panic to reduce the spread of the virus. Redefining the theory of the “Survival of the fittest”, the fittest is the one who can adapt during afflictions and emergency situations. The fittest is the one who hold a strong belief, tranquil soul and soft heart. In fact, Patience, tranquility and submissiveness are a shelter for every Muslim. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “None (among the believers) remains patient in a land in which plague has broken out and considers that nothing will befall him except what Allah has ordained for him, but that Allah will grant him a reward similar to that of a martyr.” [Al-Bukhari]. In addition, reviving the perspective that we Flee from Allah’s destiny to Allah’s destiny, we can lead a tranquil life with a hope that Allah the Almighty is the One who controls our lives. Thanks to Covid-19, our minds are enlightened and our hearts are reclaimed by the belief that only the one with the sound creed can survive in the worldly life. for example, believing that death is inevitable and we are mortal is a way to find some kind of relief as Allah the Almighty says: “Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high!” (4:78). In this regard, Fakhr al-Din Razi argued that when humans experience a severe calamity and disaster and think it is beyond human power and nobody can help them, it is as if they are in their natural disposition (fitrah) and they become submissive to the One who can save them from it.
Secondly, society has a significant role in facing any crisis. Adaptation in such situations is very important. In fact, times of afflictions unveil the reality of inner thoughts, deep beliefs and manners. People all over the world are facing this pandemic according to his own level of understanding and awareness. There are many positive initiatives facing this crisis. In Egypt, for example, Mersal Foundation offered a special care for COVID-19 cases. Although videos of letting dead bodies without being buried go viral, many non-profit foundations offered free burial services such as Dar El-Mohagren-Egypt. In addition, many recovered cases volunteered in the initiative of offering the plasma for the sick after proving its efficiency. We can see other positive examples all over the world proving that united we stand, divided we fall. Furthermore, #Stay_Safe: is it a call for social isolation or social solidarity? Spreading awareness among people is a key to combat the enemies facing the society. Understanding the importance of being safe, people will follow the rules willingly. The Islamic legal maxim stating that hardship brings alleviation (المشقة تجلب التيسير) is deduced from the Prophetic Hadith: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” Thus, the avoidance of harm takes priority over the attainment of some benefit. Protection of health is favored over protection of any other public benefits.
In addition, it is important to take advantage of the blessings of Allah Almighty even during the crisis. By suspending congregational prayers at mosques, many families allocate a corner at their houses as praying areas. Kids participate in decorating their own praying area happily. Imagine Ramadan without Taraweeh and Qyam gatherings! Yet, “Each man becomes the Imam of his house,” said Dr Ahmad Eisaa Al Ma’sarawi, and our homes turn to be mosques, praise be to Allah. Moreover, this virus teaches us how to be happy despite all the hardships; recalling the Prophetic Hadith: “Whosoever begins the day feeling family security and good health; and possessing provision for his day is as though he possesed the whole world “. Despite all the sad news, we have to follow the Divine advice: “…And whosoever honours the Symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the heart.” By spreading happiness and hope during the Eid. Many families stated that the Eid of 2020 was the happiest Eid ever! Many blogs and videos on social media sites show how families and friends cooperated in preparing Eid treats and cooking mouthwatering meals. Virtual meetings were held. Surprisingly! Happiness vibes are around despite of the lockdown. Thanks to Covid-19, we realize that happiness is derived from feelings of satisfaction and adaptation, as little things can make difference!
Thirdly, each person should be prepared following the Divine advice: “And make ready against them all you can of power”. Each person should adopt means to reach an end and exert his utmost effort in facing such crises and afflictions. Supplications and prayers are very important too. But depending only on them in facing our challenges is a kind of passiveness and ignorance. The core objective of our religion is to work altogether with supplication, to fulfill one’s duties with a humble heart; believing that success is from Allah and Allah is Sufficient. Our religion teaches us to work without waiting for the fruit. As the coronavirus and its economic and political consequences ripple across the world, the importance of being financially prepared for tomorrow appears.
In conclusion, do you know the enemy? The enemy is ignorance. Thus, understanding the history of pandemics, realizing how digital technology is useful during a pandemic, deducing moral lessons from the crisis and spreading verdicts which a Muslim should know in the time of a pandemic can help in raising the awareness. Whether coronavirus is a conspiracy or not, countries should cooperate to overcome this and avoid its diverse effects.
والحمد لله رب العالمين
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