Health experts have expressed growing concern that the coronavirus may soon reach pandemic levels in the United States. In light of this news and the extensive impact on the health and wellbeing of nearly 100,000 people worldwide, Muslim individuals and communities must take cautionary measures to protect our own health and the health of all those with whom we interact. Similar to any infections or contagious sickness, it is incumbent upon a Muslim who has any symptoms to stay home and protect others from whatever illness, virus, or disease from which they may be suffering. It is also incumbent upon all Muslims to avoid discriminating or stereotyping against any individuals as it may relate to the virus.

The recent announcement by Saudi Arabia to ban religious travel to Mecca and Medina is certainly one that will be difficult for those who intended to make ummrah. However, I believe this is the right decision. I would like to remind you of the hadith below:

The recent announcement by Saudi Arabia to ban religious travel to Mecca and Medina is certainly one that will be difficult for those who intended to make ummrah. However, I believe this is the right decision. I would like to remind you of the hadith below:

عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم فِيمَا يَرْوِيهِ عَنْ رَبِّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى، قَالَ: “إنَّ اللَّهَ كَتَبَ الْحَسَنَاتِ وَالسَّيِّئَاتِ، ثُمَّ بَيَّنَ ذَلِكَ، فَمَنْ هَمَّ بِحَسَنَةٍ فَلَمْ يَعْمَلْهَا كَتَبَهَا اللَّهُ عِنْدَهُ حَسَنَةً كَامِلَةً، وَإِنْ هَمَّ بِهَا فَعَمِلَهَا كَتَبَهَا اللَّهُ عِنْدَهُ عَشْرَ حَسَنَاتٍ إلَى سَبْعِمِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ إلَى أَضْعَافٍ كَثِيرَةٍ، وَإِنْ هَمَّ بِسَيِّئَةٍ فَلَمْ يَعْمَلْهَا كَتَبَهَا اللَّهُ عِنْدَهُ حَسَنَةً كَامِلَةً، وَإِنْ هَمَّ بِهَا فَعَمِلَهَا كَتَبَهَا اللَّهُ سَيِّئَةً وَاحِدَةً”.

On the authority of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), from the Messenger of Allah from what he has related from his Lord
“Whosoever intended to perform a good deed, but did not do it, then Allah writes it down with Himself as a complete good deed. And if he intended to perform it and then did perform it, then Allah writes it down with Himself as from ten good deeds up to seven hundred times, up to many times multiplied. And if he intended to perform an evil deed, but did not do it, then Allah writes it down with Himself as a complete good deed. And if he intended it [i.e., the evil deed] and then performed it, then Allah writes it down as one evil deed”

Those who intended to travel must know that they will receive their reward as though they have completed their ummrah. The same holds true for those who, due to the presence of symptoms, avoid praying in congregation for Jumma’ or for any other prayer. The reward comes with the intention along with the reward obtained by staying home and preventing harm to others. For those who are unwell and are seeking comfort in congregation, it is preferable to request someone to make dua for you and to maintain spiritual upliftment through prayer at home, and listening to lectures online.

It is important to remember that in times of necessity, that which is permissible may become impermissible and vice versa. Generally, it is a requirement to attend Friday prayer, however in the case of someone exhibiting symptoms that may be associated with anything contagious, even as common as a cold or the flu, the emphasis on the prevention of harm supersedes the requirement to be in congregation, even for men. We know the merit of visiting our brothers and sisters but are taught in this hadith that if a person is unwell, they should refrain from visiting others because they may bring harm to them.

Islamic law is based on five major objectives, the first and most emphasized of which is the preservation of life and prevention of harm. In the event that the Health Department prohibits large gatherings, Muslims must comply with the mandate as Islam teaches us to adhere to those who direct the public in avoiding harm. Any congregation that takes place needs to follow these guidelines, whether at the mosque, workplace, or the university. We cannot ignore that people are in much closer proximity than when at work or in the classroom. Congregational prayers should resume when Health officials and doctors deem it safe to do so.

We pray that Allah protects the health of our families and our communities and restores the health of all those who are sick here and around the world.

Ameen