Coronavirus: Ulemas of Al Azhar University issue fatwa on congregational prayers

Coronavirus: Ulemas of Al Azhar University issue fatwa on congregational prayers

LAHORE (Web Desk) – Ulema of Al Azhar University responded to President of Pakistan Arif Alvi’s personal request and stopped mandatory congregational prayers and Friday prayer in mosques to protect human lives.

According to details, President Arif Alvi requested Grand Imam Shaikh of Al Azhar via Egyptian ambassador in Islamabad to provide guidance to people of Pakistan with regard to mandatory congregational prayers and Friday prayer in mosques during coronavirus outbreak in Pakistan.

I request Ulema to take urgent action to stop CoronaVirus spread in Pakistan, based on principles of Islam from Quran & Sunnah. Countries that have stopped congregational prayers: UAE, Saudia, Iran, Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestine, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt etc. https://t.co/dK4wV072P3

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) March 25, 2020

In this regard, the Supreme Council of the scholars of the University of Al-Azhar has issued a formal fatwa and banned the congregational and Friday prayers, keeping in view the great purpose of protecting human life.

The fatwa states that all evidence clearly indicates that public gatherings, including congregational prayers, are leading to the spread of the coronavirus, so government officials in Muslim countries have the authority to stop congregational and Friday prayers.

In view of the situation in this regard, the families can arrange congregational prayers in their homes. Fatwa further states that it is mandatory for all Muslims to follow orders of state authorities regarding medical precautions, especially in the event of a crisis, and not believe in information and rumors from unofficial sources. The fatwa states that coronavirus spreads easily and rapidly and saving human lives from all dangers is one of the great aims of Islamic law.

To achieve these goals, the Supreme Council of Ulema issued a fatwa stating that state officials in every Muslim country are permitted to stop public gatherings, including congregational and Friday prayers to stop spread of the virus. It was further stated that elderly people should stay at their homes and avoid attending congregational and Friday prayers at mosques.

On the basis of this fatwa, President Arif Alawi has urged ulemas and the government officials to issue orders in light of these instructions as soon as possible.