Can I Pray at Home When the Mosques Reopen?

09 July, 2020
Q Some countries permitted mosques to open for congregational prayers but I’m scared to go to the mosques for fear of contracting the coronavirus. Is it permissible for me to continue to pray at home for the sake of my health and that of my family?

Answer

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

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


In this fatwa:

If you are afraid of contracting COVID-19 from interacting with the worshippers in the mosque after reopening them as they are careless and not following the strict guidelines of keeping distances and other necessary safeguards, then you are allowed to pray at home.


In responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

If you are afraid of contracting COVID-19 from interacting with the worshippers in the mosque as they are careless and not following the strict guidelines of keeping distances and other necessary safeguards, then you are allowed to pray at home.

The onus is on the mosque authorities and the government officials to permit the opening of the mosques only after placing the necessary measures to protect the people. 

If they are negligent, then you are excused from attending the congregation to safeguard your health. Allah warns us against endangering our lives. 

Therefore, if you fear of contracting the virus, you are allowed to pray at home. 

Almighty Allah knows best.

Source: www.askthescholar.com

About Sheikh Ahmad Kutty
Sheikh Ahmad Kutty is a Senior Lecturer and an Islamic Scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada