Australian Fatwa Council logo with Arabic text Australian National Imams Council circular logo with map of Australia and crescent moon
18th of March 2020
Important Notice & Fatwa
Coronavirus Update
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
This fatwa relies not only on Islamic legal proofs, but on the current reality we are experiencing as described and observed by trusted medical and health authorities, locally, nationally and around the world. Belief in the decree of Allah does not prevent a person from taking by the means of prevention of disease. These practical steps are also considered from among the decree of Allah. Indeed, these preventative measures also repel the decree of Allah with the decree of Allah. Islamic Sacred Law protects the life of a Muslim and facilitates the taking of means to remove hardship in one's path. The Shariah permits for a Muslim, in the event of a pandemic that threatens one's life, such as COVID-19, which is spread through close social interaction, to not have to attend the daily congregational prayers and Friday Prayer (Jumu'ah). A Muslim is permitted in such a case, instead of fulfilling the Friday Prayer at a Masjid or Public Prayer Venue, to pray Jumu'ah as a normal 4 Rak'at Dhuhr prayer in one's home. We strongly urge Muslims to pray their 5 daily prayers at home and 4 Rak'at of Dhuhr instead of the Friday prayer. This is to avoid any places of crowded people. We advise people to avoid crowded places and continue to follow the recommendations of our health authorities. We should also be making intense dua, prayers for forgiveness, and continuously repeating the specific 'Qunut' dua asking Allah to remove this tribulation from our land and people.
May Allah protect you from all forms of harm.
Issued by the Mufti of Australia and The Australian Fatwa Council AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL IMAMS COUNCIL PO Box 5062, Chullora NSW 2190 AUSTRALIA Sydney Office: Building 3, Level 2, 20 Worth Street Chullora NSW 2190 Melbourne Office: 945 Sydney Road, Coburg North VIC 3058 Phone: (+61) 1300 765 940 Fax: (+61) 1300 765 964 Email: info@anic.org.au www.anic.org.au