COVID-19
MINDSET, RULINGS & ETIQUETTES
by
Dr. Ahsan Hanif
Peer-Reviewed by:
Sh Dr. Waleed Basyouni
Sh Abu Eesa Niamatullah
Sh Sajid Ahmed Umar
Sh Imtiyaz Damiel
Prophetic
Guidance
Prophetic 2
Guidance
1. Sunan Abū Dāwūd, no. 4811.
It is always important to thank
Allah for the many countless
blessings that He continues to
shower upon us.
It is also important to
acknowledge and thank the
emergency services: doctors,
nurses, paramedics and many
others who are working on the
front line. Amongst them are
a great number of people from
the Muslim community too. The
Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “The one who
does not thank people has not
truly thanked Allah.”1
Prophetic 3
Guidance
2. Al-Mā’idah: 3 3. Al-An‘ām: 38
INTRODUCTION
All praise is for Allah alone, He decrees as He
chooses and commands as He wishes. We praise
Him at all times and in all situations. We testify
to His right to be worshipped alone with firmness
and conviction, and that Muhammad is His
slave and final Messenger, may Allah shower His
salutations and blessings upon him, his family
and companions, and all those who follow their
guidance.
Our religion is beautiful. It contains everything
we need in order to live and function in a way
that is pleasing to Allah. At the same time, it is
dynamic and flexible enough to allow for us to
adapt to our circumstances. Allah says,
“Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed
My blessing upon you, and chosen as your religion Islam.”2
“We have missed nothing out of the Record…”3
In the name of Allah,
the Overwhelmingly Merciful,
the Specifically Merciful
Prophetic 4
Guidance
4. Mustadrak al-Ḥākim, no. 319
5. Musnad Aḥmad, no. 21361
6. Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, no. 262
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “O people, I have left
among you that which if you hold onto, will keep
you from misguidance; the Book of Allah and my
Sunnah.”4 The Companion Abū Dharr said, “When
the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) died, he left us knowledge of
even the bird beating its wings in the sky.”5 In
the narration of Salmān al-Fārsī when it was
mockingly said to him that the Prophet ( (صلى الله عليه وسلم
had taught us everything including how to
relieve ourselves, Salmān proudly replied in the
affirmative.6
Early 2020 has seen a virus spread across the
world in a way that most of us have never
witnessed before. This fast-changing and everdeveloping
situation is unprecedented for many
of us. With places of worship and schools closing
down, people self-isolating and the change to
‘normal’ life, we find ourselves in a challenging
situation. Yet, as with everything in life, for us as
Muslims, we approach it with the divine guidance
found in the Qur’an and authentic teachings of
our Prophet ( .(صلى الله عليه وسلم
There are many etiquettes and rulings that
pertain to the current situation; some of which
are known and others unfamiliar to us. We are
having to implement shar‘ī rulings that many of
us have never come across before as it relates to
the adhān, congregational and jumu‘ah prayers,
funerals and burials. This guide is an attempt
Prophetic 5
Guidance
to give clear guidance on issues ranging from
general advice about our mindset and approach
to major trials, to etiquettes we need to maintain
and fiqh rulings that are important for us to
know.
We ask Allah by His most beautiful names and
lofty attributes to protect us and our families
from all harm, spiritual, physical and otherwise.
We ask Him to lift this disease from the world
and to protect our communities, wealth and
honour. He is the One who hears, is close to and
responds to all supplicants.
Prophetic 6
Guidance
MINDSET
Our faith gives us the strength and resolve
we need to face challenges head on whilst
maintaining the best of character. It is our
belief in Allah and His promises that allow us to
navigate through this world, ultimately realising
that this world is temporary, and it is the next
life that is eternal. True success is measured
there and by the standards Allah sets for
salvation on that Day.
It is at times like this that Allah sees our faith and
character. Now is the time to apply all the lessons
we have learned from the lectures and khuṭbahs
we have heard and books we have read and
studied. Now is the time to take the example of
the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his Companions and think
about how they dealt with such a challenge, and
how they would respond if they were living in
our times.
The following points are crucial to the mindset of
a Muslim during these times:
1. Trust in Allah
As Muslims, we entrust our affairs to Allah and
depend upon His infinite knowledge and wisdom.
Allah says,
Prophetic 7
Guidance
7. Al-Tawbah: 51
8. Al-Ṭalāq: 3
9. Jāmi‘ al-Tirmidhī, no. 2344
10. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, no. 4563
“Say, ‘Only what Allah has decreed will happen to us. He is
our Master: let the believers put their trust in Allah.’”7
“…Allah will be enough for those who put their trust in
Him.”8
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “If you trusted in Allah as
you should, He would provide for you as He does
for the bird. It leaves with an empty stomach in
the morning and returns satisfied.”9 Ibn ‘Abbās
said, “Allah is enough for us: He is the Best
Protector. Ibrāhim said it when cast into the fire
and the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said it when people stated,
“Fear your enemy: they have amassed a great
army against you.’”10
Included in trusting in Allah is to take all
reasonable measures to keep oneself from harm
or evil. We rely upon Allah and then do our part,
as the bird trusts in Allah but still flies out every
morning in search of food. To be nonchalant
about one’s own wellbeing and that of others is
not from the correct understanding of tawakkul.
2. Pleasure with Allah’s Decree
For the believers, Allah always decrees good,
Prophetic 8
Guidance
11. Al-Qamar: 49
even if we cannot see the benefits in the short
term. Nothing happens except with Allah’s
permission, but by responding in a manner
pleasing to Allah, we are rewarded and our sins
are expiated. Allah says,
“We have created all things in a manner predestined.”11
In this regard, it is important to be positive
and remember that relief will soon come from
Allah, and to have a positive attitude in the
way we deal with the situation at hand. The
Sunnah demonstrates how the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) was
always positive, even in the most difficult and
challenging of times.
3. Patience & Gratitude
Patience and gratitude are the two states that the
believer should always be in. We thank Allah for
all the ease we have, even in times of difficulty.
How many of us took for granted our mosques,
the Friday khuṭbah, tarāwīḥ in Ramadan, etc.?
How precious a blessing becomes when it is lifted
from us. Yet, we are patient knowing that Allah
rewards for our intentions that which we cannot
achieve through our actions.
Prophetic 9
Guidance
12. Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, no. 2999
13. Sunan Abū Dāwūd, no. 4700
14. Al-Fāṭir: 15
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) informed us, “Amazing are the
believer’s affairs for they are always good, and
this is only for the believer. When ease comes,
they are grateful and that is best for them, and
when difficulty strikes, they are patient and
that is best for them.”12 In another narration,
the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) advised his cousin Ibn ‘Abbās,
“Know that what struck you would never have
missed you, and what missed you would never
have struck you. Know that with patience comes
victory, with hardship comes relief and with
difficulty comes ease.”13
4. Reflection & Turning Back to Allah
Whether at a macro or micro level, major events
strike us to remind us of our weakness and
fragility, and how much we need Allah. They
remind us of our limited time on this earth, and
should therefore prompt us to remember Allah,
turn back to Him in repentance and du‘ā’ and
seek to use our remaining time wisely. Allah says,
“O people, it is you who stand in need of Allah – Allah is
rich from all needs and is worthy of all praise.”14
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) showed us this when there
was an eclipse during his lifetime. He led the
Prophetic 10
Guidance
15. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, no. 1043 17. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, no. 2996
16. Al-Anfāl: 33
Companions in prayer and delivered a sermon
saying, “The sun and moon are two of Allah’s
signs. They are not eclipsed due to the life or
death of someone. If you see an eclipse, pray and
supplicate to Allah.”15 For them, this was a major
occurrence, like Covid-19 is for many of us. These
are times in which we reflect on our lives, what
we have achieved and make du‘ā’ to Allah for His
assistance. Allah says,
“But Allah would not punish them while you (O
Muhammad) are among them, and Allah will not punish
them while they seek forgiveness.”16
5. Thinking Good about Allah
This is a part of our faith in Allah that we always
think good about our Lord and Creator and never
ascribe evil to him. As it relates to this situation,
it’s enough that Allah gives us the complete
reward for the actions we are unable to complete
in their fully legislated manner. This means that
if you regularly prayed in the mosque or prayed
Friday prayers etc. and now can no longer go to
the mosque due to their closure, you still receive
the full reward regardless. The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said,
“If a person is ill or travelling, they will have the
full reward of what they would do when they
were healthy and resident.”17
Prophetic 11
Guidance
6. Seeing the Opportunity
In every hardship there is an opportunity, and
part of patience is dealing with hardship in a
manner that brings reward from Allah. We can
use a difficult situation in a way that benefits
us. Under these current restrictions, we have
more time to use for good. All those times we
complained that we didn’t have the time to read
or memorise Qur’an, learn and study Islamic
sciences, listen to lectures, spend time with our
children and close family, give charity and so on,
now we find we do have the time.
Allocate for yourself a daily portion of the Qur’an
to read, memorise and study. Access the plethora
of Islamic online portals available, commit to a
detailed online study program, follow a lecture
series, read books, learn Arabic, focus on your
prayers, daily du‘ās and dhikr, give charity and
help those around you in need.
Prophetic 12
Guidance
ETIQUETTES
Allah describes the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) as being
of exalted character. This was because he
conducted himself in the most exemplary way
in all situations. He was amazing with people
close to him and distant from him. He was kind,
generous, gracious, charitable, considerate
and helpful. Even his enemies attested to his
character. This nobility manifested itself in daily
interactions, at times of personal trial such as the
loss of his wife or children, at times of national
strife such as when the Quraysh were persecuting
his followers and even on the battlefield.
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) is our role model. We attempt
to emulate him in our character and behaviour.
We should ask ourselves, ‘What would the
Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) do if he were here with us?
How would he behave?’ Here are a number of
etiquettes we can take from the Prophet’s ( (صلى الله عليه وسلم
example:
1. Du‘ās & Adhkār
The Sunnah is replete with invocations and
remembrances we should be making on a daily
basis. We often take them for granted or neglect
them altogether. In times like this, each one of
us should make a concerted effort to ensure we
make our daily adhkār and increase in du‘ā’. The
Prophetic 13
Guidance
18 Sunan Abū Dāwūd, no. 5088 20. Sunan Abū Dāwūd, no. 1554
19. Jāmi‘ al-Tirmidhī, no. 3505
passages of the Qur’an such as Sūrah al-Fātiḥah,
Āyat al-Kursī, Sūrah al-Ikhlāṣ, Sūrah al-Falaq and
Sūrah al-Nās are from the greatest forms of
protection we can invoke by reciting them daily.
Here are some other relevant ones:
a . Whoever says the following three times
every morning and evening will be
protected from harm,18
In the name of Allah, with whose name nothing in the
heavens or earth can harm, He is All-Hearing,
All-Knowing
b . Reciting the du‘ā’ made by the Prophet
Yūnus when he was in the belly of the
whale.
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) told us that whoever
supplicated with it will not be rejected,19
None has the right to be worshipped but You, glory be to
You, I was wrong
c . Seeking Allah’s protection from illnesses
and diseases. The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) would
say,20
Prophetic 14
Guidance
21. Ibid, no. 5074 22. Mu‘jam al-Awsaṭ, no. 6086
O Allah, I seek Your protection from leprosy, paralysis,
insanity and all evil diseases
d . To make the supplication that the
Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) would make every morning
and evening in which he would seek
Allah’s general protection,21
O Allah, I ask You for safety in this life and in the Hereafter.
O Allah, I ask You for pardon and safety in my religion,
worldly affairs, family and wealth. O Allah, conceal my
faults and grant safety to my fears. O Allah, protect me
from in front of me, behind me, to my right and left, above
me, and I seek Your protection from being destroyed from
beneath me
2. Acts of Goodness
One of the most effective ways of removing harm
is to increase in acts of general goodness and
kindness. This includes giving charity, helping
others, cooking for them, helping them with
their groceries or any other acts of kindness. The
Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Acts of goodness prevent evil
consequences.”22
Prophetic 15
Guidance
23. Jāmi‘ al-Tirmidhī, no. 3549
24. Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, no. 2014
3. Night Prayer
It may well be that this year we are unable to
congregate for the one time in the year most of
us pray the night prayer regularly: tarāwīḥ in
Ramadan. However, using this opportunity to
start a nightly routine of waking up for tahajjud is
recommended not only for its immense reward,
but for its benefits of keeping harm from us. The
Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Offer the night prayer for it
was the practice of the righteous before you. The
night prayer is a means of drawing near to Allah.
It prevents one from sin, expiates evil deeds and
expels illness from the body.”23
4. Covering Food & Drink
This is from the general etiquettes recommended
in the Sunnah. The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Cover your
containers and vessels. Indeed, in the year there
is a night in which illnesses descend, it falls into
every uncovered container and vessel.”24
5. Kindness and Graciousness
This is a tenet which underpins our faith.
Thinking of others, wanting good for them
and being empathetic towards them is part of
faith. The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “None of you truly
Prophetic 16
Guidance
25. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, no. 13
26. Al-Mā’idah: 32
believes until they love for their brother what
they love for themselves.”25
6. Abiding by Public Health & Government
Guidelines
Our religion is based on core principles, one of
which is the preservation of life and wellbeing.
Another is to refrain from harming others.
Therefore, when we are informed of guidelines
and restrictions that are for the general good and
wellbeing of all people, it becomes our religious
duty to abide by them. If by neglecting these
guidelines, we inadvertently harm others or
worse, we are accountable for our actions and
decisions. The preservation of life is so important
that Allah says,
“…that if anyone kills a person – unless in retribution for
murder or spreading corruption in the land – it is as if he
kills all mankind, while if any saves a life it is as if he saves
the lives of all mankind.”26
7. The Accountability of Words, Verbal and
Written
Each one of us is responsible for our words and
Prophetic 17
Guidance
27. Qāf: 17-18 29. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, no. 7047
28. Al-Ḥujurāt: 6
actions. What we say, do, write or forward is
recorded by the angels. In times of confusion
and differing opinions, it is important to
be responsible in the way we act and the
information we convey to others. It is our duty
to confirm and verify the reliability of the
information we spread. Allah says,
“With two reporters set to record, one on his right side and
one on his left: he does not utter a single word without an
ever-present watcher.”27
“O believers, if a troublemaker brings you news, verify it
first, in case you wrong others unwittingly and later regret
what you have done.”28
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) saw some of the punishments
of the grave. Amongst them was a person whose
mouth was being ripped with a hook to the back
of his neck. The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) was informed later
that this is a person who tells a lie that spreads
to the furthest reaches.29 This is more so in the
era of social media where a single post can reach
the furthest corners of the world in a matter of
seconds.
Prophetic 18
Guidance
ISLAMIC RULINGS
There are a number of Islamic rulings which
we need to be familiar with in times when
congregating in large numbers can be potentially
harmful.
1. Purification
Q : Can I make tayammum instead of wuḍū’
if I am ill with Covid-19 or in selfquarantine?
A : The general rule is that water must be used
in all ritual purification if available and safe
to use. If someone is in self-isolation but
has other family members who can pass
them water for wuḍū’ or they have access
to a bathroom, then they must perform
wuḍū’. If water is unavailable or unsafe
to use as it may exacerbate someone’s
illness, they can then resort to tayammum.
Likewise, if getting to water is too physically
demanding, tayammum may be performed.
Q : How do I make tayammum?
A : Tayammum is performed by striking the
earth with your hands and then wiping
over the hands and face. Excess dust can be
blown off before wiping the hands and face.
Prophetic 19
Guidance
Q : What if I don’t have access to earth?
A : In self-isolation, it may be difficult to find
earth, especially if someone is unwell. In
this case, you can purchase tayammum packs
that contain sand. Otherwise, a number of
scholars allow using a wall for tayammum as
it is made of materials including earth.
2. Prayer
Q : What is the ruling of praying at home?
A : Men should offer their obligatory prayers
in the mosque. However, it is allowed to
pray at home in the opinion of the majority
of Muslim jurists, especially in the event
of illness, adverse weather or fear of some
harm. The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) himself prayed at
home during his final illness when he was
physically unable to pray in the mosque.30
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) would recommend praying
at home other than for the obligatory
prayers.31
30. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, no. 713
31. Ibid, no. 731
Prophetic 20
Guidance
32. https://www.amjaonline.org/a-statement-regarding-the-latest-developments-ofcovid-
19-outbreak-and-their-impact-on-the-congregational-services/
33. https://www.e-cfr.org/ /بيان-المجلس-الأوروبي-للإفتاء-والبحوث- 2
34. https://www.spa.gov.sa/2048662
35. Al-Istidhkār, vol. 1, p. 401
36. Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, vol. 5, p. 207
37. Al-Mufhim, vol. 6, p. 126
a Suspension of Services in Mosques
Q : What is the ruling of mosques suspending
all services?
A : Due to the principles of preservation of
life and removing harm, a number of
internationally recognised scholarly bodies
have issued fatwas (religious verdicts)
allowing for the suspension of services in
mosques. This includes AMJA (American
Muslims Jurists Assembly),32 the European
Council for Fatwa & Research33 and the
Panel of Senior Scholars of Saudi Arabia.34
On a number of occasions in the lifetime
of the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his Companions,
Muslims had to pray in their homes, often
due to adverse weather. Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr,35
Al-Nawawī,36 Al-Qurṭubī37 and others used
these narrations as a basis to allow prayer at
home for similar or more severe reasons.
When and where possible and in accordance
to public health guidelines, if the mosques
can establish the Friday prayers with a small
number of people such as members of staff
who may be working in the mosque, they
should do so in order to continue this act of
Prophetic 21
Guidance
38. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, no. 901
worship. In the event of a total lockdown,
this is lifted due to necessity.
b changes to the Adhān
Q : Should the adhān still be given in the
mosque?
A : On such occasions, the adhān should still be
called in the mosque where possible.
Q : Does the wording of the adhān change?
A : The wording of the adhān changes to
include the statement, ‘Pray in your homes’
[alā ṣallū fī riḥālikum/buyūtikum].38 This is
either said after ‘Come to prayer’ and ‘Come
to success’, at the end of the adhān or in
place of ‘Come to prayer’.
c Praying at Home
Q : Is it allowed to have a specific place in
the house that I choose to pray in?
A : It is allowed to have a specific place in
the house where you prefer to pray. It is
reported that some of the Companions
would ask the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) to pray in their
Prophetic 22
Guidance
41. Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, no. 673
42. Ibid
39. Ibid, no. 425
40. Sunan Abū Dāwūd, no. 592
homes, and they would then make that
their place of prayer whilst at home.39 It is
still allowed to pray elsewhere in the house.
It goes without saying that our places of
prayer at home should be clean. It is also
recommended to perfume that area.
Q : Can I give the adhān and iqāmah at home?
A : It is Sunnah for men to give the adhān and
iqāmah at home and pray in congregation
with family members.40
Q : Who should lead the prayer at home?
A : The head of the household has the most
right to lead the prayer.41 Otherwise or if
he chooses, the one who is most versed
in the Qur’an should lead, then the most
knowledgeable regarding the Sunnah and
then the oldest in age.42
Q : Are women allowed to lead men in
prayer?
A : Women are not allowed to lead men.
Q : How do we line up in prayer if there are
only men?
A : In terms of lining up for the prayer, if there
are only two men, they stand side by side
with the imam on the left. If there are more
than two men, the imam stands alone in
Prophetic 23
Guidance
front with others lining up behind him.
Q : How do we line up in prayer if there are
only women praying?
A : If it is a group of women, they line up in a
single line or more with the woman leading
standing in the middle of the first row.
d Friday Prayers
Q : What do we do if there are no Friday
prayers in the mosque?
A : In the event of mosques closing or not being
able to accommodate large numbers of
people, it is permissible to miss the Friday
prayer and offer Ẓuhr at home in its usual
manner of four rak‘ahs.
Q : Can we establish a Friday prayer
elsewhere?
A : Jumu‘ah prayers should normally be offered
in the mosque or where there is a large
gathering of Muslims who cannot make
it to the mosque, such as in universities,
prisons etc. It is permissible to establish
Friday prayers in these places if it is safe to
do so. However, in the event of suspension
of jumu’ah prayers in mosques due to social
Prophetic 24
Guidance
43. See https://www.amjaonline.org/remote-jumah-prayer/
distancing measures, this would apply to all
such gatherings, irrespective of the location.
The alternative in this case is to offer Ẓuhr
prayer.
Q : How many people do we need to pray
jumu‘ah?
A : The minimum number of people required
for this is a matter of difference of opinion
amongst jurists. The position of a minimum
of three is the strongest of those views, and
Allah knows best.
Q : Can we follow Friday prayers online by
having it live streamed?
A : This is not permissible. When praying, the
rows should be reasonably close together.
In the case of streaming, people are spread
out over a large distance and far from the
mosque.43
It is however fine to listen to a live stream
of a sermon if there are some mosques
doing so, but you would not pray with them,
instead offering your own Ẓuhr prayer.
Q : Do the other sunnahs of Friday continue?
A : The general sunnahs of Friday continue.
These include reading Sūrah al-Kahf, sending
ṣalāt upon the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) and especially
making du‘ā’.
Prophetic 25
Guidance
Q : Which sunnahs do not continue?
A : Some of the sunnahs are connected to the
Friday prayer and are therefore no longer
applicable when this prayer is not being
offered. These sunnahs are bathing, wearing
clean clothes and perfuming oneself.
3. Funerals & Burials
It is one of the core rights of our Muslim brothers
and sisters that at the time of their passing,
we ensure they are ritually washed, shrouded,
prayed over and buried. However, in times
of social distancing and the potential fear of
contagious diseases spreading, some of these
rituals change. In such cases, these are not
signs of Allah’s displeasure or an evil ending for
the deceased. Rather, we hope that those who
succumb to this illness have their sins forgiven
and their reward increased as a result of the
hardship they endured.
The following rulings are when and where there
are restrictions from the health authorities. If
no such restrictions are in place or do not apply
to a particular individual, the usual rituals are
followed.
Prophetic 26
Guidance
a Fulfilling the Funeral Rites
Q : Who has to carry out the funeral rites?
A : To fulfil the obligations of funeral rites is a
collective duty upon Muslims. This means
that so long as it is carried out by some
people, it is sufficient. These people would
usually be close family members, but other
members of the Muslim community can take
their place when and where possible. This
may be the case if close family members are
asked to quarantine themselves.
Q : What if by washing and shrouding
the body, authorities ask me to selfquarantine?
A : In this case, and Allah knows best, it is
allowed for the health authorities to
take the place of others in washing and
shrouding. This is due to the major difficulty
inherent in quarantining. The sharī‘ah
allows for an ease in obligations in times
of necessity and this would be one such
occasion. In such situations, expert Islamic
guidance should be given to the health
authorities to help them understand the
rituals that need to be performed.
Prophetic 27
Guidance
b Washing & Shrouding
Q : How is the body washed under health
restrictions?
A : The minimum requirement for ritually
washing the body is that water has reached
every part of it. If there are further
restrictions in place, and health officials
do not allow any type of washing, they
should cleanse it with wipes, disinfectant or
whatever else they can use.
Q : How do we shroud the body under health
restrictions?
A : The minimum requirement of shrouding
is that the ‘awrah be covered. If health
authorities are using sealed bags for bodies,
health officials can shroud the body before
sealing. If they are unable to open the bag,
then this obligation is removed due to
necessity, and the shroud can be placed over
the sealed bag.
c Prayer
Q : Is it allowed to pray the janāzah prayer at
the graveyard?
A : It is permissible to pray at the graveyard.
Prophetic 28
Guidance
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) did this for a woman who
used to clean his mosque.
Q : Can we pray the funeral prayer without
the body present?
A : The general rule is that the body is present
for the funeral prayer. If this is not
possible due to quarantine or other health
restrictions, this condition is lifted and the
prayer can be offered without the body, and
is in essence prayer in absentia (ṣalāt alghā’ib).
Q : What is the minimum number of people
needed for the funeral prayer?
A : As long as at least one person offers this
prayer, it is sufficient to fulfil the ritual.
Where possible and safe to have more
people, it is preferable to do so.
d Burial
Q : What if the body has been sealed in the
coffin?
A : If due to health restrictions, bodies are
sealed in a coffin before being given
to family members or other Muslim
community members, it is allowed to bury
the body in this way, once again due to
necessity.
Prophetic 29
Guidance
44. This was done with the burial of the martyrs in the Battle of Uḥud. See Sunan Abū
Dāwūd, no. 3215
45. Al-Taghābun: 16
Q : How many people are needed to bury the
body?
A : There is no minimum requirement. As long
as the body is buried, it is sufficient.
Q : Is cremation allowed under any
circumstances during this crisis?
A : It is forbidden for Muslims to be cremated.
Islam obligates that deceased Muslims be
treated with dignity and that no form of
desecration, harm or mutilation can take
place. In Islam, the deceased have rights,
one of which is the right to burial. If the
government decides that there is not
enough capacity to bury the deceased as
per the norm, every other option must first
be exhausted. This includes the burying
of multiple bodies in a single grave of a
Muslim graveyard/ Muslim section of the
graveyard. This already has precedent from
the Sunnah.44 Other alternatives then include
using a section of a non-Muslim graveyard,
the use of alternative burial sites etc.
In an eventuality that the government
forces cremation upon Muslims, family
members of the deceased should be assured
that they are not sinful for this nor is it a
sign of a bad ending for their loved ones
who have passed. We do our best and Allah
Prophetic 30
Guidance
46. Al-Baqarah: 286
knows our intentions and what our loved
ones would have preferred. Allah says,
“Be mindful of Allah as much as you can…”45
And Allah says,
“Allah does not burden any soul with more
than it can bear…”46
e Condolences
Q : How do we give condolences under health
restrictions?
A : If it is not possible to meet due to social
distancing to offer condolences, this can
be done via phone. We should continue to
make du’ā’ for our deceased and offer any
help we can to their bereaved families.
4. Zakāh
Q : Can I delay paying my zakah if I currently
have a lack of money or fear a lack of
income due to Covid-19 and have limited
savings?
Prophetic 31
Guidance
47. Jāmi‘ al-Tirmidhī, no. 679
A : If you are currently short of money due
to being affected by illness, self-isolation
and/or your business or employment
are suffering due to the public health
restrictions, it is permissible for you to
delay giving zakāh. This should only be done
so long as that situation remains and once
circumstances improve, zakāh must be paid
immediately.
Q : Can I pay my zakāh early due to the
current circumstances?
A : It is allowed in the opinion of a number of
scholars, as the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) allowed it for
his uncle ‘Abbās.47
5. Self-Isolation
Q : Do I have to self-isolate if I am displaying
symptoms of Covid-19?
A : Yes, you must self-isolate if that is the
specific or general medical and public health
advice being given. In this case it becomes
an obligation. It is not allowed to pass on
harm to other people, and if you fear that
you have contracted Covid-19, you must do
your best to keep others safe. Allah says,
Prophetic 32
Guidance
48. Al-Aḥzāb: 58 49.Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, no. 2221
“And those who undeservedly harm believing
men and women will bear the guilt of slander
and flagrant sin.”48
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “A sick person (with
a contagious illness) should not mix with a
healthy person.”49
Q : Can we still shake hands when meeting
others?
A : Shaking hands when meeting people is
recommended. However, if there is a
potential harm and spread of disease as a
result of it, it is allowed to suffice with the
verbal greeting and you should refrain from
shaking hands.
Q : Can I refuse to shake hands with others?
A : If there are health guidelines in place
instructing people not to shake hands, hug,
kiss etc., it is allowed to refuse. We should
abide by these instructions and not become
offended when others choose to do so.
Q : What is the Islamic take on social
distancing?
A : Social distancing can be permissible,
recommended or even obligatory if the
circumstances call for it. During the time
Prophetic 33
Guidance
of ‘Umar, a plague struck a region of Shām
that resulted in the deaths of thousands.
The Companions, ‘Amr ibn al-‘Āṣ became
the governor of the region and instructed
people to disperse into the mountains and
countryside so as to stop the spread of the
plague. Therefore, if the medical advice
is that there is a clear benefit in social
distancing, it should be adhered to.
6. Buying & Selling
Q : What does Islam say about how we should
behave in these times?
A : In times of mass difficulty where there are
general needs for certain items, the sharī’ah
has certain rulings that apply to these
situations. These rulings take into account
the principles of general wellbeing and
preventing harm. The etiquettes of being
kind, considerate and helpful to others are
crucial at such times. Allah says,
“…amasses wealth and hoards it. Man was
truly created anxious: he is fretful when
misfortune touches him, but tight-fisted
Prophetic 34
Guidance
50. Al-Ma’ārij: 18-25
51. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, no. 2442
when good fortune comes his way. Not so
those who pray and are constant in their
prayers; who give a due share of their
wealth to petitioners and the deprived…”50
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “The Muslims are
brothers to one another. They do not
oppress one another or allow them to be
oppressed. Whoever helps his brothers
will be divinely assisted by Allah. Whoever
removes a difficulty from their fellow
Muslim, will have one of the burdens of the
Day of Judgement removed from them by
Allah. Whoever veils another Muslim will be
veiled by Allah on the Day of Judgement.”51
a Panic Buying
Q : What is the ruling of panic or mass
buying?
A : It is ḥarām in the sharī‘ah to mass buy
essential items and products that are
surplus to your normal requirements and
that others require such as staple foods and
necessary medicines. This is especially if
government officials and retailers reassure
everyone that there are plenty of items
in stock. In times of difficulty, it is the
responsibility of everyone to ensure we help
Prophetic 35
Guidance
52. Al-Nisā’: 29
53. Musnad Aḥmad, no. 8617
others and think of them as we would for
our own families. If by hoarding products
which are above your need, you deny
someone else their needs, you are sinful.
Additionally, these actions lead to a rise
in general fear, panic and tension within
communities, and therefore contribute to
more harm than good.
b Inflating Prices
Q : Is it permissible for shop owners to
inflate prices unnecessarily?
A : It is ḥarām to inflate prices to profit from
people’s needs without due cause. Allah
says,
“O believers, do not wrongfully consume each
other’s wealth…”52
Q : Is it allowed to withhold essential
products that people need in order to
inflate prices?
A : This is ḥarām. Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Whoever
withholds products needed by others to
inflate the price upon others is sinful.”53
Prophetic 36
Guidance
Over the coming weeks and months, there may
be additional Islamic rulings that apply if the
situation continues into Ramadan, Eid and Ḥajj.
If that happens, an updated version will be
released, in shā Allah.
Prophetic 37
Guidance
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it is imperative upon
us as Muslims to be mindful of Allah’s
commands during these times. Let us
show Allah our best deeds, deal with
others in a compassionate and considerate
way and help those in need. Let us follow
the example of the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) who
always showed others how to behave
through his own words and actions.
May Allah ease our affairs and remove this
disease from us, keep us, our families and
communities safe and protect our wealth,
businesses and property.
20th March 2020
Birmingham, UK
