PROTOCOLS OF MASAAJID IN THE TIME OF COVID – 19
QUESTION:
As Salaamu Alaikum,
I am writing to get a response as it relates to the muqtadees following masjid/ government protocols during the pandemic. As we are all aware the government has given guidance and allowance to places of worship to carry on activities during the pandemic however with specific guidelines. Some of these guidelines are even laws established whereby a person can be ticketed or fined for not adhering. I make specific reference to the wearing of mask, I have noticed since we have returned to the masajid for Taraweeh this year, there are a number of brothers who refuse to wear the mask, even though the safs are socially distanced. Can you please clarify for me if this stance of not wearing your mask inside the masjid or not following the other government protocols permissible or not. Taking into consideration wearing of mask in public spaces is the law of the land. Jazakallah Khair
ANSWER:
Wa Alaikum As Salaam,
Wearing the mask and social distancing etc. are measures which the Government has put in place to avoid the spread of Covid-19, and these should be followed as much as possible since they are official laws in the country. We as Muslims, are required to follow these laws since they are meant to stop the spread of the virus. However, with respect to wearing the mask for Salah, this is one which affects the proper and complete fulfillment of the performance of Salah.
Based on the authentic narrations of the Prophet (S.A.S), one should not cover one’s mouth/nose etc. while performing Salah, except when there is a real valid reason, acceptable in the Shairah. Therefore, this law affects the Muslims in fulfilling the proper performance of Salah in the most perfect and complete way. Due to the fact that it is an official law of the land, Muslim scholars have granted the allowance for performing Salah with the mask since it will still be valid and accepted, once the forehead and nose touch the ground in Salah. However, it still falls short from being the perfect Salah in accordance to the teachings of the Prophet (S.A.S). Therefore, since it is a matter that has an effect on one’s religious obligation, one cannot force a Muslim to wear the mask for Salah, neither can one force those who are wearing it to take it off for Salah.
However, seeing that a person can be fined for not wearing the mask even in the masjid,(since it is breaking the law), people should be encouraged to wear it so that they will not be guilty of violating the Government’s law.
And Allah Knows best
Mufti Waseem Khan
19/04/2021