On Wednesday, the President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi has urged all the religious scholars to halt congregational prayers amid coronavirus fears.
He has advised the religious scholars to make sure that congregational prayers should be halted in order to stop the spread of coronavirus among the masses.
He further claimed that the religious scholars should act on the basis of principles of Islam and should seek guidance from Quran and Sunnah.
I am thankful to Grand Imam Shaikh of Al Azhar & Supreme Council, for responding to my personal request to provide guidance to us with regard to Farz Jamaat & Juma prayers in mosques during #CoronaVirusPakistan attack. The details of Fatwa are below for our Ulema to take action. pic.twitter.com/T8TrestjgA
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 25, 2020
He also mentioned those countries that have stopped congregational prayers, “Countries that have stopped congregational prayers: UAE, Saudia, Iran, Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestine, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt.”
Earlier, Grand Imam Shaikh of Jamia Al Azhar and Supreme Council in Egypt has issued a fatwa according to which,
“The government of a country can impose a ban on congregational prayers, including regular and Friday prayers, and halt gatherings across the country.”
“The coronavirus is more dangerous than rain, therefore a ban can be placed on congregational prayers,” it further read.
Moreover, the religious scholars have also advised the nation to cooperate with the government. They urged people to stay indoors.
The fatwa further quoted an authentic hadith from the Prophet in which He (PBUH) could be heard saying that “during natural calamities Muslims were directed to pray inside their houses.”
Pakistan has registered 1,074 confirmed coronavirus cases late at Wednesday night.
The total number of positive cases surged in the country as Punjab resorted to new cases late at Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, in several Arab countries including Pakistan, the Azaan has been amended on daily basis to seek forgiveness from the Almighty.
In Kuwait they amended Azaan instead of saying "Come To Prayer" which is typically called as "Haiya Alassolah" the muezzin ask the people to "say their prayer at home".Same thing was done by our Prophet(S.A.W). Please follow the doings of Prophet (S.A.W) here also.🙏 #StayAtHome pic.twitter.com/j8ImUr7SBe
— Muaz Hassan (@muaz_hsn) March 24, 2020