AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT JOINTLY ISSUED BY ALL CEYLON JAMIYYATHUL ULAMA AND DEPARTMENT OF MUSLIM RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS

04^th of June 2021

 

1. Spiritual Guidance

• Performing acts of worships and good deeds abundantly to gain the Mercy, Blessings and Nearness of Almighty Allah while placing complete trust upon Allah with regard to all our difficulties and anxieties.

 

• In order to be relieved from these trials, as advised earlier, Qunoot An-Nazila to be recited in the five obligatory prayers while refraining from evil deeds and engaging in good deeds such as Dua, Zikr, Quran Tilawat, Isthighfar, fasting and Sadaqa.

 

• While remaining within our houses, all males, females, youth and elders to practice the habit of engaging in Duas abundantly to be relieved from these trials and to ensure that the prescribed morning and evening Duas are recited regularly along with the Duas seeking protection from this disease.

 

• Performing the five obligatory prayers in Jama’ath within only the household members at our homes on the prescribed times.

 

2. Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) pertaining to contagious diseases

• Isolation is advised by Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam). It is reported in a Hadith: ‘…one should run away from the leper as one runs away from a lion.’ (Bukhari 5707)

 

• Physical distancing is a commandment of Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam). It is narrated: ‘Those with leprosy should keep away from the healthy’. (Bukhari 5771, Muslim 2221)

 

• Travel restriction is a guidance of Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam). It is narrated: ‘If you hear about it (an outbreak of plague) in a land, do not go to it; but if plague breaks out in a country where you are staying, do not run away from it.’ (Bukhari 5729, 5730, 6973, Muslim 2219)

 

• It is a teaching of Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) to avoid placing others on risk if you have symptoms of an illness. It is reported in a Hadith: ‘One should be neither harm himself nor cause harm to others.’ (Sunan Ibnu Maaja 2340)

 

• In these situations it is important to remain at homes. Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) has stated: ‘One should not harm himself. And one should not harm others. One who harms others, Allah will harm him, and one who causes difficulties for others, Allah will place him in difficulties. (Hakim 2345, Baihaqi 11384)

 

Therefore by observing these Noble teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam), every one of us should make effort to curb the spread of this disease.

3. Health Guidelines

• Completely refraining from leaving the houses during the travel restriction period. Obtaining essential goods through ‘Home Delivery’ methods.

 

• Following the travel restrictions responsibly and strictly adhering to its regulations by understanding that the restrictions have been imposed in order to curb the spread of Covid-19, which is for the benefit of our own selves.

 

• When going out after the travel restrictions are lifted, one should ensure to observe the stipulated health guidelines such as wearing the face mask properly, maintaining 1 meter or 3 feet physical distance, avoiding crowded places and frequent washing of hands. And after returning home one should ensure to thoroughly wash the hands or take a bath and change clothes before associating with the household members.

 

• The ACJU also already issued the religious guidance regarding the Covid-19 vaccine. Acquiring the vaccines from the respective Centers in the locality upon the advice of the Doctors.

 

• If one is tested positive for Covid-19, the local Public Health Authorities to be informed immediately and the relevant guidelines to be obtained.

 

• By completely following all the regulations stipulated by the Health authorities, everyone should make effort to curb the spread of this disease.

 

• It is a punishable offence to act in a manner which violates Travel restrictions and Quarantine regulations. In these circumstances the Religious guidance is to abide by the Health regulations and the imposed travel restrictions. It is should be understood by every one of us that if the above mentioned guidelines and restrictions are ignored and life succumbs to Covid-19, it shall be regarded as one has ruined his own self. Further, if this disease spreads to others and causes death, due to one’s negligence of these guidelines, he may be regarded as a cause for the death of others. Islam has strongly condemned such irresponsible conduct. Because, while Islam prohibits causing destruction or harm to one’s own self, it has also prohibited causing destruction or harm to others.

 

Note:

• With regard to Masjids, the related guidelines of the Health Ministry, Waqf Board and the Dept. of Muslim Religious & Cultural Affairs should be followed.

 

• Those who are involved in Relief activities should adhere to the Health regulations and the relevant permits should be obtained from the respective Police Stations in the locality.