By Hassan Twaha Bwambale

Due to the fact that some people have insistently requested me to share my thoughts about the cancellation of the five daily prayers in congregations in mosques, I have decided to write this short article, hoping it will be of benefit to those who will read it.

First and foremost, I would like to remind readers that we cannot always keep the status quo. The world will always change until we meet our Lord (the Majestic and Almighty). About this matter, there is an Arabic proverb that can be translated as: "Nothing lasts forever."

Therefore, we should readily accept change and learn how to cope with it. Now we come to the issue of how to respond to the cancellation of the five daily prayers in congregations in mosques:

Firstly, we should understand that the authorities in Kuwait are working endlessly to ensure that the Corona virus is contained, and all this is to everyone's benefit. Therefore, we ought to help them within our jurisdiction, and one of the ways of supporting them is to follow their ordinances.

Secondly, there are many religious texts and historical events that support the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs' decision to cancel praying in congregations in mosques. The following are among them:

a. It is prohibited for any person suffering from an infectious disease to attend both; the Friday prayer and the five daily prayers. Abu Salama, son of Abdur-Rahman bin Awf narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said what can be translated as: "A sick or ill person should not be taken to a healthy one." (Saheeh Muslim # 2, 221)

b. A delegation should not include any person carrying an infectious disease. Ash-Shareed bin Suwaid Ath-Thaqafei (RA) said, "There was a leper in the (Ta'if) delegation that went to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to pledge allegiance. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) sent a message to him that: "We have accepted your allegiance, so go back." (Saheeh Muslim # 2, 231)

• According to the custom those days, people used to pledge allegiance to each other by shaking hands. The Prophet (pbuh) was concerned that the leper would infect his fellow tribesmen of Taif, and if proceeded to Medina, he would also infect those who got in contact with him. So, he asked him to return.

c. In such a situation like the one we are facing today, the following golden rule has to be understood and implemented. Abdullah bin Abbas (May Allah be pleased with both of them) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said what can be translated as: "Do not harm people un-intentionally nor reciprocate harm intentionally." (Al-Albani said that the Hadeeth above is strong being corroborated by other narrations, see At-Taaliqaat Ar-Tadhiyyah 2/4767)

• Among the things that Islam came to protect is life. So anything that poses danger to our health, wealth, well-being and life is strictly prohibited. We ought to understand and acknowledge that our bodies belong to Allah (the Almighty and Majestic), so we should follow His injunctions on how to take care of ourselves and others.

d. If you do not attend the Friday prayer and the five daily compulsory prayers in a congregation due to a strong and justifiable reason, then you get a full reward as though you prayed in a congregation. Abu Mousa Al-Ash'arey (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said what can be translated as: "When Allah's servant falls sick or ill, deeds similar to what he used to do at home and while healthy are written for him." (Al-Bukhari # 2, 996)

What should we do during this time?
a. Pray in a congregation at home with your family members. Try your best to impart to them some knowledge about Allah (SWT), Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), his bona-fide companions, and our rightly-guided ancestors.
b. Spend quality time with your family members and instill in them the Islamic values, among them, personal hygiene. Equip them with knowledge and the wisdom that are essential for their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

c. Read and learn as much as you can, i.e. sharpen the edge. Learn more about your religion, improve your skills and share whatever you learn on social media or directly. Also, allocate some time to read/recite the Noble Qur'an, making sure you ponder its meanings, implement the teachings therein according to your capability, and consequently share the knowledge.

d. Meditate: Meditation improves memory, attention, mood, immune system, sleep and creativity.

e. Perform physical exercises with your family members at home.

f. Get involved in any online activity; either teaching or advising or finding solutions to some people's problems. As Muslims, it is our responsibility to present Islam to people of other faiths. Let us use social media to impart knowledge about Islam or at least arouse people's curiosity about it.

g. Cut the major sources of stress such as unnecessary spending, clutter, and family misunderstandings. Forgive yourself for the past mistakes, forgive those who might have wronged you, and repent to Allah (SWT).

h. Let's supplicate to Allah (SWT) as much as we can to return the situation to normal and to save us from this infectious pandemic.

Courtesy of the TIES Center: the TIES Center aims at empowering Kuwait's expats through social and educational services that promote a positive and productive role in society, and to facilitate opportunities for intra- and interfaith interactions that promote social solidarity.