The clergy disagreed about whether or not it was permissible to attend prayers in case of illness

KUWAIT CITY, November 21: Several clerics stressed the importance of Muslims staying at home to perform Friday prayers or the five obligatory prayers when suffering from a cold or flu to prevent the disease from worsening and to prevent the transmission of the infection to other mosques. In response to some clergy who believe that there is no explicit text telling cold sufferers to stay at home, they explained that these individuals focus solely on the literal interpretation of the texts. They overlook all the verses and hadiths (sayings) of the Prophet that emphasize the importance of not harming others. This is particularly relevant because people infected with colds can harm those around them, especially since wearing a mask may not completely prevent the spread of the infection.

According to the Islamic preacher Dr. Rashid Al-Oleimi, those infected with the flu should stay at home and not be required to attend congregational prayers at the mosque for the five daily prayers or Friday prayers. The problem arises when some people quote hadiths about the meaning of obligatory mosque prayers without taking into account the individual’s illness, such as a cold. Depending on the situation, congregational prayers are more of a recommendation than a strict obligation. A person with a cold could spread the infection to those praying next to or behind him, especially when sneezing, which can spread the virus. Such a person should stay at home, in accordance with the hadith which states: “There should be neither harm nor compensation.” The meaning of this hadith is that a person should not harm himself or others.

If a person wants to go to the mosque but is prevented from doing so by illness or fear for his own health or the health of others, he will still receive the reward of congregational prayer because he has forgone it out of concern for himself and others. If someone insists on praying in the mosque while suffering from a contagious disease, knowing that others may be at risk of infection and may sin.

Suppose Islam is about preventing harm or inconvenience from things that are not harmful, such as garlic and onions. In this case, the situation is even more serious for someone suffering from a cold.Dr. Al-Oleimi referred to the saying of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH): “Whoever eats from this tree, i.e. garlic, should not come near our mosque.” He said: “This noble prophetic hadith underlines the importance of avoiding harm and To prevent inconvenience to people in mosques, even by the smell of food. Someone who has a cold and sneezes in the mosque can cause discomfort and distraction to those praying, causing them to lose concentration and humility during prayer.

Therefore, a Muslim suffering from a contagious disease, be it a cold or any other, should perform his prayers at home. “As for those who issue fatwas and claim that there is no clear text in the Quran and Sunnah that tells someone with a cold to stay at home.” Dr. Al-Oleimi said such fatwas should be based on both direct evidence and analogous reasoning. He said: “Where is the one who prays in the mosque while suffering from a cold?” He said: “Allah does not require anything from a soul except what is within his capacity. She will have (the consequence of) what (good) she has acquired, and she will bear (the consequence of) (the (evil)) what she has earned. Our.” Lord, do not blame us if we forget our Lord or err, and do not impose on us the burden that you placed on those before us, and do not burden us with what we cannot bear, forgive us and have mercy on us, we are our protectors, so give us victory over the unbelieving people”? This matter also requires close attention to those who are known for failing to perform congregational prayers in mosques. Their behavior becomes problematic, especially when people gather around them after prayer. If they insist on going to the mosque despite having a cold, they may be able to spread the disease to others. A mask may not be enough to prevent the transmission of the infection The Imam of a mosque Sheikh Ahmed Abu Ibrahim emphasized the great value of communal prayer in the mosque.

He explained that while waiting for the prayer, the angels ask for forgiveness on behalf of the believer and that this remains the case even after the prayer. In addition, the Muslim receives a reward for each step he takes to and from the mosque. The greatest merit is the increase in good deeds, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Prayer in congregation is twenty-seven times better than prayer alone.” However, in certain circumstances the situation is different, since the Messenger of Allah ( Peace be upon him) said: said: “Whoever hears the call to prayer and does not respond, his prayer is not valid except an apology.” It is understood that the “excuse” mentioned in this hadith includes conditions such as illness, fear, etc . includes others valid reasons. Therefore, a person suffering from a cold should pray at home. Sheikh Saleh Al-Ghanim expressed concern about the tendency of some religious scholars to strictly adhere to the literal meaning of texts without considering the context of all hadith. He said: “It is important to note that if a fatwa is issued stating that there is no explicit text requiring someone with a cold to pray in the mosque, the answer should be that Islam is a religion of ease and tolerance, not one of extremism.” or causing harm to the lives of Muslims.” Allah Almighty said: “And He has not given you any difficulties in religion.”

By Najeh Bilal
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff