Symposium: Scholars and Imams discuss Ramadan during coronavirus pandemic

The Islamic Council of Europe, having been inundated with questions in relation to Ramadan during the Coronavirus pandemic, held an emergency online symposium to discuss solutions for the Muslim community.

Contents

Symposium Main conclusions Scholars present

The online symposium, which discussed and agreed Ramadan guidelines in light of the Coronavirus pandemic, comes at a very crucial time considering our unprecedented times.

The symposium was well attended, with over 35 scholars from various backgrounds participating to discuss matters relating to praying Tarawīh at home, fasting for frontline NHS workers, and burials for COVID-19-related deaths.

The deadly coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China in December, but is now prevalent in 210 countries and territories around the world as well as 2 international conveyances.

At the time of writing, there are over 3 million registered coronavirus cases worldwide, with more than 213,000 deaths.[1]

Indeed we belong to Allāh, and to Him we shall return. We ask Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) to keep us all safe, healthy, and able to take this opportunity to turn back to Him, seeking forgiveness.

May Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) cure our sick, protect our elderly, and accept those that have returned to him after having the coronavirus as martyrs, āmīn.

It is also important to note that over 938,000 people have recovered so far from the deadly virus, alhamdulillāh

Symposium Main conclusions

Tarawīh should not be prayed virtually. Instead, one should recite whatever Qur’ān they know from memory or from a mushaf
Fasting for frontline NHS workers: no blanket policy. Instead, NHS workers’ concerns can be addressed on a case-by-case basis in discussion with local scholars and imams
Burials for COVID-19-related deaths: Where ghusl is not possible due to extenuating circumstances, the scholars permitted Tayammum over the deceased body.
If there is a conflict between hastening the burial without ghusl and delaying the burial with ghusl, the scholars present were in majority agreement that due to current circumstances and limited availability of ghusl facilities, that hastening with burial with Tayammum is the preferred option.
The scholars also made special mention that the wishes of family members should be taken into account ahead of final decisions.

In addition to the above discussions, C.A.L.M. (COVID-19 adviceline for Muslims) was announced – a new national helpline to provide a service for Muslims to seek advice, guidance, and solutions during these testing times.

May Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) reward all those that participated, make the gathering a source of benefit for the Umma,h and make it the first of many symposiums to come.