Home

Welcome to Islamic Center of Russellville

ISLAMIC CENTER OF RUSSELLVILLE MOSQUE TO CANCEL JUMMAH PRAYERS AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus a pandemic. Many of us have been following developments related to the coronavirus, including travel bans; countries shutting down; closures of schools and colleges; and the cancellation of major, minor and college sports leagues’ seasons.

Following statewide, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and WHO precautions, we made the very difficult decision to shut down, including canceling the weekly mandatory Jummah prayer, congregational daily prayers and programs until further notice. It’s important to understand that while some individuals may not show symptoms of having the coronavirus, they could still be carrying it and spread it to more-vulnerable populations.

This is about protecting the most vulnerable among us, including our elders and those who are immunocompromised or have pre-existing conditions. We have to do everything in our power to prevent the further spread of this virus for the safety of our community as a whole.

In Islam, a primary principle is that “preventing harm takes precedence over the acquisition of benefits.” According to the Fundamentals of Jurisprudence, we find dispensations when there is a threat to the health and well-being of people. One is the dropping of an act, like congregational prayers, fasting, Hajj, or Umra due to approved reason.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: لا يُورَدُ مُمْرِضٌ على مُصِحٍّ , The sick should not mix with a healthy one. (Bukhari in his Sahih collection). The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم excused those who were sick from attending congregational prayers: مَنْ سَمِعَ الْمُنَادِي فَلَمْ يَمْنَعْهُ مِنَ اتِّبَاعِهِ عُذْرٌ لَمْ تُقْبَلْ مِنْهُ تِلْكَ الصَّلاةُ الَّتِي صَلاهَا” قَالُوا: مَا عُذْرُهُ ؟ قَالَ: خَوْفٌ أَوْ مَرَضٌ, “He who hears the caller to prayer, but finds no excuse not to respond, his prayer that he prays (alone) will not be accepted.” The companions asked, “What is an ‘excuse.’” He responded, “Fear or sickness.” (Al-Sunna al-Saghir, Hadith 241.).

In light of these Islamic guidelines and principles, the suspension of an act of worship is permissible in order to protect worshipers and the public from a threat to their health. We understand that this is an extraordinary moment for our community, our nation, and the world at large, and we are committed to ensuring the fulfillment of the spiritual needs of our community during this time. Please stay tuned as our Islamic centers announce changes.

May Allah SWT bestow His mercy and protect you and your families during this time.