The Islamic Society of Greater Houston continues to closely monitor and assess the best ways to protect the community in light of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). At this time, one of the most important ways to curb the virus is to avoid spreading it. This will require that the guidelines set forth below are followed by every community member.
We reiterate what has been stated in previous statements that it is incumbent on all community members and leaders to follow authoritative guidelines from credible sources such as the CDC and Harris County Public Health Department.
We urge the following people to avoid coming to the masjid to decrease chances of spreading or contracting the virus:
- If you have recently traveled to international or domestic destinations where the virus is prevalent.
- If you have been in recent contact with a person that is suspected to have or has been confirmed with COVID-19.
- If you have any symptoms of the illness such as cough, fever, and symptoms of the common cold or flu, etc, and if you are caring for someone with these symptoms.
- If you are in a vulnerable population and are elderly, expecting a child, or a child under 12 years of age.
- If you have pre-existing chronic illnesses such as asthma, uncontrolled diabetes, COPD, cancer, etc.
- If you are not obligated to come to Friday prayers.
Additional tips to avoid exposure and spreading of this illness:
- Bring a small clean towel, handkerchief or prayer rug to avoid placing your face directly on the carpet.
- Avoid hugging, kissing or shaking hands.
- Perform ablution at home to avoid inadvertent contamination in the masjid.
Masjid administration reserves the right to remove any person who does not comply with the above guidelines and may ask anyone displaying symptoms to pray at home to avoid spreading the illness.
Masjid administration will follow hygiene practices to keep the facility clean such as dusting shoe mats, keeping ablution areas clean and discouraging use when necessary, and frequently sanitizing carpets.
Masjid administration should use all channels of communication to advise congregants on this imminent crisis and that it is part of reliance on Allah to follow practical steps and take the means of precaution and prevention.
Please refer to previous statements for more details and make specific dua’a to remove the disease. May Allah protect all of humanity. Ameen.
ISGH Fatwa Council
March 11, 2020
