We hope this message finds everyone in the best of health and strong iemaan insha Allah.
We as the committee of the Ibaadur Raghmaan Islamic Society have taken the decision not to close the masjied for jamaa activities including jumuah. At this stage we feel that we should not close the doors of the house of Allah. Other masajied have taken steps as they field a big crowd, daily unlike us.
This does not mean we are not aware of the issues at hand. Numerous doctors were consulted and necessary role players that frequent the masjied, in making our decision. A few weeks ago, long before the outbreak, the masjied had sprayed the mats and set up new cleaning operations, as a precaution, as required by the Shariah.
All necessary steps have been looked at from our side including the spiritual. This is the time to turn to our Creator. The one who gives life and takes life. Athkaar has to be made now, more than ever. Places where angels encircle the participants, are needed as a means of help.
We are independent of all bodies but adhere and follow the majority when it comes to affairs of the ummah, here around us. So we marry some of the proposals made, with what we intend on doing, insha Allah.
Our beloved Rasul s.a.w. has warned us about, staying in a place that has a plague and not to enter it when you come from outside. This shows us that although he trusted in Allah, he took precautions. This is the true sunnah.
People who are sick especially those infected with flu, colds and respiratory ailments are advised to refrain from large gatherings and to get the necessary medical attention.
Take wudu multiple times a day if u can.
Wash the hands before and after eating as per hadeeth.
Wash hands regularly.
Cut the nails regularly as reported by our beloved Rasul s.a.w.
Eat what is halaal and tayyib. Say Biesmillah before eating.
Avoid coughing on, or close to others. Carry a handkerchief at all times. Place spit, phlegm in an appropriate covering, before disposing.
Take necessary medications and build up immune system.
Watch your contact with people. Especially in very crowded spaces. Also wash hands after handling money.
Read and educate yourselves as to what the virus is, does and how to avoid it insha Allah.
As for the spiritual:
Re-affirm your connection with Allah. Use the time to reflect and ponder about life, death and beyond.
Make lots of istigfaar. Seek Allahs help. Never stop making duah.
Give sadaqa to worthy causes. Sadaqa keeps away calamities.
Make athkaar, read quran and sincerely plea to Allah.
Re-connect with parents and family. Mend broken relationships. Visit family.
Educate yourself about deen.
Keep on praying. Make extra nawaafiel solaah. Appeal in the sujood to Allah.
Live a good simple life. Dont hurt, mock, debase others, slander, hate, bother and defraud fellow humans.
This statement is issued from a balanced and rational perspective but it is open to review and changes. We will continue to assess the situation as it plays out insha Allah. An example of this is jumuah. If a few attend, Thur will be made, with a few words of naseegha. If the required amount is reached, jumuah will be made. Nothing is difficult in the Deen of Islam.
This is a time of severe testing. We as believers know this.
The statement is taken on behalf of our masjied and madrassa. It is not for public distribution. People have the right to do as they see fit insha Allah
It was done in all sincerity for the sake of Allah, in our weak and humble ability.
May Allah accept and grant us ease. Protection from diseases, crime, violence, hatred, malice, jealousy, evil, bitterness, envy and anger. Ameen
Shukran to all.
Imam Isma-eel Davids