Guidance regarding Ramadan 2020
During this unprecedented Ramadhan, the doors of the Masjid will, unfortunately, remain closed. Therefore, people should continue to hold their prayers at home and should not attempt to go to the Masjid. Under these circumstances, they are not going to lose their reward of praying in the Masjid if they are praying at home, In sha Allah.
Iftaar gatherings with families should be avoided if people are not living in the same household as there could be a risk of the virus spreading between households
During the month of Ramadhan, it is highly rewarding to pray Qiyamul Layl, (Taraweeh or Tahajjud) which we can do at home, like we have been doing thus far with our daily prayers, with our household members.
Amongst the family members, he who has memorised the most Qur’an should lead the prayer. But if none has memorised a lot, the prayer can be read whilst holding the Qur’an. This will still enable you to maximise the recitation of the Qur’an during Taraweeh.
In the month of Ramadhan, fasting is obligatory upon every believer, but those who are physically ill, or travelers, they can leave their fasts and make them up at a later date.
‘But if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period should be made up by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties.’
Surah Bakarah 2. 183
However, if this is not possible, they can feed a poor person per day to compensate for the amount of missed fasts. Those who are currently working in the front line of healthcare, especially the healthcare workers wearing PPE, in order to keep themselves physically well, it may be very difficult to fast. They can also make their fasts up at the earliest convenient time.
Furthermore, those who are suffering from the disease itself, they should refrain from fasting whilst unwell, and should also make up their fasts at a later date.
Itikaaf is a Sunnah and a rewardable act, however, it is not Fardh (obligatory) and it is not possible to sit in a Masjid under these circumstances. Therefore people should avoid making the intention for Itikaaf this year. Rather, they should increase their general Ibadah at home, such as reading Qur’an, offering Salah, and making Dhikr.
May Allah protect us all from all hardships, and give us Tawfiq to increase our Ibadah during the month of Ramadhan. May He accept it from all of us. Ameen.