Joint prayer in mosques suspended, except for Friday prayer

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - At today's 24th regular session of the Council of Muftis of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, held in Sarajevo under the chairmanship of Reis-ul-ulema Husein ef. Kavazović, the Council discussed the new situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. On this occasion, the Council of Muftis of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina appeals to all members and adherents of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina to show full responsibility and self-control in a time when the world is facing the challenge of the spread of coronavirus.

"It is a religious obligation for Muslims to show care and responsibility for protecting their own health, the health of their families, and all people. Therefore, the Council of Muftis once again emphasizes the obligation of believers, bodies, and institutions of the Islamic Community to respect the recommendations of competent state authorities, both in the homeland, in their home countries, and in the Bosniak diaspora," the statement said.

Due to the new circumstances of the spread of coronavirus and the protection of people's health, the Council of Muftis has decided that the adhan will be recited regularly in mosques, while the joint performance of daily prayers in congregation (joint prayer in the mosque) will be suspended until further notice.

It is extremely important for the Islamic Community and its members to symbolically preserve the institution of Friday prayer without endangering people's lives.

Imams will ensure that Friday prayer is performed in a way that the imam, along with the members determined by the imam and the mosque committee, will attend the ritual. The number of attendees at Friday prayer will not exceed the number prescribed by the measures of the competent authorities. The Council emphasizes that persons belonging to risk groups (elderly people, chronically ill people, etc.) should not come to the mosque under any circumstances.

"As every time of hardship is also a time of trial, it is the obligation of believers, as well as their Islamic Community, to show solidarity and help others, so that together they can overcome this great ordeal. In facing this challenge, there can be no room for selfishness and greed from any member of society," the statement reads.

The Council of Muftis reminds all Muslims that hoarding goods and food supplies, especially if done to create a monopoly and profit, as well as artificial price increases, is haram - a strictly forbidden act and sin.

Furthermore, the muftis appeal to all employers to show special consideration towards workers exposed to the spread of the virus, as well as those who have the obligation to care for children who are not attending classes and are not in kindergartens. In this regard, the Council of Muftis asks them to show compassion and understanding, especially towards mothers, and to adjust their work obligations to the new circumstances.

Reis-ul-ulema and the Council of Muftis appeal to all holders of religious authority, imams, and professors not to resort to absurd, trivial, unfounded, and irresponsible interpretations of the occurrence of this pandemic. They also appeal to all members of the Community not to spread false news, nor to follow it, and not to spread misinformation and panic.

The Council of Muftis welcomes the numerous initiatives of individuals, organizations, and especially members and imams of the IZ in BiH, launched in recent days, which express solidarity and offer help to those most in need. The Council of Muftis appeals for such initiatives to continue, taking care not to endanger one's own life. Special gratitude, as a Community and a whole society, should be expressed to doctors, healthcare workers, and competent inspection and security authorities.

The Islamic Community will continue to monitor the situation with the development of the pandemic and react appropriately to all challenges and be at the service of its members, as well as all citizens in the societies in which it operates.