Not Attending Congregation and Friday Prayers in Case of Contagious Diseases Outbreak

Not attending congregation and Friday Prayers decreed to be allowable in case of contagious diseases outbreak, said in a statement by center of giving decree in Egypt.

The center of giving decree in Egypt, known as “Dār al-ʹIftāʹ al-Miṣrīyah”, decreed that it is allowable for people not to attend congregation prayers and Friday prayers when natural disasters happen and contagious diseases, such as the coronavirus disease, spread.

Referring to the fact that not attending congregation and Friday prayers at these times is considered lawful, the center said in a statement, “According to Divine Law, when natural disasters, like floods and hurricanes, strike, and also at the time of an outbreak of contagious diseases, people would be allowed to say their prayers at home, and at the discretion of competent authorities, it would be even obligatory for them to do so.”

“The Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) reinforced the idea of hygiene quarantine and considered it necessary for all to take preventive measures during epidemics,” added the statement.

Dār al-ʹIftāʹ al-Miṣrīyah also emphasized that it is unlawful (haram) for those affected by contagious diseases to be present in public places and buildings.