I AM the imam of a mosque in Kohat. After the coronavirus pandemic outbreak I have noticed participants in the congregation quarreling about the space that is to be maintained between the lines and two people offering prayers. I feel that the faithful should follow what the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) had to say on this matter.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) excused sick persons from attending congregational and Friday prayers (Al-Sunna al-Saghir;241). In times of plague, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) advised people neither to travel to or from an infected place (Bukhari Sahih:5730).

The Holy Prophet gave this advice because the protection of human lives, in fact all life, is given the top priority in Islam.

Our prophet and our religion instruct us not be disappointed, and not to lose hope in times of plague, illness, flood, earthquake or similar other situations. [When] suffering visits you [just) say, “We certainly belong to Allah, and to Him we are bound to return” (2:156). Therefore, we should firmly have trust in Allah and beseech him to guide us through troubled times.

As Pakistanis it is our duty in these troubled days to help each other and ensure that we, our homes and cities bear this calamity with fortitude.

I would like to end by reminding Muslims that Allah is our sole source of sustenance in these trying times. Allah bless all to bear this calamity and emerge as better human beings.

Nasim Gul
Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2020