Mufti Said Ismagilov urges Muslims to pray at home, as life is more important than common prayer

Mufti of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine "Umma" Sheikh Said Ismagilov called on Muslims not to put themselves at risk, not to visit mosques and other religious institutions, and to pray at home, observing the rules of quarantine, until the outbreak comes to an end. The life and health of people are more important than common prayers in times of spreading diseases," he stressed.

"The Muslim world is not the first time faced with a viral outbreak, just remember that in the 19th century a series of epidemics of plague and cholera has led to the fact that for several years was not performed the Hajj to Sacred Mecca.

Quarantine measures have proved their effectiveness since the time of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who said: "If you find out that there is a plague somewhere, don't go to that place, and if you are already there, don't leave that place."

Muslims are not just allowed, but even required in case of infectious diseases to pray at home, and do not visit mosques even in the holy month of Ramadan.

Therefore, in most Muslim countries, mosques are now closed, and strict quarantines have been imposed so that people pray at home and do not spread diseases by gathering together, including in religious buildings. This is an absolutely acceptable norm from the point of view of Islamic theology because the life and health of people are more important than joint prayers in times of spreading diseases.

Therefore, I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, not to put yourself at risk until the outbreak is over, not to visit mosques and other religious institutions, and to pray at home, observing the rules of quarantine," the mufti said in an address distributed by Radio Liberty.