MUIS: All mosques in S'pore to close until March 18 as COVID-19 precautionary measure

[Cynical Ape]

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) announced on March 12 a total closure of all mosques in Singapore to assist the Covid-19 containment efforts. MUIS also announced that the Fatwa Committee has issued a fatwa, a ruling on a point of Islamic law, to close the mosques and suspend the Friday congregational prayer on March 13, 2020.

 

Four mosques have already been closed as of 1pm on Monday, March 12:

• Masjid Muttaqin
• Masjid Kassim
• Masjid Hajjah Fatimah
• Masjid Jamae Chulia

 

Beginning on March 13, all mosques in Singapore will be closed as a precautionary measure until the end of March 17, a period of five days. They will undergo cleaning and disinfection measures.

 

This measure was taken after a religious event held at a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, which was attended by over 10,000 people, was linked to confirmed cases of Covid-19. One of the attendees was the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in Brunei.

 

According to MUIS, the Ministry of Health (MOH) determined that “around 90” Singaporeans attended the event, and that they are likely to be regular mosque-goers. MUIS stated that some Singaporean attendees of the event tested positive for Covid-19. The four mosques that were closed on March 12 are believed to have been frequented by the attendees of the event. MUIS is assisting MOH with contact tracing efforts.

 

MUIS explained that the Mufti and the Fatwa Committee agreed on this course of action, similar to that adopted by international fatwa bodies, in the interest of public health and safety.

 

MUIS stated: “Muslims should perform their regular noon (Zuhur) prayers in place of the congregational prayers. Friday messages will be disseminated online in place of the sermon.”

 

Mosques will also cancel activities, lectures, religious classes and mosque based kindergarten sessions for a longer period of time, for the next two weeks (13 Mar to 27 Mar).

 

MUIS also urged the Muslim community to maintain good hygiene practices and practise socially-responsible behaviour, such as not making physical handshakes.

 

Source: Mothership.sg

 

Edited March 12, 2020 by Cynical Ape

[Cynical Ape]

So sad that even Allah didn't want his zealots to be anywhere near him.....

Edited March 12, 2020 by Cynical Ape