DUSHANBE, 17.04.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – Today, the Ulema’s Council of the Tajik Islamic Center signed a resolution regarding the prevention of COVID-19.

The resolution is printed below.

Due to the current situation with the pandemic, in accordance with the experience of Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, which have banned the worship in mosques, there is a need to temporarily close mosques also in our country. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have taken similar steps. The Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has also adopted a resolution cancelling Hajj in 2020.

All these urgent and timely actions are only to protect the health and save people from coronavirus infection, which has really killed thousands of people and left hundreds of businesses at a risk of bankruptcy. Additionally, many people are “locked up” in their homes in order to survive this catastrophe, hoping to get rid of this scourge as soon as possible. We too must take all possible measures to protect our citizens, to save ourselves, our children, parents and all the people of our country, regardless of religion, from this plague and to protect our beloved homeland from all dangers.

According to the precepts of the Shariah, the protection of human health is a priority. This is stated in the Holy Koran as follows: “and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayat 195).

In such a situation, where the protection of health is obligatory and the congregational prayers is sunnah, the health of every believer should be saved and protected.  In this regard, it is important to follow the recommendations of medical professionals. As the Almighty says: “… so ask those who possess knowledge, if you do not know” (Surah An-Nahl, Ayat 43).

Considering the existing conditions, in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, which has been called the “the tragedy of the century,» the Ulema’s Council Board of the Tajik Islamic Center has decided that:

1. The holding of congregational prayers — five times a day, Friday prayers and taraweeh — in the country’s mosques and jamaahs will be banned from April 18 until the situation improves.
2. During the month of Ramadan it is forbidden to hold any meetings — taraweeh, iftar, festive walks and other events.
3. Zakat, sadaqa al-fitr and other donations should be given to the needy, orphans, homeless and the disabled. Generous people can transfer their donations and zakat to the account of a special fund for the prevention of this infection.
4. Citizens, who intend to perform Hajj, due to the complete closure of Masjid ul-Haram, should spend their funds collected for this purpose, first on improving their homes, and then on good deeds and charitable activities for their neighborhoods, villages and localities, which is also a sadaqa.
5. Strictly follow the recommendations of doctors and recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population during fasting and other ceremonies.
6. Regarding fasting, Ulema’s Council should prepare its recommendations in a timely manner and approve them before the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Chairman of the Ulema’s Council of the Tajik Islamic Center Saidmukarram Abdulkodirzoda