International Muslim COVID 19 Taskforce Joint Statement on Ramadan During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate

Abundant Peace, Blessings and Salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

INTERNATIONAL MUSLIM COVID-19 TASK FORCE

JOINT STATEMENT NO. 3 Ramadan During the COVID-19 Pandemic

April 21, 2020/Sha’ban 28, 1441 AH

1. RAMADAN - This will be a different Ramadan from one that any of us have ever experienced. While we seek to become spiritually closer to Allah and ask for His forgiveness, we should take advantage of these physical distancing and isolation measures as opportunities for self-reflection and piety. Everyone should have Iftar at home with only their household members. Everyone should continue to pray their regular 5 daily prayers along with Tahajjud and Taraweeh prayers at home with only family members that live with them. Follow the forthcoming guidance of your local religious leaders regarding possible adjustments to your usual Ramadan routine, during such unprecedented circumstances.

2. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MASAJID - Masajid and Islamic centres rely heavily on donations especially during Ramadan, in order to cover a large portion of their expenses for the whole year. They are at risk of being permanently closed due to insolvency. Despite the financial constraints that we are all under, now more than ever, we must continue to prioritize donating to our local masajid to keep them afloat, while reaping the rewards of Ramadan.

3. PAY YOUR ZAKAT - Maintain your commitment of paying your Zakat, to support the millions of less fortunate locally and worldwide that already rely on this to make ends meet, and to help ease the suffering of poverty that has been exacerbated by lockdowns during the pandemic.

4. USE SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSIBLY - There is a lot of misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding COVID-19 circulating on social media. Read, follow and share only information that you trust, have verified and comes from a reputable source. Racism, speculation and spreading rumours are not only unhelpful, but are strictly forbidden in Islam.

We ask Allah (SWT) that He protects us, gives shifa to all those afflicted with illness and grants shahada to all that succumb, that He guides us to make the right decisions and forgives us for our shortcomings.

Ameen.

Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA): IMANA is a key resource and network for American Muslim physicians and healthcare professionals. They have provided Global medical relief for 2.5M patients in 34 countries and counting...IMANA's mission is to foster health promotion, disease prevention, and health maintenance in communities around the world through direct patient care, health programs, and advocacy. Visit IMANA's website to learn more.

American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP): AMHP is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Muslim health professionals to improve the quality and delivery of health services and increase access to care in America. Visit AMHP's website to learn more.

Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA): FCNA is a body of recognized and qualified Islamic Scholars from the United States and Canada. Visit FCNA's Website to learn more.

Islamic Society of North America (ISNA): ISNA aspires to be an exemplary and unifying Islamic organization in North America that contributes to the betterment of the Muslim community and society at large. Visit ISNA's website to learn more.

Canadian Muslim COVID-19 Task Force (CMCTF): CMCTF to ensure that Canadian Muslim communities have the information and resources they need to deal with the current pandemic.This national collaboration includes over 20 organizations and includes various experts. Visit CMCTF's website to learn more.

Muslim Medical Association of Canada (MMAC): MMAC’s mission is to serve God by following the teachings of Islam and serving all humanity through its network of Muslim physicians and medical trainees. Visit MMAC's website to learn more. Also visit MMAC's website focused on COVID 19 information here.

Canadian Council of Imams (CCI): Established in 1990, the Council has been serving the Canadian Muslim communities throughout the nation in different capacities as well as acting as a unifying platform for Canadian Imams and chaplains. Visit CCI's website to learn more.