In its 24th emergency session held in Riyadh on Wednesday, 16/7/1441, the Committee of Major Scholars reviewed what was presented to it regarding the permissibility of refraining from attending the congregational and Jum’ah (Friday) prayers in the case of a spreading plague, or for fear of it spreading. By studying the Islamic legislated texts, their objectives, principles and the opinions of the scholars regarding this issue, the Committee of Major Scholars will clarify the following:

Firstly: It is prohibited for a person who has been afflicted [with a plague] to attend the Jum’ah and congregational prayers due to the statement of the Messenger ﷺ:

The ill should not mix with the healthy

And his statement ﷺ:

If you hear that a plague has befallen an area, do not enter it, and if it befalls an area you are in, do not leave!

Secondly: Whoever has been directed to be quarantined by the relevant authorities is obligated to abide by it. This person must not attend the congregational prayers and the Jum’ah and pray at home or where he/she is quarantined. This is due to a narration by al-Shareed ibn Suwayd ath-Thaqafi, may Allah be pleased with him who said:

In the delegation of Thaqeef was a man who suffered from leprosy, so the Prophet ﷺ sent a message to him saying; return for we have accepted your allegiance.

Thirdly: Whoever fears that they would be harmed, or that they would harm others is permitted to forego the congregational prayers and the Jum’ah due to the saying of the Prophet ﷺ:

One must not cause harm to himself, or to others.

In all that has been previously mentioned [of not attending the Friday prayers], this person must pray Dhuhr, four Rak’at [in place of it]. 

The Committee of Major scholars also advises everyone to adhere to all directions issued by the relevant authorities, as it advises everyone to have Taqwah of Allah, and turn to Him by supplicating with humility, to lift this calamity. Allah the Elevated said:

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, no one can remove it except Him; and if He intends good for you, no one can prevent His favor. He causes it to reach whom He wills of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful

And he, the Mighty and Majestic said:

And your Lord said; call upon me and I will respond to you.

And may the Salat and Salam be upon our prophet Muhammad, his family and companions.