the alcohol is not derived from
grapes or dates. Since the alcohol in
sanitizers and disinfectants are not
from grapes or dates, it would thus
be permissible to use any sanitizer or
disinfectant.
Question: Is there any Islamic
guidance on hoarding goods during
an outbreak?
Answer: The Messenger of Allah a
prohibited hoarding goods. Ma’mar
g reports that the Messenger of Allah
a said, “Whoever hoards goods is
sinful” (Muslim).
Although most jurists write that the
aforementioned hadith relates to
hoarding of essential goods (such
as food), it is still reprehensible and
against the Islamic spirit to hoard
non-essential items during a time of
panic and outbreak.
Question: If the corona virus
pandemic continues into Ramadan
and the masjids remain closed, would
it be okay to offer tarawih at home?
Answer: Although it is preferable
to offer tarawih in the masjid with
congregation, if one is unable to do so
due to the masjid being closed, they
should have a congregation at home.
If one is unable to pray tarawih in
congregation (e.g. due to quarantine),
then they may offer their tarawih
individually.
Question: Many masjids have closed
due to the ongoing pandemic. Is it
wrong for the masjids to be closed
when we should be using this time
to get closer to Allah? Wouldn’t the
Prophet of Allah a frequent the
masjid during times of fear?
Answer: It is true that during times
of fear the blessed Prophet a would
spend even more time in the masjid
and that this should also be our
general practice in such situations.
However, in the case of the ongoing
pandemic there are also other
factors to consider, such as the law
and the overall health impact to the
community at large.
While it is difficult to issue a general
fatwa since the exact situation of each
area is different, we would advise for
each person to follow the guidance
of the ‘ulama of their respective
localities. If the ‘ulama in one locality
differ, then one should follow the
opinion of whichever scholar he/she
trusts the most while being respectful
to others who differ since both views
are valid and are backed by proofs.
Question: If the masjid in my locality
is still open during the pandemic,
should I be going for congregation?
Or is it still better for me to pray at
home?
Answer: If a masjid is still legally
open in an area (i.e. the government
and health officials have not deemed
it necessary to close), then those
who are healthy should still go for
prayers while exercising all other
means of caution to avoid catching
and spreading the virus. However,
if a person is high-risk, has been
diagnosed with the virus, or is
showing symptoms of the virus, they
should pray at home and would be
excused from going to the masjid.
Likewise, if government and health
officials have deemed the closure
of the masjid or the limitation of
congregants necessary, one should
abide by such laws and pray at home.
In such a situation, a person will,
inshallah, also get the reward of
attending the masjid.
Question: Many disinfectants are
of 60% alcohol. I have been told by
doctors that if the alcohol content
is less than that, it is not effective
against the Corona virus. Would it be
permissible to use such sanitizers and
disinfectants?
Answer: In principle, it is permissible
to externally apply any product which
contains alcohol (regardless of the
amount of alcohol content) provided
the alcohol is not derived from
grapes or dates. Since the alcohol in
sanitizers and disinfectants are not
from grapes or dates, it would thus
be permissible to use any sanitizer or
disinfectant.
Question: Islamically, is there
anything wrong with price gouging
during times of crisis? Is there a limit
to how much we extra we can charge
for items which are in demand?
Answer: While Islam does agree with
the basic concept of a free market, it
is completely against exploitation of
those in need. Rather, in such times,
Islam encourages people to help one
another. Price gouging in times of
need is unethical, un-Islamic, and
in many jurisdictions, even illegal.
Though there is no exact markup
percentage that differentiates
exploitation from a reasonable markup,
each person should do their best
to try to help others in such a time
instead of exploiting them for profits.
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