Q&A Religious Enquiries Can Muslims who are not feeling well and/or being quarantined not to attend Friday prayers?

Can Muslims who are not feeling well and/or being quarantined not to attend Friday prayers?

Number: 1
Publication: 2020-02-09
Answer
All praise be to Allah s.w.t.

The Prophet s.a.w. once forbade a sick individual from leaving his house [Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim]. This prohibition is to prevent the virus from spreading to other areas and infecting individuals. We should also follow the advice of healthcare professionals. This includes putting ourselves in quarantine if necessary for the wellbeing of our family and society.

Islam provides flexibility to a sick person in facing his/her difficulties. Allah s.w.t. says in surah al-Fath, verse 17

لَّيْسَ عَلَى الْأَعْمَىٰ حَرَجٌ وَلَا عَلَى الْأَعْرَجِ حَرَجٌ وَلَا عَلَى الْمَرِيضِ حَرَجٌ

There is no blame upon the blind, nor any blame upon the lame, nor any blame upon the sick

If you are feeling unwell, Islam has provided you with the flexibility of not attending Friday prayers, as mentioned by al-Nawawi in his book, Rauḍah Al-Ṭālibīn. Instead, you are to pray the Zohor prayer in its place.

Allah knows best.

Source: Office of Mufti, Irsyad (Religious Advisory) On Managing The Coronavirus Outbreak