Islamic Society of ACT

Updated: 24 Rajab 1441 AH / 19 March 2020

Assalamu’Alaikum Brothers and Sisters,

In light of the religious scholarly guidance and health advice received, the Islamic Society of ACT (ISACT) urges all Canberra Masjid attendees to observe certain precautionary measures. Compliance with these simple, yet important measures is sought to in sha Allah help contain the spread of coronavirus and other communicable diseases as we enter the flu season.

ISACT has been working closely with the Communicable Diseases Centre within the ACT Health Directorate’s Health Protection Service amongst others to ensure we make the most appropriate decisions.

The following measures apply specifically for Jumu’ah salah (Friday prayers) until further notice:

• Given the latest developments, Jumu’ah will now be held with a total of only 100 people permitted inside the Masjid’s main hall, with the remaining to pray outdoors up to a limit of 500.
• The elderly, the sick, sisters & children are urged to assess their circumstances and reconsider attending Jumu’ah due to the risk of transmission and as a crowd control measure.
• The khutbahs will be short to minimise exposure.
• Strictly no stalls will be permitted.
• Please do not crowd in groups after the salah is finished – you may be asked to disperse.
• Please cooperate with the brothers in charge of crowd control and other logistics, as the implementation of the stipulated measures is paramount for everyone’s safety and well-being.

The following general precautionary measures must be adhered to all times whilst attending the Masjid:

• Exercise good hand and respiratory hygiene including thorough and frequent washing of hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with bent elbow or tissues when coughing or sneezing – face masks may assist.
• Avoid shaking of hands or hugging, and conveying a verbal salam is sufficient.
• Use toilets and make wudhu at home – perform at the Masjid only if necessary .
• Pray Fard (obligatory) salah at the Masjid, and non-obligatory salah at home – this is the Sunnah!
• Sisters and children are not required to attend the Masjid – sisters’ salah is more meritorious at home!
• The elderly and the sick, particularly those with low immunity are at the highest health risk of infection, and hence not religiously obligated to attend the regular prayers at the Masjid.
• Consider bringing your own prayer mat.
• Those with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath must pursue medical assistance and cease attending the Masjid immediately due to the undue risk to other attendees.
• Attendees with flu-like symptoms may be asked to leave the Masjid immediately.
• Practice social distancing where possible – please avoid crowding as you may be asked to disperse.
• Sunday School has been suspended until further notice, and so have school visits to the Masjid.
• Keep up-to-date through the ACT Health website www.health.act.gov.au and Department of Health website www.health.gov.au, and observe the health advice and directives.
• The Coronavirus Health Information Line is 1800 020 080.

Stay tuned here on isact.org.au for any latest developments. If anyone is able to assist us in any way with logistical support and community welfare, we would love to hear from you.

Most importantly, let’s do our part and leave the rest to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. Let’s repent for our sins and make abundant adhkar and du’aa’, seeking Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala’s cure and protection from all diseases and harm. Allaah is ash-Shaafee the Curer and al-Qadeer the One who has Power over all things. It is He ‘Azzawajal alone whom we worship and fear and it is He alone whom we ask for help in this time of calamity.

Jazakumullahu khayran

Executive Committee – Islamic Society of ACT (ISACT)