Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.
The number of people infected with the coronavirus is more than 113,000 globally, and it has killed more than 4000 people, according to CNN‘s tally.
FEED THE POOR
Feeding the poor and needy is an act that draws us closer to Allah. We earn His forgiveness, mercies and blessings through this act of charity.
“Anyone who looks after and works for a widow and a poor person is like a warrior fighting for Allah?s cause, or like a person who fasts during the day and prays all night. (Bukhari)
As the coronavirus fear spreads all over the world, Birmingham’s Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre has been forced to cancel its first Umrah trip to Makkah.
The decision comes in the wake of Saudi Arabia barring overseas visitors from coming to the world’s holiest Islamic sites following fears about the spread of COVID-19.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a temporary suspension on all entry into the country for those traveling to perform Umrah,” the GLMCC said in a press statement cited by Birmingham Mail.
“Across the UK, Muslim travel agencies have had to respond to dismayed customers, and cancel all packages to Saudi Arabia with immediate effect.
“Closer to home, at GLMCC, preparations were also
underway for our first ever Umrah tour. We were excited to launch our Umrah
package with a group of 50 due to travel with us on the 4th March to Saudi
Arabia for pilgrimage.
“Our plans have also come to an abrupt halt, and we too
remain in the dark about when Umrah visas may be reissued. As Muslims however,
we patiently submit to God’s Will and understand that His plans are always
wiser than ours.”
Islamic Principle
Though the decision to cancel the Umrah trip was disappointing to many, the mosque leaders confirmed it was a basic principle in Islam to protect human life.
“Though this ban has been disruptive to many, it is
undeniable that it falls in line with core Islamic principles. Central to
Islamic law is the principle that all human life is sacred. Of the five main
objectives of Islamic law, one objective is to preserve human life. Whether
Muslim or non-Muslim, the right to life is inherent and universal,” the
statement read.
“Additionally, the prophet spoke about outbreaks of
plagues and illnesses with great sensitivity. Teaching the principle of
quarantine, he instructed: ‘If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do
not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do
not leave that place.’ The teachings of Islam always favor the preservation of
life, and choices which cause the least harm.
“As Muslims, we believe that nothing happens without
the permission of God but He has also given us choice and free will. We are
therefore required to seek out remedies and medicines to cure ourselves and
prevent harm, but ultimately these cures and protections are a mercy from God.”
The mosque leaders urged Muslim congregants to follow hygiene advice given by NHS and the World Health Organization.
“At GLMCC we advise our congregation to follow the
travel, hygiene and medical advice given by the NHS and the World Health
Organization to prevent the spread of coronavirus,” the statement read.
“We also urge those with symptoms of the virus or other
viral illnesses to remain at home, and seek immediate medical advice.”
Read Original Report Here By About Islam