Question:
In the current lock-down, some of the local mosques are open but with limitations on the number of people that can attend. In such a situation, if I am unable to make it on the registration list, on time at the gate or I choose not to go [due to fear of the virus], will I be sinful for missing Jumuʾah?
Answer:
In the name of God, Most Merciful, Most Kind
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for contacting Mathabah for your query.
Our local government (Ontario) has declared that we are still under emergency orders due to the pandemic.
Even though our religious places of worship have been given the go ahead for limited worship services with the condition of 30% building capacity, we have not returned to normal. The virus still exists. The current COVID-19 reported cases in Toronto are not on a decline. Therefore, we are still under a great risk. That being said, if one cannot make it to a Jumuʿah congregational prayer, the ruling still stands, as long as we are under the government issued emergency orders, that one would offer Dhuhr prayers at home in place of the Jumuʿah service. Those that follow the Ḥanafī view may offer Jumuʿah at home provided there are four adult males. – (See: Dār Al-Iftā’ Dār Al ‘Ulūm Zakariyya)
During the outbreak of the Amwās plague in Palestine, ʿAmr Ibn Al-Ās (may God be pleased with him) announced, “O people, when these plagues occur, they ignite like fire, therefore go to high grounds, away from the affected areas.” – (Al-Bidāyah Wa-Al-Nihāyah)
“A sick person should not be taken to one who is healthy [as a precaution].” – (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
“[As a safeguard,] one should stay away from the diseased, as one runs away from a lion.” – (Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī)
“Whoever hears the call to the prayer and does not come, his prayer is not valid, except for those who have a [genuine] excuse.” – (Sunan Ibn Mājah)
Imam Ibn ʿAbd Al-Barr writes,
“Anything that would inconvenience one’s fellow worshipers in the masjid such as anyone afflicted with diarrhea, insanity, misbehaviour, odour syndrome, virus epidemic or anything else that would threaten the public, it is permitted for the public to keep such an individual away, as long as the ailment is present. Once the condition ceases, they may return to the masjid.” – (Al-Tamhīd Li-Al-Qurṭubīy)
And Allāh Knows Best