A group of Islamic scholars, medical and Muslim professionals, and leaders of civil society organisations have expressed their support and endorsement of the decisions taken by Islamic organizations to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

The group says the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA), the Sunni Ulama Council (SUC), and respective Shura Councils have shown tremendous leadership in navigating the Muslim community through the Covid-19 crisis in accordance with the laws and objectives of Shariah.

Spokesperson Mohammad Cajee says they also appreciate the Muslim community’s support for observing the call by the Islamic organisations to curtail and limit congregational prayer in Mosques in accordance with governments health regulations.

“We have no doubt that the swift and decisive guidance on the part of the MJC and JUSA to limit and suspend congregational Salaah temporarily in mosques across the country assisted in the efforts to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Cajee says they are also grateful for the decisions taken by President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Ministers for what is the most rapidly escalating crisis our country has faced since the dawn of democracy.

“We are hopeful that congregational worship across all religions will be reinstituted once all stakeholders including the leadership of our medical community are satisfied that the curve has flattened and the risk has been mitigated.

The group has urged all Muslims to stay patient, abide by the lockdown, and make an abundance of supplication as a nation to defeat this pandemic.

Faizel Patel

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)