Assalaamu ‘alaykum Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We pray that Allah makes this period easy, safe and grants us patience and goodness in this world and the Akhirah.
We all are aware of the effects of the current Coronavirus pandemic that we are living through. We hope that you are keeping up-to-date with the latest news and advice from health experts. The situation is changing day by day and it is important to keep in touch with the news and your local doctor.
Let’s remember that whether we are ill or in good health, each moment is an opportunity to fulfil the purpose of our creation (i.e. to worship Allah) and to live up to the purpose of this life (i.e. to be tried and tested in what we do before the life of the Hereafter). As the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wassalam) said, “Amazing is the situation of a believer because every situation is good for him – if he has something pleasing, he thanks Allah and that is good for him and if some harm befalls him, then he has patience and it is good for him”.
Those amongst us who are in good health during this period, remember to thank Allah and help others. And those who become sick for a period of time, have patience and remember that the Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wassalam) said that “If a slave (of Allah) becomes ill or travels, he is rewarded according to that of which he used to do while he was in good health and resident.”
So whatever our situation is, we can always be optimistic and hopeful of reward from Allah.
We all need to do our part to keep ourselves and others safe during this Coronavirus pandemic. Health authorities have shared much valuable advice to control the spread of the virus.
As Muslims, let us keep in mind a few guidelines to help us further.
Please remember that if you are sick, even with cold or flu, the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wassalam) mentioned in an authentic hadith that “The Friday prayer is a binding duty upon every Muslim to offer in a congregation except for four,…” and the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wassalam) listed among the four, the people who are sick.
So, if you are sick, during these days especially, please avoid going to the Friday prayer congregation or any congregation, as we understand from the above saying of the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wassalam). Although we may be young and can bear the cold and the flu, please consider that praying next to us may be an elderly person who may become weak and susceptible to future coronavirus infection.
Also, please remember to sleep well so that our body recovers, drink plenty of water, wash hands with soap and water, eat healthy food and stay active and fit. These help us to keep in good health so if we are exposed to the coronavirus, our body can successfully fight it inshallah.
Presently there is discussion among the University Administration and Staff that due to the coronavirus pandemic, the University may shut down partially or fully for some time and other such measures may be taken to prevent further spread of the virus.
We will keep in touch with you via this mailing list and the Muslim Chaplain Website (www.mcatuq.com) with matters that relate to University prayer room usage and other worship matters that may be influenced as a result.
We recommend you regularly check the Muslim Chaplain website and our emails over the coming weeks especially with regards to any changes to Iftar and Taraweeh at the University prayer room during the month of Ramadan.
Jazakumullahu Khairan,
Fee Amaanillah,
Sheikh Aslam Hussain (Muslim Chaplain at UQ)
Br Ismail Mohamed (Assistant to Muslim Chaplain)
