Written Fatwa

About the new row order in mosques due to Covid-19.

497
07.10.2021

Due to the corona, a new row order was shaped in mosques. There is distance between two people. Isn't this situation objectionable in terms of the rules of praying in congregation?

We all know that along with all humanity, our ummah is experiencing a terrible epidemic. While the current situation affects all of our lives, it has also affected mosques. Alhamdulillah mosques are open now.

A- It is one of the important sunnahs of prayer to pray in rows with the congregation and to be close to each other (shoulders close, feet and breasts at the same line).

B- The order of the rows is not one of the pillars of prayer. This is how the majority of the fuqaha, especially the imams of the four madhhabs, see it.

C- The current problem is not an arbitrary situation. Due to a very serious reason such as human health, the ranks are kept in this way. Moreover, even if the adjoining rows were one of the pillars of the prayer, there would be no objection based on this excuse.

D- Making this issue permanent would of course be unacceptable. However, it is wrong to see it as an obstacle to prayer or congregation.

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