The month of Ramadan during the quarantine period

It is known that in the coming days, the long-awaited holy month of Ramadan is approaching. Every year, our compatriots celebrate the month of Ramadan with special preparation and joy, and spend it in a high spirits, with a special splendor. This is because during the month of Ramadan, Muslims are blessed with sustenance and great rewards for their deeds. Indeed, Allah has made it obligatory for believers to fast during the day and to perform the Taraweeh prayer at night during the month of Ramadan. It is one of the sunnahs of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to recite the Qur'aan from beginning to end at least once in the month of Ramadaan. Giving iftar to the fasting people and giving alms to the needy are among the activities of this month.

But, unfortunately, today the Coronavirus pandemic has spread all over the world, including in our country. In order to prevent the spread of this disease, quarantine has been declared in our country.

It is known that in connection with this situation, the Council of Ulema of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan issued a "Fatwa to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)." The fatwa states that until the epidemiological situation in the country stabilizes, collective prayers will be suspended and Muslims will be required to perform their prayers at home.

The Office of Muslims of Uzbekistan has studied the situation in neighboring and foreign countries during the month of Ramadan. In particular, the religious authorities of the Muslims of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation have issued statements stating that tarawih prayers and mass iftars will not be held in mosques during Ramadan.

The issue was also discussed with the Muslim religious authorities of neighboring Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and a decision was reached on a single solution.

Based on the above, as well as in order to prevent violations of quarantine requirements among our citizens due to religious ceremonies during the month of Ramadan, the Ulema Council of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan urges all Muslims to strictly adhere to the following instructions:

1. In the month of Ramadan, our Muslims should perform the Taraweeh prayers and the Hatmi Qur'an in their homes with their family members.

2. In order to raise the morale of our Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan, to establish the online recitation of the Qur'an in the system of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.

3. Let our generous Muslims, hoping for the reward of Iftar, deliver the funds allocated for Iftar ceremonies to families in need of financial assistance through the "Sponsorship Coordination Centers."

4. While it is against the quarantine requirements for all Muslims to break their fast by gathering their neighbors and close relatives, Surat an-Nisa 'on obedience to the rulers of Allah says: “O you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you. ”59

5. It is recommended to transfer zakat funds and sadaqa al-fitr and fidyah to the accounts of the Public Charitable Foundation "Vaqf" and its regional branches or to the "Coordination Centers for Sponsored Charities".

6. On the basis of the Media Plan of the programs to be broadcast on all TV channels during the month of Ramadan, the judge of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the chief imams of Tashkent city and regions, as well as prominent religious scholars among the people, to organize and widely cover speeches in the media.

7. The judge of the Court of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the chief imams of the city of Tashkent and the regions to organize regular online lectures on "Ramadan - a month of gratitude and patience" through social networks.

8. In the homes of our Muslims, let them sincerely pray to Allah Almighty to eradicate the scourge of coronavirus as soon as possible.

May God heal our patients soon and eradicate this disease from the peoples of the world, including our country! And may we all be blessed to perform our prayers with virtuous churches! 

Council of Ulema of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.