When the moon of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar) was sighted, the Holy Prophet (SAWW) used to read the following supplication: “Oh Allah! Grant us blessings in the months of Rajab and Shaban and take us forth to Ramadhan.”
In these three months, various religious and other social activities takes place in our community in our Jamaats of Africa Federation, these are important months in Islam; The Holy Prophet (SAWW) said; “Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha’ban is my month and Ramadhan is the month of my Ummah (Community)”
Community members have both; religious and moral responsibilities when it comes to their own safety and safety of others, therefore it is vitally important that our members must strictly follow the guidelines which are introduced by our constituent Jamaats as a precaution and prevention protocols against Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19). These apply in all the Jamaats facilities and places of worship; i.e. Mosques, Imambarghas; Mehfils; Kabrastan; Madrassahs; Offices and other relevant facilities.
Imperative; firstly members must be aware of their own physical and medical conditions; hence if a person has symptoms of fever, headache, flu, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath, he/she should not attend any public/private gatherings in order to protect others from inflicting diseases; which some are infectious and airborne diseases and are easily transmissible to others, including their own family members.
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS AND PREVENTION:
The first and most important message is to our Constituent Jamaats is to carry out a “Risk Assessment” of the environment surrounding the local places where Jamaats are operating and have facilities for public (community members). Jamaats can contact CHB for guidance whenever required on the types of Precautions for Prevention that are necessary to institute for the Health and Safety measures.
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS GUIDELINES FOR JAMAATS:
Following are some basic guidelines recommended, Jamaats may add more according to their local environment.
- All (Gents & Ladies) must wear proper face masks when entering any Jamaat’s facilities.
- Washing hands thoroughly with soap and running water.
- Using hand sanitizers from the dispensers positioned at the gate and other spots.
- Keeping safe distance from other people, recommended distance of 1.5m from each other.
- No hand shaking or hugging each other. This also applies to private functions.
- No sharing of glasses, cups or utensils of any kind. Use only disposable utensils.
- Limit gatherings in designated areas only, where they are under strict control of social distancing etc.
- Where Jamaats needs to serve Nyaz, this should only be in “Take-Away” containers which are packed properly by our volunteers who shall maintain high standard of hygiene throughout the process of packing to distribution.
- People who queue for Nyaz/Tabarukat, should maintain safe distance from each other of not less than 1.5m. All must wear proper face masks. To avoid congestions, more distribution stations of Nyaz/Tabarukat should be introduced.
- All common areas where frequented/used by people should be cleaned and disinfected frequently, especially touched objects and surfaces; i.e. hand-rails, chairs, tables, door handles, basin faucets, washrooms etc.
- Jamaats should assign special volunteers (in gents’ and ladies’ sections) to monitor that people are observing the guidelines; those who do not follow the guidelines should be cautioned and for the safety of other members they should be restricted entry in Jamaat’s facilities.
- Jamaats should regularly publicize these guidelines and educate members of our community through the Media Room, Posters and Announcements.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through close contact with someone who is infected, but it can also spread if you touch contaminated objects and surfaces.
During these sacred and holy months of Rajab, Shab’an and Ramadhan, let us all pray to Allah (SWT) to grant us all good health, well-being and safety. Let us also recite the following Dua for the Shifa’ah for all who are not well and suffering. May Allah (SWT) shower His infinite mercy upon them all – Ameen.