A JUSA PUBLIC APPEAL

 

In the interest of public health and safety, the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA) made a call for the suspension of congregations, as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19 Coronavirus on 22nd March 2020.

 

Subsequent to the call, the president of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, announced a 21-day national lockdown, from midnight, on Friday 27th March 2020.

 

In comparison with other countries where such a measure was delayed, it appears that the lockdown, which is backed by relevant laws of the land, has helped to contain the potential wide-spreading of the disease, limiting the extent of further infections and avoidable loss of lives.

 

Inasmuch as we would like congregations to immediately return to our beloved masājid ahead of Blessed Ramadan, the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (formerly Jamiatul Ulama Transvaal), reiterates the call of suspension of congregations during the national lockdown period.

 

Furthermore, JUSA appeals to the Muslim public to adhere to all lockdown regulations as the law of the land. Stay at home as far as possible and only leave home for absolute necessities. It takes just one infected individual, to spread Covid19 to several others, putting especially our elderly, weak, frail and immuno-compromised mother, fathers, brothers and sisters at a very high risk. Let us play our part in not compromising the objectives of the lockdown, so that we do not create circumstances that would warrant its extension.

 

May the Almighty help us return to His most beloved of spaces that are masājid, for our worship and success. Āmīn.

Ebrahim I. Bham (Moulana)
Secretary General

 

11 Shabaan, 1441 / 5 April, 2020