Q:

Assalamu Alaikum!

I’m from Nigeria and our government had just permitted mosques to open for congregational prayers but I’m scared to go to the mosques for fear of contracting the coronavirus. My fear is because in Nigeria majority of people don’t believe that it exists so they’re not taking the necessary precautions, they’re being very careless about the whole situation. Also, the health authorities are not doing enough to tackle the corona crisis. Is it permissible for me to continue to pray at home for the sake of my health and that of my family?

A:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving.

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon His Prophet Muhammad.

Covid-19 pandemic has gained almost an agreement among scholars for being an excuse for quitting congregational prayers, including Friday Prayer, where there is fear of contracting the disease. Fear must be assessed objectively without being over- or underestimated.

Taking the circumstances you mentioned into consideration, you might have an excuse not to attend congregational prayers. Still, it is better if you can at least attend Friday Prayer, after taking all necessary precautions.

Allah knows best.