Objection and Response

While saying this, I do not ignore the fact that some scholars might object to such a lenient, accommodating ruling. However, since leniency is one of the fundamental principles of the Shari‘ah, as stated in the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), there is no reason why we are not allowed to allow it, especially if this unprecedented situation continues.

I am confident that if this situation continues, we will see more and more scholars agreeing to relax the rules they are holding fast to on these matters.

Virtual Taraweeh

COVID-19: Need for Islamic, Holistic Approach

Another option I have put out as a ruling for these exceptional times is to follow the live streaming of taraweeh prayer from your own mosque- and only from your own local mosque. Please see my article for further details on the wisdom of that:

COVID-19: Holding Virtual Jumu`ahs and Taraweeh Prayers

Read also my 2^nd article responding to the objections raised against it:

Virtual Jumu`ah and Tarawih: Response to Objections

I am pleased to report that scholars in Ireland and a group of scholars in the USA and others have also come out with the same view and published a detailed statement with supporting evidences:

Islamic Center of Ireland: Permissibility of online Jumu’ah Prayer & Taraweeh Prayers amidst Covid-19 Pandemic for Muslims in Ireland

Check also this statement.

5 Messages from COVID-19 to Learned, Advanced Human Race

They have also started live streaming their jumu`ah prayers and have decided to stream virtual taraweeh for their congregants to follow. I have no doubt that if the COVID-19 situation continues, others will come out endorsing this view as well, as anyone who has studied the evolution of Fiqh knows.

In the meantime, I would leave it to each person to choose for himself or herself what feels right to him/her.

In other words, if you choose to follow the above lenient rulings, no one should stop you. After all, on issues where there are diverse rulings, we are not compelled to follow any particular view. It does not matter whether you follow a particular school or not, all of the scholars allow for a person to follow a valid opinion different from that of their school, if and when the circumstance demands it.

I hope this answers your question. Allah knows best!