The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) declares this Friday, March 13, 2020 a National Day of Prayers and Supplications to entreat God to protect humanity from the Coronavirus pandemic and, in His mercy, to lift it.
We ask our imams and Friday Prayer khatibs to dedicate their Friday Addresses (khutbahs) to educating the Muslim American community about the Coronavirus outbreak in the United States and the world.
Remind worshippers and their families of 5 things:
1. Seek immediate professional medical treatment for breathing problems, fever, or flu-like symptoms
2. Hand washing frequently, avoiding touching one’s own face, and regularly disinfecting commonly touched surfaces are important safeguards against contracting or spreading infectious diseases
3. Help the vulnerable — especially the elderly and sick — by shopping and cleaning for them and keeping a tab on any sudden health changes
4. Have sufficient food and daily-use items on hand to reduce trips outside, but do not over-stockpile
5. Reject all racist and xenophobic stereotypes that associate groups of any national background with causing or spreading Coronavirus disease
The Prophet, on him be peace, has taught us that supplication (du‘a) is the armament of the believer. Yet he also cautioned us specifically about spreading epidemics: “If you hear of a plague in a land, then do not go into it; and if it befalls a land you are in, then do not go out from it” (Bukhari, no. 5396; Muslim no. 2218).
Strongly advise your community to stay informed and mindful of current guidance from local, state, and federal health officials, and to travel only as absolutely necessary.