According to these explanations, Muslims with an officially confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus COVID-19 or experiencing its symptoms may not observe fasting this year. This recommendation was issued due to the fact that abstinence from food can adversely affect the health status of patients.
In addition, fasting is not mandatory for health workers on the days when they are at work. Difficult working conditions on the first line of the fight against coronavirus require medical personnel to properly prioritize and care primarily about their ability to do their job and save the lives of patients.
These issues were discussed at a virtual meeting held by the UAE Council for Fatwa in connection with the approaching beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. Prayers during Ramadan were also discussed at the meeting.
The council in its Fatwa says that Taraweeh prayers can in current situation be performed by believers in their own home, alone or with a group of people. Referring to the ban on group gatherings, another Fatwa states that Eid prayers are also allowed to be performed at home. Instead of Friday prayers, people should perform the usual noon prayers at home. And since there are many people in need of help around the country now, the council also discussed the issue that Zakat payments can be paid earlier.
Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus which is causing illness in humans and animals. Most people infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus will feel mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without any special treatment. Older people, as well as those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, cancer or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness, and require immediate assistance. Novel Coronavirus was first identified in a cluster with pneumonia symptoms in Wuhan city, Hubei province of China, quickly spreading around the world. On early March 2020, the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic had officially started, becoming the defining global health crisis of our time. Today, it is the greatest challenge people have faced since World War II, worsened by subsequent lockdowns of whole countries, collapse of entire industries, and a major economic recession.