Is it permissible for a worshiper to leave a one-meter distance between himself and other worshipers in congregational prayer in the mosque for fear of contracting the coronavirus?
If social distancing between worshippers in congregational prayer prevents infection, then there is no harm in it. This is because straightening the rows and closing the gaps in them is a confirmed , not an obligation, according to the majority of scholars. If a recommended act conflicts with the need to prevent infection, then it is permissible to forgo the recommended act.
Scholars have stated the permissibility of abandoning a disliked act due to necessity, such as praying between pillars if the mosque becomes crowded.
Even according to the view that straightening the rows is obligatory, averting harm and preserving life are considered necessities that can waive obligations.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/179255
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 179255
- Imported
- Translation status
- Source text, unreviewed
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy