What is the ruling on missing Friday prayer and congregational prayers when an epidemic is widespread or there is a fear of its spread?

The Council of Senior Scholars has considered the issue of the dispensation regarding not attending Friday and congregational prayers during an epidemic or fear of its spread, and has clarified the following:

Firstly: It is forbidden for an infected person to attend Friday and congregational prayers, based on the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: “An ailing person should not be brought to a healthy one,” and “If you hear of a plague in a land, do not enter it; and if it occurs in a land while you are in it, do not leave it.”

Secondly: Whoever has been ordered by the competent authority to undergo isolation procedures must adhere to them and refrain from attending congregational and Friday prayers. He should perform his prayers in his home or place of isolation, as narrated by Al-Shareed bin Suwaid Al-Thaqafi (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: “There was a leper in the delegation of Thaqif, so the Prophet (peace be upon him) sent for him, saying: ‘We have already accepted your allegiance, so go back.’”

Thirdly: Whoever fears that he may be harmed or harm others is granted a dispensation not to attend Friday and congregational prayers, based on the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: “There should be no harm nor reciprocating harm.” In all the aforementioned cases, if one does not attend the Friday prayer, he should pray it as Dhuhr, four rak’ahs.

The Council recommends adherence to the instructions issued by the competent authority, and to fear Allah and turn to Him with supplication and humility.