[regularly updated website; copied on March 30]

1. Advice for individuals

#StayAtHomeSaveLives

The current NHS advice is that as individual we should stop non-essential contact (including shaking hands, hugging, kissing) and if we go outside, to keep more than 2 metres (3 steps) apart from others. This is part of the UK’s social distancing measure to help slow down the spread of COVID19 – click here for more information.

The best way to protect ourselves is to follow good hygiene practices, including:

  1. Wash hands frequently with soap/water or hand sanitiser gel
  2. Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues
  3. Throw away used tissues (then wash hands)
  4. If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve
  5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  6. Avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Click here for further guidance and useful graphics.

Much of this advice, and an emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene is in line with Islamic tradition. Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Purity is half of iman (faith).“ [Muslim]

Note: Face masks – It is not advised to wear a face mask unless you are a carer of somebody who has Covid-19, or you have flu-like symptoms yourself and are wearing it to prevent the spread to others. A mask is ​unlikely to help prevent​ catching the infection as masks are usually ill fitting, not changed  regularly, and can actually make it more likely as the virus can sit on the mask surface increasing the chance of infection if touched

The symptoms of coronavirus are: a cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath. But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

If you or a member of your household have coronavirus symptoms, you must self-isolate immediately for 14 days from when the symptoms started, meaning:

  • not leave your home for any reason, other than to exercise once a day (or use your garden if you have one) – but stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from other people
  • not go out to buy food or collect medicine – order them by phone or online, or ask someone else to drop them off at your home
  • not have visitors, such as friends and family, in your home


Keep up to date with the latest public health advice at:

2. Advice for mosques: Keeping your congregations safe

23 March – UK Government officially announced that all places of worship must close.

16 March Update: MCB calls for the suspension of all congregational activities at UK mosques and Islamic centres. View full press release here.

Travel advice for worshippers:

As of 23 March, the UK Government has advised all non-essential travel to cease.

For those who have travelled before this time, it is particularly important for Muslim institutions to advise their community members (congregation members, volunteers, staff etc.) who have travelled back to the UK recently from specific regions of the world as highlighted by the Foreign Office. At present, the advice is that worshippers should not attend the mosque if they have:

  • been to the Hubei province in China, Iran, South Korea or Northern Italy in the last 14 days
  • flu-like symptoms (even if mild) and have returned, in the last 14 days, from mainland China, Italy, South Korea, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia,
    Myanmar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
  • flu-like symptoms and have been within 2 metres of a confirmed case of Covid-19
In these instances, they should self isolate – that is to stay at home, not go out, and have no contact with the public – and visit ​NHS111 Online​ or call 111. Do not attend your GP practice or pharmacy as this places others at risk. For NHS advice on what self-isolation means, click here.


Will it affect Ramadan?

Looking at epidemiological data from other countries, it’s likely that the pandemic will stretch well into Ramadan during April/May 2020. Authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have decided to suspend iftar and itikaf in Masjid Al Haram at present. UK mosques must similarly prepare for the very likely possibility of suspending iftar programs and congregational tarawih prayers.

3. Advice for madrasas / educational settings

16 March – public health advice announced included of stopping “non-essential contact” with others and the Chief Scientific Advisers advising the public to avoid gatherings “big or small”. On 18 March, the UK Government announced that all schools should close, therefore madrasas and education settings should also close. Madrasas and Muslim faith schools are urged to adapt to providing classes via online means e.g. Skype/other video communication services.

Government School Closures Coronavirus Helpline is 0800 046 8687

Are there any posters/resources I can use in my madrasa / educational setting?

Scroll further below to view posters and signage you can use in your madrasa / educational setting.

For more advice, read the Department for Education’s guidance here.

4. Signage/Resources in your mosque, madrasah or community centre

Click here for the latest Toolkit for UK Muslim Communities (PDF) collated by MCB, which can also be found below in a summary poster. Information accurate as of 25 March. In addition, community organisations are welcome to add your own logo onto this poster and circulate amongst their members.

Download Editable Poster version here: bit.ly/COVID-toolkit-edit2 (Microsoft PowerPoint required)

Download a printable poster from NHS on “Catch It, Bin It, Kill It” (PDF).

Download printable Public Health England poster: ‘Coronavirus advice for education settings’ (PDF) and below.

 

To order hard copies of these and more resources, click here to visit the Public Health England campaign resources page


Mosques, madrassas and other Muslim-led institutions are strongly encouraged to advise their congregation members, volunteers and staff of the above guidelines and display posters visibly in their buildings.

5. Coping with stress during COVID-19 pandemic

For faith-sensitive and confidential mental health advice, Muslim Youth Helpline offer online chat/email and phone support on 0808 808 2008 available for Muslims of all ages. Inspirited Minds also offer online support. A flyer on mental health support during COVID-19 pandemic can be found below:

The World Health Organisation has published guidelines (PDF) has also produced advice on individuals and communities coping with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak:

  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle – diet, sleep, exercise etc.
  • Don’t use smoking, alcohol or drugs to deal with emotions
  • Get the facts for the authorities – do not base your actions on hearsay
  • Limit worry by lessening time you/your family spend listening to media coverage
  • Draw on skills you have used in the past to help you manage adversities


Further information on coping with mental health during COVID-19 outbreak is published by the Mental Health Foundation here.

 

6. Advice for parents

With children off school, parents need to interact constructively with their children during this challenging time. Check out these six one-page Healthy Parenting tips produced by the WHO for parents covering planning one-on-one time, staying positive, creating a daily routine, avoiding bad behaviour, managing stress, and talking about COVID-19.

Have fun engaging with these ideas, and let us know if you have any more by emailing [email protected]

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7. Deaths/Funeral Rites related to COVID-19

On 12 March 2020, the death of an elderly Muslim gentlemen in Manchester due to COVID-19 was reported. Unfortunately COVID-19 related deaths are likely to increase significantly in the next few weeks.

According to public health bodies, there is a risk of contracting the virus from a deceased body, but there are no restrictions at the moment on washing the body. Those involved in Ghusl (washing) procedures must ensure they wear the necessary safety wear as per the public health guidance previously issued.

The National Burial Council has issued detailed updated guidance on 16 March based on the latest information from public health bodies. You can view this advice here or here (PDF).

On 22 March a Community Briefing Call was held with detailed guidance on burial/funeral arrangements provided. Listen to the full recording here.

Read FAQs on burial/funeral arrangements here. Due to potential differences in jurisprudence opinions, we strongly recommend consulting with your local Imam, scholar or funeral directors for specific advice.

8. Get Involved! Local Volunteer Initiatives

Click here to see full list of Local Volunteer Support initiatives here (regularly updated) or email [email protected] to add yours!

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Seek out the vulnerable among you. Verily, you are only given provision and support due to your support of the weak.” (Tirmidhi).

  • During this COVID19 crisis, social vulnerable may include those community members who are:
    • Undertaking social isolation
    • Elderly (especially if living alone)
    • Feeling unwell/ill
    • With disabilities
    • Economically vulnerable e.g. loss of income source
    • Single parents with children
    • No access to a car for transport
  • Many Muslim institutions, mosques and activists are turning their centers into hubs of volunteer response efforts, including:
  • How can you get involved this?
    • Volunteers – identify able-bodied volunteers who can support those who need support with daily activities e.g. buying food, deliveries. Set-up communication channels and arrange an initial meeting.
    • Broadcast / Announcements – Tell people that help is available e.g.:
      • Social Media/WhatsApp announcements
      • Personal phone calls to community members
      • Door knocking to neighbours
      • #ViralKindness Postcard (see below Section 5c)
    • Regular Check-In – Make a list of socially vulnerable individuals or families in your neighbourhood/community who are likely to need support.
      • Task your volunteers with keep in touch with them regularly.
      • Use voice or video-messaging as well as text/graphic messages to have a stronger and more human connection and maintain morale.
    • The NHS is recruiting volunteers to support key health care service workers.

When getting involved, make sure you follow official “How to Help Safely” advice.


The Muslim Charities Forum is also helping to co-ordinate the relief efforts of Muslim-led charities. Visit their website for more information.

Click here to see full list of Local Volunteer Support initiatives compiled by MCB/MCF here

9. Financial Support during COVID19 pandemic

The suspension of congregational activities and closure of non-essential shops in line with public health advice means loss of major source of funding for mosques, Muslim institutions, especially donations and Jumuah collections, while basic building / organisational maintenance expenses continue, as well as Muslim-owned businesses or sole traders

On Friday 20 March, a Government Job Retention Scheme intervention was announced, with further details to be provided next week. Eligibility for the scheme includes being a registered charity, mosque or community group with paid employees on PAYE as of 20th February. On Thursday 26 March, a further announcement for support covering self-employed individuals was also announced. More details on these schemes is expected to be announced shortly.

Click here for further information about the scheme (PDF) or visit the Government website here.

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will be interest free for 12 months, and is launching soon.

In addition, VAT for all businesses will be deferred until the end of June 2020.

The next tax self-assessments will be deferred until January 2021

Government Hotline Phone Numbers:

  • Government Business Support Helpline: 0300 456 3565
  • HMRC Coronavirus Tax Helpline: 0800 015 9559
  • Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 328 5644

10. Advice for Umrah and Hajj Travellers

On 26 February, the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) temporarily suspended all entry into the country for the purposes of Umrah. The issuance of Umrah visas has stopped and the entry for those who have obtained Umrah visas has also stopped.

Furthermore, on 4 March, Saudi Arabia announced that all Umrah pilgrimages entirely are temporarily suspended, including visits to holy sites in Makkah and Medina until further notice. On 19 March, Saudi Arabia announced that all congregational prayers at the “Haramain” complexes in Makkah and Madina are suspended until further notice.

Read more here and here. See below for MOFA statements.

Beware Fake News! – It is important to verify any news you receive/come across before acting upon it or forwarding on. 

Read latest Foreign Office advice on travel to Saudi Arabia here.

You should contact your airline or tour operator before you travel. If you have any questions about travel restrictions to Saudi Arabia, you should contact the nearest Saudi Embassy or Visit Saudi.

British Muslims with family or friends who have Umrah pilgrimage trips planned are advised to contact their airline/tour operators or travel agents for further advice and guidance.

Further advice is available from Council of British Hajjis UK (CBHUK) here.

 

Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) statement – 26 February

 

 

11. Useful Links

This page provides COVID-19 guidance for Muslim institutions in the UK on keeping our communities safe, coping with mental health/stress, death & funeral rites and Hajj/Umrah pilgrims.  This page is updated regularly.

To auto-receive updates, join this community WhatsApp broadcast group: http://bit.ly/covidwhatsapp6

With thanks to medical professionals at the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) for professional advice in compiling and updating this guidance page.