Iraqi Top Cleric’s Fatwa on Fasting during Coronavirus Pandemic
Answering an Istifta (new inquiry) which said fasting that causes a dry mouth could set the ground for the transmission of the virus, the grand source of emulation said if a Muslims fears that he may contract the coronavirus by fasting, even if he observes all the necessary precautions, it will not be obligatory for him to fast.
If there are measures that can be taken to minimize the possibility of infection, including staying at home, wearing face masks, and following health guidelines, and taking such measures would not make fasting too difficult for him or her, then fasting will be Wajib, the cleric added, according to the Baghdad Times.
He stressed that fasting during Ramadan is among the most important religious obligations and abandoning it is not allowed except if there is real necessity.
Even if someone cannot fast for any reason, including the fear of contracting the coronavirus despite taking all the necessary measures, Tazahor (public display- breaking the fast in the public) is not allowed, he went on to say.
The coronavirus that emerged in Wuhan, China, in December has since spread to more than 1.9 million people in almost every country around the world.
