Coronavirus: 'Fatwa' issued saying hiding COVID-19 symptoms is a 'crime'
The Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal has issued a "fatwa" (decree) asking people to get tested for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and not hide their symptoms if they develop any. It said that hiding COVID-19 symptoms is a crime since endangering the lives of others is forbidden in Islam. The development comes as over 300 people linked to a religious gathering in Delhi tested positive.
Firangi Mahal Maulana said Islam followers must protect life
According to IANS, the fatwa was issued in response to a query posted by a lawyer. Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali said it is important for everyone to get tested if they develop symptoms of COVID-19. He also said people must adhere to safety protocols and not hide symptoms since, according to Shariat, all followers of Islam must make efforts to protect life.
Ex-Minorities Commission chief recently demanded fatwa ordering closure of mosques
On Saturday, former National Minorities Commission Chairperson Tahir Mahmood had urged Darul Uloom, Deoband, to issue a fatwa for the closure of all Indian mosques, according to PTI. The Grand Imam Shaikh of Egypt's Jamia Al Azhar last week issued a fatwa against congregational prayers. Reportedly, in several Arab countries, the 'azaan' now urges people to pray in their homes.
358 COVID-19 cases linked to March religious congregation in Delhi
A religious congregation held by the Islamic missionary group Tablighi Jamaat in mid-March has been linked to 358 COVID-19 infections and 11 deaths thus far, Hindustan Times reported. Thousands of people had gathered in Delhi's Nizamuddin between March 9-13 for the Tablighi Jamaat event at the Alami Markaz Banglewali Masjid. Till Wednesday, 2,346 people had been evacuated from the building.
India's COVID-19 cases cross 2,000, confirms Health Ministry
According to the latest update from the Union Health Ministry, as of 6 pm on Thursday, India had reported 2,069 positive cases of COVID-19. These include 53 deaths and 1,860 active cases along with 155 cases where the patient was either cured or discharged and one patient who migrated out of India. Maharashtra's Health Department has independently confirmed 416 COVID-19 cases and 19 deaths.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 was first reported in China's Wuhan city in December 2019. The disease is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus attacks a host's respiratory system triggering symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it may cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or death. COVID-19 has spread to roughly 170 countries, killing over 48,000 and sickening 9.5 lakh.
