Abandoning Jumu`ah due to Swine Flu
Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum.The World Health Organization (WHO) raised its swine flu alert to the highest level, declaring a state of public health emergency since the disease has become a global pandemic. Is it permissible for Muslims, in this state, to abandon the Jumu`ah and congregational Prayers? Is it permissible for the state to intervene by preventing the performance of rituals which require people meeting in a public place? Also, what is the ruling of entering areas where the pandemic has spread, and leaving it? Could you kindly enlighten us on this is sue?JazakumAllahu Khayran.
