Clerics, preachers issue statement on coronavirus

KUWAIT CITY, March 21: “Report those who violate the home quarantine directive and those who appear to be infected with coronavirus so that you do not sin,” reports Al-Qabas daily quoting a group of preachers and clerics who recently issued a statement about those who do not abide by the instruction of relevant authorities regarding the 14-day mandatory home quarantine and those who cover up anyone infected with the virus.

Commenting on frequent reports about some people placed on home quarantine but were found in their workplaces and the possibility of spreading the virus if they are infected, the preachers and clerics unanimously agreed on the need to report those who did not adhere to the home quarantine directive or who appear to be having symptoms of infection with the disease.

They described it as a duty to protect society from the spread of infection and those who make such a report must be certain by presenting evidence. Some preachers put those who do not report someone infected with the virus under the category of ‘sinners’, because they expose the lives of others to destruction danger; while some consider them traitors to the homeland and to the Almighty.

Inform authorities
In this context, Chairman of the Fatwa and Personal Status Committee Dr Muhammad Al-Tabtabaei urged “everyone to cooperate with the health authorities in order to control the epidemic, which has become a threat to most countries.” He stressed the need for “wisdom and kindness in guiding the patient who might be unaware of the consequences. No one should hold the hands of a patient who does not cooperate with the State or refuses to adhere to the quarantine directive; because he could harm himself, his family, other people and the society”.

He pointed out that “everyone who is harmed is the same as the bearer of the epidemic, so he must be instructed to undergo treatment. In case of failure to comply, the competent authorities should be informed to take necessary measures in order to stop the spread of the virus. This is considered an aspect of assistance as per the Sharia – taking his hand and preventing him from harming himself, his family and the people of his country.”

Director of Moderation Center Dr Abdullah Al-Shuraikah urged every citizen to report any person who is infected or shows signs of infection if he refuses to go for a test. He also called for reporting every person who does not adhere to the home quarantine, because whoever fails to do this is “sinning by exposing people’s lives to danger through the spread of the virus.”

Community protection
Preacher Dr Khaled Shuja’a said that whoever sees a person infected with the virus and does not want to go to the concerned authorities, does not adhere to home quarantine and mingle with other people should report the latter. He pointed out anyone who reports such person does not sin and he may be rewarded because he is protecting society and pre serving lives. He advised those who on home quarantine to “fear God and stay at home.”

Preacher Hayy Al-Hayy stressed that “whoever finds people infected with the virus or refrain from going to the hospital must absolutely inform the authorities about them, in order to save souls.” He regards those who do not report such people “a traitor to his Lord and his country, because the trust is bestowed on everyone. Quranic verses and hadiths warn against betrayal of trust and failure to report is concealment of testimony.”

Preacher Saleh Al-Ghanem urged those who know someone who has an infectious disease and who did not abide by health decisions to report him “in an obligation to obey the rulers of affairs. Those who harm society by spreading the virus must be brought to the authorities. Whoever is mandated to observe home quarantine must have a legal obligation to abide by the official instructions and orders. If he does not do so, he is a sinner and accountable before God.”

Daoud bin Issa, Professor of Comparative Jurisprudence and Islamic Studies, said: “Not informing about the infected is a sin, as the soul is subject to destruction with the interaction of the infected with others. Not reporting the infected or not being committed to the home quarantine is a cover up and a great sin that can lead to death. Some believe that reporting the infected person may expose him to confinement, and he does not know that confinement is a way to live for him and for other people. Some of those who do not adhere to quarantine may cause the transmission of infection and expose people to destruction. This verse applies to him: “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.”