— Muslim Alliance of Indiana

Ramadan is only a few days away – how do you plan to make the most out of #RamadanINside? Share your thoughts on our Facebook post!

Keep an eye out for statewide efforts throughout the Muslim Community to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive – through virtual events, helpful tips, and special activities for the whole family!

“The Fiqh Council of North America reiterates:

1: That masajids and Islamic centers shall strictly follow the health and state official guidelines for social gatherings and distancing. The Juma’, Jama’ah, Taraweeh and Eid al Fitr prayer shall be suspended until the ban on congregation is lifted. We hope and pray that Allah SWT brings relief sooner than later but we strongly encourage the Muslim community to follow the local and state instructions to avert possibilities of COVID -19’s transmission. Our acts of devotions include ablution (Wudu), prostration (Sujud) and touching of surface with multiple organs. These acts particularly expose us to wider transmission of this deadly virus. Changing carpet or disinfecting it on daily basis is costly and cumbersome. Therefore closure of masajid, suspension of Juma’, Jama’ah, Taraweeh and Eid al Fitr prayer remains the only viable option to safeguard the community from viral outbreak.

2: That Taraweeh prayers shall be performed at home within a family setting just like the regular daily Jama’ah. The Taraweeh can be done by reciting shorter Surahs, repeating the same Surahs over and over again, holding the Qur’an in hand and reciting from it. It can be established individually and collectively. The Council does not encourage virtual Taraweeh or Eid al Fitr prayers. People can listen to the live or recorded Qur’anic recitation but are not allowed to follow a virtual Imam in Jama’ah. We know of some recent fatwas vis a vis virtual Juma’, Taraweeh and Eid al Fitr prayers but do not recommend that due to multiple Sharai’ reasons.

3: That virtual lectures, reflections, reminders and recitations are encouraged.

May Allah SWT take this pandemic away from us, grant us relief and normalcy. Ameen.   

Witten by Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah and approved by the Fiqh Council on April 16, 2020.”

The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) is a body of recognized and qualified Islamic Scholars from the United States and Canada who accept the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah as the primary sources of Islam. Furthermore, FCNA is guided by the judicial heritage of the Prophet’s companions and the legal rulings and methodology of established classical normative Muslim Scholarship.

Visit fiqhcouncil.org for more info.

We have created an Indy Muslim Response website to pool together resources from and for the Muslim community in the spirit of collaboration and unity in this time. All resources will be available on the website www.indymuslim-response.com, and we will be highlighting specific ways you can support the community over the next several weeks. Additionally, there is a link to resources if you are in need of assistance.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have suggestions or additional resources!

This week’s action alert is to DONATE BLOOD

There is a national blood supply shortage due to quarantines. If you are healthy, young, and able, please donate blood through the Red Cross or Indiana Blood center! This counts as an “essential” activity under Stay at Home orders. Check out www.indymuslim-response.com/ for more info.

UPDATE: This year’s Muslim Day at the Statehouse has been cancelled, in an effort to #FlattenTheCurve, and do our part to minimize large gatherings on account of the Coronavirus.

We appreciate and reciprocate all the love and support from our Hoosier community, and pray that you and yours stay well!

Join MAI at the Statehouse to learn about legislation that affects all Hoosiers, and legislation that is specific to the Muslim community. This will be an engaging half-day session with educational panel discussions and a meet-and-greet with state elected officials and candidate.

Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. 

Space is limited, so register early!

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For media and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Executive Director Lori Joundi, ljoundi@indianamuslims.org.