COVID-19: Updated

COVID-19 coverage/issues relating specifically to Muslims and the internet: this section of the blog is now effectively a timeline of key concerns associated with COVID-19. Expect some writing of this in due course, and also a webinar of work-in-progress (in September).

A Mosque in Bradford is using the latest technology to ensure their congregants can remain safe during Covid-19.

Mosques across the UK are implementing extensive measures to stop the spread of the virus but this one is truly unique. https://t.co/1fhDB9BbR9
— British Muslims (@APPGBritMuslims) August 21, 2020

After almost four months in #lockdown, Cambridge Central Mosque reopened for prayers in July.

Imam Sejad Mekić spoke to @BBCLookEast about the new changes in place at the Mosque.#CambridgeCentralMosque pic.twitter.com/cpX4Ok8W3x
— Cambridge Central Mosque (@CamCtrlMosque) August 13, 2020

How #COVID19 has influenced the nature of anti-Muslim hatred, discrimation, and Islamophobia both online and offline: pic.twitter.com/h5zrjy2yNq
— Tell MAMA UK (@TellMamaUK) August 6, 2020

Islamophobia surges amid lockdown warn civic leaders in north of England https://t.co/4kLKRNvZQV
— Tell MAMA UK (@TellMamaUK) August 5, 2020

Also check out the Hajj 2020 section of this blog …

.@BritishIMA has produced an excellent guidance on how to safely perform funeral prayers ⬇ pic.twitter.com/RLoiHORib9
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) August 3, 2020

Beautiful Scenes as Hujjaj commence Tawaaf Al Wida (The Farewell Tawaaf). #Hajj pic.twitter.com/NsLhivitJl
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) August 2, 2020

Tawaaful Widaa Whilst Social Distancing pic.twitter.com/Mkzn6dIfZP
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) August 2, 2020

This poignant image of a woman praying in Makkah, Saudi Arabia is a beautiful metaphor of how many Muslims have spent Ramadan and Eid. Physically alone, but spiritually (and digitally) connected. As a friend said to me, Muslims have rich interior lives. Eid Mubarak one and all 💖 pic.twitter.com/KdSSngk1CZ
— Aina J. Khan (@ainajkhan) July 31, 2020

Great example of social distancing https://t.co/1N51Owgf4T
— Miqdaad Versi (@miqdaad) August 1, 2020

How hate & blame spreads: two angles on the same mosque (Noorul Islam Masjid on Audley Range, Blackburn).

The first one to make people think there’s no social distancing, shared 100s of times

The second from the cctv from the mosquehttps://t.co/9kuI8JQ0tQ pic.twitter.com/ymle5PwaLP
— Miqdaad Versi (@miqdaad) August 1, 2020

Covid-19 kills scores of health workers in war-torn Yemen #Yemen https://t.co/JEuOH1HVbY
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) July 23, 2020

Thanks to @MuslimCouncil and @BritishIMA for this clear guidance. We are working with @NewhamLondon and our local partners to keep our communities safe.https://t.co/5ZMKq24A68 pic.twitter.com/xyBFNsjzvv
— Newham Muslim Forum (@NewhamMuslims) July 24, 2020

5 Hijabi-Friendly Alternatives To Surgical Face Masks: Reusable Masks, Mask Extenders & More https://t.co/NHc8Icncgx
— EverydayMuslim (@Everyday_Muslim) July 24, 2020

BBC News, Blackburn mosque 'faces police investigation' over 250 at funeral . "The chairman of Jamia Ghosia mosque said they thought there were no restrictions on numbers if hygiene and distancing measures were in place."

Maghrib Salah led by Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al Juhany in Masjid Al Haram yesterday pic.twitter.com/huTqqqIHBq
— Haramain Sharifain (@hsharifain) July 16, 2020

We are proud of our Manchester mosques and Islamic Centres for their amazing effort to re-open for safe congregational prayers where everyone is protected.

Mosques rely heavily on volunteers and they've been just phenomenal 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽https://t.co/sjwv04WMi7
— Manchester Council of Mosques (@McrMosques) July 10, 2020

🚨Friday Jummah Guidance:

- Arrive 15 Minutes Before Prayers
- Bring Own Prayer Mat & Mask
- Strictly Controlled Numbers
- Kitchen Closed
- 1m+ Social Distancing
- Bring Your Own Mushaf
- Windows Open For Ventilation
- Wudu Facilities Closed
- No Elderly, Sick or Children pic.twitter.com/17uwTTc6Bd
— Faith Associates (@FaithAssociates) July 9, 2020

تضمنت بروتوكولات الحج إجراءات وقائية في كل موقع خلال رحلة الحاج من وصوله وحتى تنقلاته عبر المواصلات والسكن والوجبات الغذائية
https://t.co/xO5STRCGFe pic.twitter.com/agRNkTqsXt
— صحيفة الشرق الأوسط (@aawsat_News) July 7, 2020

Mosques across the UK will be opening their doors for congregational prayers for the first time in months. #COVID19

Imam @QariAsim’s message to worshippers and the importance of following guidlines. A great moment of hope for all! 🙏🕌 pic.twitter.com/Ay8FJRmEJv
— Imams Online (@ImamsOnline) July 3, 2020

Friday prayers resumed today in the #IslamicCenre after 4 months due to #COVIDー19 lockdown.
Three prayer serves were held for #Jummah. We maintained #SocialDistanacing ensuring the safety of us all and keeping #Ireland safe. #Muslims #Ireland #Mosque pic.twitter.com/uZdC3Bcb83
— Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri (@DrUmarAlQadri) July 3, 2020

Our mosques are making preparations to re-open for congregational prayers from 4th July insha’allah. There will be restrictions in place & social distancing measures to adhere to,Pls follow the guidelines & directions given by volunteers & the committees.
Jzk for your cooperation pic.twitter.com/VMXdK6cFjH
— Rochdale CoM (@RochdaleCoM) June 27, 2020

FILM: Coming Soon - Masjid An Nabawi During COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/IoTq1J1np7
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) June 24, 2020

A leading British Imam and the chair of @MINAB_UK, @QariAsim, welcomed the government decision to reopen places of worship as a chance for 'hope and healing' but urged #mosques to take #coronavirus safety precautions.https://t.co/I5L3H1bANt
— Urban Muslimz (@UrbanMuslimz) June 27, 2020

International Hajj 2020 Has Been Officially Cancelled, Saudi Arabia https://t.co/UcmILc8Bub
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) June 23, 2020

Gallup #Pakistan survey finds 48 percent of Pakistanis oppose any further ease in lockdown restrictions imposed to curb spread of #coronavirus, while 47 support more relaxationshttps://t.co/dH50W1gVzW
— Newsweek Pakistan (@NewsweekPak) June 22, 2020

Covid-19 affects BAME youth mental health more than white peers – study https://t.co/IMxRCOHhmf
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) June 21, 2020

LIVE Scenes from Salatul Kusoof (Eclipse Prayer) in Masjid Al Haram pic.twitter.com/NgW0x7XQNi
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) June 21, 2020

On the rumour mill: BBC News - Coronavirus: Social media users more likely to believe conspiracies https://t.co/28mwxSEu4a
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) June 18, 2020

🚨Faith Associates in partnership with Bradford @Council4Mosques are providing #COVID19 Risk Assessment training/support to over 100 Islamic Institutions. @askzulfi @BeaconMosque https://t.co/YSbvqqjz8r
— Faith Associates (@FaithAssociates) June 18, 2020

Coronavirus: Muslims had the highest death rate of any religious group, with 199 deaths per 100,000 for men of all ages and 98 deaths per 100,000 for women.

Jewish men had the next highest death rate, with 188 deaths per 100,000 people.

Source: ONShttps://t.co/twEy0o0Jml
— Tell MAMA UK (@TellMamaUK) June 19, 2020

Is Hajj cancellation on the cards?

Saudi Arabia is expected to either down size or cancel the annual Hajj pilgrimage as coronavirus cases spike worldwide https://t.co/nA309bHtGS
— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) June 16, 2020

Yorkshire Post, Take a Virtual Tour of Leeds Central Mosque, "Mosques across the country are virtually opening their doors to show communities what they have been doing during lockdown and Leeds Grand Mosque is holding a virtual tour this weekend."

🚨#COVID19 Test, Track & Trace App Advice and Guidance Document for Mosques.

📱Guidance on the importance of the App and key considerations for management of places of worship to consider as we move forward

▶️ Part of our Risk Assessment planning: https://t.co/Te2OSB1vcX pic.twitter.com/5mNht5ggpN
— Faith Associates (@FaithAssociates) June 3, 2020

EXCLUSIVE | Advice for the returning crowd by Sheikh 'Ali al Hudhaify After Fajr 31st May 2020.

Complete Video :https://t.co/Z3SPuS4mQ9 pic.twitter.com/6qrxUTYGWz
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) June 2, 2020

Arab News, 10 million SMS sent to educate people for prayers in Saudi mosques
"Ten million text messages (SMS) containing information on the precautionary measures approved by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs were sent in the wake of the return of congregational prayer in mosques."

Beautiful Scenes after the Fajr Salaah & Speech by Sheikh 'Ali al Hudhaify pic.twitter.com/CwlWgT1Qxt
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) May 31, 2020

Beautiful Scenes from Dhuhr Salaah led by Sheikh 'Ali al Hudhaify in Masjid An Nabawi. pic.twitter.com/RO3yEzSwvS
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) May 31, 2020

BEAUTIFUL SCENES!

Masjid An Nabawi has been reopened to the public. pic.twitter.com/4WxxIUHrJV
— IlmFeed (@IlmFeed) May 31, 2020

Hundreds of Muslim worshippers performed Fajr prayer today at #MasjidAlAqsa in occupied #Jerusalem, after the mosque was reopened to worshippers following a 70-day shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.#MasjidAlAqsa #Palestine #AlAqsa #AlQuds pic.twitter.com/8uCyO9Q0Yz
— DOAM (@doamuslims) May 31, 2020

The long queues as the doors of Masjid An Nabawi were reopened at the time of Fajr to the general public in initial stage of ‘Gradual Opening’, with temperature checks and many other precautionary measures implemented in an effort to ensure safety for all worshipers. pic.twitter.com/H9SNkZiKa3
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) May 31, 2020

Since many people asked how congregants maintained social distancing when they entered/exited mosques, here how they have done it. pic.twitter.com/kdG0Erqiji
— Mucahid Durmaz (@MucahidDurmaz) May 30, 2020

Mosques all over the UK are saying thank you to the NHS! pic.twitter.com/CMszmqAVMO
— IlmFeed (@IlmFeed) May 29, 2020

Coronavirus: Iran reopens Shia Muslim shrines after two-month closure https://t.co/9zjN0EAvb2
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) May 25, 2020

Asharq Asawasat, Saudi Arabia Faces COVID-19 with Highest Technologies "CoronaMap.sa is a comprehensive interactive website that provides rich information about the virus, in addition to monitoring statistics around the world and offering instant updates, charts and illustrations, and latest news."

Testing/reporting is so bad in Yemen that only 91 cases were recorded last week. Clearly that's a snapshot of a snapshot. https://t.co/mijWzh4b8q
— Samuel Oakford (@samueloakford) May 18, 2020

Kuwaiti authorities warn anyone not wearing a face mask in public will face jail time, in tough measures to combat the #coronavirus https://t.co/C1n6Qa1a5Z
— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) May 18, 2020

Reuters, #IndonesiaWhatever: Indonesians vent online over virus response "A flood of criticism of the Indonesian government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and the behaviour of many Indonesians has appeared on social media under a hashtag that translates as #IndonesiaWhatever."

UPDATED!
Can you pray Eid prayers at home?Fatawa From Scholars.

*Mufti @Mufti_Muhammad_ approved by Mufti Taqi Uthmani
*@AMJAonline
*Sh. Akram Nadwi
*Dr. @YasirQadhi (adopted by FCNA)
*Sh. @salyounas https://t.co/fCaOxaSWgV #Ramadan #EidAtHome #EidAlFitr
— MuslimMatters (@MuslimMatters) May 18, 2020

A group of Saudi Arabia's biggest online content creators are coming together in an attempt to hold the world’s largest virtual iftar https://t.co/c4IvBICLTf
— The National (@TheNationalUAE) May 17, 2020

Adhān Al-Masjid al-Ḥarām pic.twitter.com/Fs3Nstf3yr
— Muslim Culture (@MuslimCulture) May 16, 2020

Muslim doctor hopes docu-series shines light on minority ethnic healthcare workers.#Ramadan in Lockdown, a five-part series, starts on Channel 4 on May 18 at 11:05pm, and culminates in an Eid special on May 23 at 11.20pm.https://t.co/GUNCrE2Fq8

— Tell MAMA UK (@TellMamaUK) May 18, 2020

Turkey's lockdown rainbows have become another symbol of division https://t.co/uJ0Q3u7eGE
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) May 15, 2020

"The New #Arab's series 'Together Against #Coronavirus' looks at how NGOs in the Middle East and beyond are tackling Covid-19" writes Kamal Afzali https://t.co/LKiF4nKbiu
— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) May 14, 2020

While some want places of worship to reopen, senior clerics warn the government to act cautiously. Bishop of London @bishopSarahM @churchofengland and Imam @IbrahimMogra @MuslimCouncil convey their concerns before the Prime Minister’s address on Sunday @BBCNews #BBCNewsTen pic.twitter.com/KH3byYPTOo
— Martin Bashir (@MartinBashir) May 9, 2020

Hina Tabassum Cheema, Stuff New Zealand, Lonely and virtual: 2020 Ramadan in Covid-19 scenario "Webinars, virtual gatherings, YouTube streaming and zoom meetings are becoming a new normal. Palmerston North Pakistani community started Zoom Quranic Circle. The community also initiated online congregational Friday prayer during alert level 4, a novel idea during covid-19, which was discontinued as some members regarded it impermissible. I am not certain if online congregational prayers are happening elsewhere but Friday live sermons in NZ have been scheduled."

And now a talking camel ... lockdown getting to you yet? https://t.co/xr22FGvy5A
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) May 3, 2020

It’s a Drive In Ceremony... interesting times, this is from Iran. Children in back left playing with iPhone (universal practice) https://t.co/2ZeLG1aQhw
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) May 3, 2020

Our latest: Iraq thought it knew death; then came coronavirus. Shame, stigma and distrust as the country fight the virus. Filmed by @gabriel_chaim @bbcnews pic.twitter.com/zmXbkXTjoN
— Quentin Sommerville (@sommervilletv) May 3, 2020

#BritishIndians are rocking streets of U.K. with Bhangra in #LOCKDOWN2020

Make some noise 🎧 🎶 #Corona pic.twitter.com/CVK401ITdO
— British Indians Voice (@BritIndianVoice) May 3, 2020

They are trying to arrange the world's biggest online iftaar pic.twitter.com/ZrCDYVeiPC
— TRT World (@trtworld) May 4, 2020

We're determined to serve our community the best we can in times of strife.

'We're ready if we are needed': East London Mosque opens Covid-19 morgue: https://t.co/HrGLTPjRZq
— East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre (@elondonmosque) May 4, 2020

Another virtual #Iftar here, this one from @ImaanLGBTQ https://t.co/c8BnYYt6Ps
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) April 29, 2020

Social Distancing Taking Place At Masjid Al Haram Behind The Imaam As Precautionary Measures Are Taken pic.twitter.com/kjzHFjeNeg
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) April 29, 2020

siyasat.net, Gujarat Muslims show the way, how to deal with hate- mongers "Muslims in ‘Laboratory of Hindutva’ in Gujarat have been at the receiving end of hate campaigns in social and other media for years now. But of late they have decided to counter the hate campaign taking the legal route. They have started lodging First Information Reports (FIRs) with the police in large numbers against individuals, media outlets and social media groups."

Here’s to all the Zoom iftars 💛 Ramadan Kareem guys! ✨✨✨

I’ve just started an animation/illustration page on Instagram so do check it out! https://t.co/gVkmerYAgL pic.twitter.com/6B5dudXlIP
— Aaya Al-Shamahi (@aayaalshamahi) April 25, 2020

Measuring temperatures of Imams, Muadhins, security personnel and staff before entering Masjid Al Haram as a precautionary measure. pic.twitter.com/MvooipXVWS
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) April 27, 2020

ENGLISH: Part Of Qunoot | 3rd Ramadan 1441 | 2020 - Makkah By Sheikh Yasser Al Dossary

Complete Video: https://t.co/2GxC1N4jgH pic.twitter.com/i1Yq1D9aTi
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) April 27, 2020

Zoom iftars and other approaches to lockdown #Ramadan - which presents further challenges to converts https://t.co/oHPPJTjhoU
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) April 27, 2020

These kids are making the most of Ramadan in lockdown by getting creative. 🎉🕌 pic.twitter.com/JXS9WCq7WG
— IlmFeed (@IlmFeed) April 27, 2020

The #CCP considers fasting during #Ramadan a “sign of extremism” in #Xinjiang. #Uyghurs caught observing Ramadan could be punished with an assignment to a Chinese #concentrationcamp https://t.co/xRA2F9f6xC
— Mobashra (@mobbiemobes) April 27, 2020

BREAKING: A letter seen by @SkyNews to @PHE_uk on behalf of tens of thousands of UK doctors calls for Trevor Phillips to be “withdrawn” from the review into why BAME people are dying from #COVID19 disproportionately. 16 organisations are involved. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/L9zJH8dc1g
— Inzamam Rashid (@inzyrashid) April 27, 2020

They just don’t understand !

The mosques are closed for the a reason which is #Covid_19, and breaking the law and praying in front of the mosque and putting everyone else in danger is just stupid.

Photos from Halabja city today in #Kurdistan region of #Iraq. pic.twitter.com/ABh6yJ13wa
— Lawk Ghafuri (@LawkGhafuri) April 26, 2020

Remarkable images https://t.co/CKg2uP83tI
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) April 26, 2020

The image of the Kaaba 🕋 from a few nights ago when the Holy month of #Ramadan was announced.

There would normally be millions of worshippers here..but instead, a scattering of a few people 💔

May Allah grant us the ability to worship here again soon as one ummah 🙏 pic.twitter.com/gGfYp0FSzI
— Imams Online (@ImamsOnline) April 26, 2020

This report highlights some of the reasons why we need to collect data on faith- to assess the burden on faith communities & to
plan, protect and support vulnerable people @BritishIMA @MuslimCouncil @askdoc1 @PHE_uk @DHSCgovuk @APPGBritMuslims @LondonFaiths @FaithActionnet https://t.co/BC582OhS5C
— MDA (@Muslimdoctors) April 24, 2020

Volunteers of #NeasdenTemple provided a gift of dates to @elondonmosque to mark the start of #Ramadan. We pray that everyone celebrating stays safe and healthy during the festivities. #RamadanMubarak #Ramadan2020 pic.twitter.com/RoBmXDJY9E
— Neasden Temple (@NeasdenTemple) April 24, 2020

Sheikh Ahmad Hudhaify leading Taraweeh salaah in Masjid al Nabawi ﷺ. pic.twitter.com/8zsXORGGBK
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) April 25, 2020

This has been brought to my attention: Islam.ca, On Holding virtual/Online Juma'ahs and Taraweh Salats during Covid-19 - also see Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, COVID-19: Holding Virtual Jumu`ahs and Taraweeh Prayers
al Arabiyya, A new future: How coronavirus is pushing Middle East art online "The Covid-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences on the lives of people in the Middle East, from some of the highest global death rates in countries such as Iran, to major financial losses as businesses are forced to shut down. "

Excellent work from @GreenLaneMasjid!

Food parcels and a makeshift morgue: inside a coronavirus-adapted mosque
https://t.co/iOLBawbvbF
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) April 16, 2020

These doctors and volunteers at Cardiff Mosque @Darulisra have raised thousands of pounds for PPE. They've provided every GP practice in Cardiff with PPE.

Read about their great work so far and their fantastic plans 🙌❤️https://t.co/uPC1OGnh4y
— Aamir (@aamircdf) April 19, 2020

.@harakha tells #Ridge the 'Ramadan at home' campaign will be launched this week, encouraging Muslim families in the UK to stay indoors, fast and then break their fast together within their own homes amid the #coronavirus lockdown.

Latest: https://t.co/GM5u37D7JW pic.twitter.com/tY3qhzso5j
— Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) April 19, 2020

Coronavirus: Thousands of Britons to be brought home on rescue flights from South Asia https://t.co/M8UB2xuaUD
— SkyNews (@SkyNews) April 18, 2020

#Pakistan "The statement from the ulema comes as the government announced it would continue the lockdown imposed in light of the coronavirus outbreak, easing restrictions for some industries however, which it said were 'low-risk'." https://t.co/rbZ9wT3QWF
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) April 15, 2020

In #Pakistan: 'Lockdown no longer applies to mosques, announce clerics' "Influential clerics announced on Tuesday that they were opening mosques and lockdown restrictions would no longer apply to them." https://t.co/ZELJtCgXib
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) April 15, 2020

I spoke to @BeardedGenius about how some right wing bigots are trying desperately to make the coronavirus story about Muslims: first they tried falsely saying mosques weren't closing, now they are making things up about the upcoming month of Ramadan. https://t.co/RoUzCVpNg4
— Miqdaad Versi (@miqdaad) April 15, 2020

Source: نماز جماعت پرستاران در بیمارستان شریعتی Nurses in prayer, taken at the Shariati Hospital, Tehran
CNN International (via Facebook), Religion in the time of Covid-19 turns virtual ""My computers have been turned into a pulpit." As Christians, Jews and Muslims celebrate their respective religious holidays this season, people are coming together virtually to celebrate, pray and worship while social distancing is in effect. We follow religious leaders through a week of leading their congregations online as the world continues to face the coronavirus pandemic."

Today we've sent complaints to three papers asking for changes to inaccurate headlines. All three claim that experts fear social gatherings in Ramadan will lead to a spike in #COVID19 cases, but this is not substantiated in the text. pic.twitter.com/6Ec5A3Auow
— cfmmuk (@cfmmuk) April 14, 2020

Never forget. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/JqOcOB61eU
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 15, 2020

FYI ... https://t.co/5zXaxbHx6a
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) April 13, 2020

Excellent work by @BritishIMA around end of life care and visitation rights in hospitals for #COVID19 patients. A balance that works for clinicians, families, and those most sick is desperately needed. #StayHome pic.twitter.com/IvLqXzgtxB
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) April 13, 2020

From making PPE and delivering food to donating sanitiser and setting up temporary morgues, UK Muslims are mobilising & stepping in to help amid the coronavirus crisis https://t.co/bg59wlWGma
— Miqdaad Versi (@miqdaad) April 13, 2020

We’re excited to launch #MyOpenIftar - our solution to keeping the #Ramadan spirit alive this year! 💫 🙌🏼

Here’s how you can stay connected, unite and share your Iftar experiences with thousands of others ... #StayHomeStaySafe

💻 - Step 1: Sign up https://t.co/FPdneR2DSg pic.twitter.com/fXdeByDi0c
— #MyOpenIftar #StayHome (@OpenIftar) April 9, 2020

IFP News, Iranian Holy Shrine Used for Production of Masks amid COVID-19 Outbreak "The holy shrine of Shah Cheragh in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz has been temporarily turned into a workshop for local women producing masks amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 in the country."

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'Show me your ID': Tunisia deploys 'robocop' to enforce coronavirus lockdown https://t.co/1VKwjtLoRY
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) April 4, 2020

A sad reality...

Credit: The Muslim Show pic.twitter.com/8Ca5Cr8b65
— The Muslim Vibe (@themuslimvibe) April 4, 2020

Salafi hardliner Abul-Yaqzhan al-Masri leads communal Friday prayers in Idleb, challenging a public health ban ordered by Tahrir al-Sham. On Telegram, he says some may opt to pray at home, but mosques remain open and preachers, scholars, etc., must attend. https://t.co/qtHvnM3TUQ pic.twitter.com/wauXpZcqui
— Aron Lund (@aronlund) April 4, 2020

"The armed forces and security services will ensure the curfew is being respected by using modern technology such as drones and surveillance cameras" https://t.co/nvnMyGGx7Y
— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) April 5, 2020

Correction Sahiwal, Pakistan* https://t.co/Wmo8qE2lqw
— StanceGrounded (@_SJPeace_) April 5, 2020

Authorities want to test or quarantine those who congregated at the Tablighi Jamaat - an Islamic missionary movement - from March 10 to March 12 amid fears they are now spreading Covid-19 across Pakistan and overseas https://t.co/Cjow7lUx0n
— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) April 5, 2020

In the West Bank and Gaza, coronavirus has exposed the impact of Israel's decades-long occupation – and left many Palestinians without the healthcare they need to survive. https://t.co/ArHay1CxFI
— Tribune (@tribunemagazine) April 5, 2020

Police investigate UK far-right groups over anti-Muslim coronavirus claims https://t.co/zLcTzQ5NK4
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) April 5, 2020

The Middle East's most vulnerable refugees, trapped in camps across the region, await the arrival of the #coronavirus pandemic while already living in poor sanitary conditions' writes Alessandra Bajec https://t.co/1KJ2jBOE26
— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) April 5, 2020

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on #SocialDistancing:

“When you speak to someone with a contagious illness there should between you and them a space of the length of a spear (approx. 2 Meters).”#CoronavirusPandemic #COVID19 #COVID2019 #Islam #PakistanFightsCorona #CoronaIreland pic.twitter.com/3Tki7hM82T
— Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri (@DrUmarAlQadri) April 5, 2020

Mosque delivers free milk and bread to the whole street. pic.twitter.com/kifYmzrNdP
— IlmFeed (@IlmFeed) April 1, 2020

This is an important statement about verification of videos circulating at present. https://t.co/o7jEiCpeFz
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) April 2, 2020

Harun Khan, Sec-Gen of @MuslimCouncil, on the importance of bringing our communities together to better confront the shared challenges we face from the coronavirus pandemic.

Join the Campaign for National Solidarity by donating here:https://t.co/EJUoXrSF2y #TogetherWeCan pic.twitter.com/s3Q2wihudg
— muslimcharities (@muslimcharities) April 2, 2020

This is very alarming & dangerous development in #Iraq, as people in Sadr city (stronghold of Muqtada al-Sadr) in #Baghdad forced the security forces to leave the neighborhood and break the #CoronavirusPandemic lockdown imposed on the city. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/yg1rrN3Z8T
— Lawk Ghafuri (@LawkGhafuri) April 2, 2020

Funeral and burial of a Muslim who passed away from #coronavirus.

The coronavirus is changing how Muslims bury their dead. Here's a video showing how a covid-19 victim is buried. #COVID19 #Islam pic.twitter.com/wzeegVMGXs
— DOAM (@doamuslims) April 2, 2020

Shumel Rahman, who works for the North East Ambulance Service, says his beard was an important part of his faith but he made the decision to shave it off to help save liveshttps://t.co/ttYj2x3WQ2 #COVID19Pandemic #coronavirus
— TellMAMAUK (@TellMamaUK) April 2, 2020

The Jakarta Post, COVID-19: Muhammadiyah advises Muslims to not perform mass ‘tarawih’, Idul Fitri prayers "Indonesia’s second largest Muslim organization, Muhammadiyah, has issued a circular advising Muslims to perform tarawih (a night prayer during the fasting month of Ramadan) at home should the COVID-19 pandemic show no sign of improving in the coming month."
Legit, Coronavirus: Sultan cautions Muslim clerics against misleading followers "The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has berated some Islamic preachers claiming coronavirus does not exist."
altmuslim, COVID-19: How Islam Supports the Experts, 31 Mar 2020. "Anas ibn Malik reported: A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allah?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Tie her (your camel) and trust in Allah.”"

Ever wondered how #COVID19 advice sounds in the #Mahri language of eastern #Yemen?

No? Well now's your chance anyway. Listen for half a minute. Great initiative by @MahraYouth! pic.twitter.com/l5Z2AhFOkR
— Elisabeth Kendall (@Dr_E_Kendall) April 1, 2020

Malaysia apologises for telling women not to nag during lockdown @AJENews https://t.co/vS8veBiXrm
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) April 1, 2020

City mosque car park to become temporary mortuary during coronavirus crisis.

Trained volunteers will bring bodies to the mosque, where they will be prepared for burial in accordance with the Islamic faith.

Volunteers are also requested. https://t.co/aWw96mlh4t
— TellMAMAUK (@TellMamaUK) April 1, 2020

#AlQaeda has just issued a marathon 6-pager on #COVID19. Surpasses itself in arrogant advice & we-told-you-so gloating

-Infidels should use lockdown to learn about Islam,
"a hygiene-oriented religion"
-Virus is divine retribution
-Cure is to repent
-Asks Allah to hasten our doom pic.twitter.com/SIOmiOZnD3
— Elisabeth Kendall (@Dr_E_Kendall) March 31, 2020

Mosque to help make space for hospitals during coronavirus https://t.co/kiMeUZcZ9v
— EverydayMuslim (@Everyday_Muslim) March 31, 2020

https://t.co/nVlwDEoB53 Coronavirus and Islam: Pakistani clerics refuse to shut down mosques.
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 31, 2020

Facebook storytellers lift virus-hit Dhaka’s gloom https://t.co/CSC0s8Ydgf
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 31, 2020

Lebanese dump dogs as cash crunch, virus set in - Asia Times https://t.co/uTeXVX52tU
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 31, 2020

Coronavirus: A ticking time-bomb for the Middle East https://t.co/iC4S85a2qL
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 31, 2020

Saudi Arabia Asks Muslims to Put Hajj Plans on Hold | Asharq AL-awsat https://t.co/NwtIrodCwi
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 31, 2020

India tracks attendees after Muslim event linked to virus cases @AJENews https://t.co/xEeF2tNzh6
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 31, 2020

Stepfeed, Saudi e-commerce app raises millions after spike in demand due to COVID-19 :The app, Nana Direct (the first word being Arabic for green mint), has raised a total of $18 million in Series B funding from investors to expand across the Middle East as lockdown measures have pushed people online in nearly all aspects of life. The investors include Saudi Technology Ventures (STV) and Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP)."
Stepfeed, UAE follows in Oman's footsteps, lifts restrictions on some VoIP programs "The UAE has joined Oman in unblocking Skype for Business and Zoom, as well as Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, and Blackboard."

Shropshire Police debunk malicious tweet about a mosque ‘ignoring’ the coronavirus lockdownhttps://t.co/fCup242sdU #covid19
— TellMAMAUK (@TellMamaUK) March 30, 2020

In-depth: 'Lebanese volunteers launch heroic effort to help health workers battle #coronavirus' https://t.co/FqZr6HrApv
— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) March 30, 2020

Two UK Muslim medical staff at a hospital praying Janaza (funeral prayers) on a Muslim who died from COVID-19, virus as they are not sure if anyone will be able to do so due to the infection. @cnnbrk @ABC @AJEnglish @trtworld @MSNBC @IlhanMN @RashidaTlaib @BernieSanders @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/9EiXAWr97u
— Dr. Hatem Bazian (@HatemBazian) March 31, 2020

#Coronavirus #Islamophobia pic.twitter.com/mcAC0w4M0q
— DOAM (@doamuslims) March 31, 2020

There are mixed feelings on Mr Khan, but this seems appropriate:

Well finally @therealmrkhan is a community leader! #citizenkhan #Covid_19 #coronavirus https://t.co/BnvWi3oCH0
— Adil Ray OBE (@adilray) March 29, 2020

#SaudiArabia Arrest Two Scholars Over Claims #Coronavirus Is Punishment From God

The Saudi authorities have reportedly arrested two scholars, Shaykh Ibrahim al-Duwaish & Shaykh Khaled al-Shahri, for saying the spread of coronavirus is a "punishment from Allah (God)". #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/zBpu8beyPl
— DOAM (@doamuslims) March 30, 2020

LATEST — Turkey's coronavirus death toll increases by 37 to 168, number of cases rises to 10,827https://t.co/L3eJN7uKCz
— DAILY SABAH (@DailySabah) March 30, 2020

Al Arabiyya, Coronavirus: Saudi's King Salman orders treatment for all, including visa violators "Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz has ordered coronavirus treatment to be available for anyone in need of medical care, including people who have overstayed their visa in the Kingdom, Health Minister Tawfig al-Rabiah said on Monday."

From a Snapchat celebrity to having 15K Twitter followers overnight! Thank you Mr. Trump. #ابو_الفدا #DonaldTrump #FDA #snapchat #USA https://t.co/w72hFPjdV5
— Al Bawaba Node (@_thenode) March 30, 2020

https://t.co/Nsmr1lLa93
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 29, 2020

The Diplomat, ‘Divine Retribution’: The Islamic State’s COVID-19 Propaganda, 24 Mar 2020 "The Islamic State’s narrative on the coronavirus pandemic reinforces anti-China and anti-Shiite sentiments."
CNN, Rebel-held Syria braces for coronavirus 'tsunami' -- without soap, running water or the prospect of social distancing "COVID-19 is heading toward the war-ravaged province like a "slow moving tsunami," the World Health Organization says, and could claim tens of thousands of lives.
"Idlib's population of 3 million, already buckling under extreme shortages of medicine, is considered to be one of the world's most defenseless against the virus."
Global Voices Online, Across Africa, COVID-19 heightens tension between faith and science, 25 Mar 2020 "While many African governments have taken stringent measures to slow the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus that causes COVID-19, including school closures, travel bans, social distance mandates, and contact tracing, not all leaders agree with banning one kind of public assembly: faith-based gatherings."

Iranian authorities are creating #CoronaVirus super-spreaders.

You know how? By keeping open these religious shrines in Qom, epicentre of the virus in Iran.

These pilgrims will then travel to their own countries.

The regime is endangering the health of Iranians & world pic.twitter.com/UNtXXQbium
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) March 30, 2020

Reuters, Hezbollah deploys medics, hospitals against coronavirus in Lebanon , 25 Mar 2020 "The Lebanese paramilitary group Hezbollah is mobilizing some 25,000 people including frontline medics and readying hospitals as part of a plan to help confront the coronavirus in Lebanon, it said on Wednesday. "
Swarajwa, Tamil Nadu: 4 Islamic Preachers From Indonesia And Their Local Travel Guide Test Positive For Covid-19 In Salem, 25 Mar 2020
Global Voices, Turkmenistan fights coronavirus with (more) isolation and herbal remedies, "True to form, Turkmen officialdom is keeping quiet about bad news on the horizon. They have barely mentioned the word “coronavirus,” which has not appeared on any government website after one cursory mention on March 5. That same day, citing medical sources in the capital Ashgabat, RFE/RL's Turkmenistan service wrote that there are probably at least two confirmed coronavirus cases in the country."
Global Voices, Azerbaijan signals a lockdown and a crackdown in fight against coronavirus "As usual, Azerbaijanis were looking forward to the Nowruz festival, which is celebrated on March 20-21. But this year was different; the streets are silent and the celebrations have been cancelled. Citizens over 65 years are banned from leaving their homes. The authorities have postponed all public events, including weddings, until further notice. Schools are closed until April 20. City streets have become eerily empty."
The Anadolu Agency, Myanmar Muslims offer mosques to help fight coronavirus "The Muslim community in Myanmar on Wednesday called for a unity in fighting the coronavirus as the country reported three positive cases of COVID-19, so far. "
CBC, Some Toronto-area mosques remain open despite dire warnings about COVID-19 "Group of imams disappointed worshippers are still gathering, despite calls for people to stay home."

This video is doing the rounds on far-right networks, claiming to show Muslim worshippers violating UK's coronavirus lockdown

But in the video, it is clearly raining. It's been wall-to-wall sunshine in London since the new measures came into force.

Don't fall for it. https://t.co/jsSx13Z96b
— Lizzie Dearden (@lizziedearden) March 25, 2020

Gaza's hospitals lack the equipment and medicine to fight the disease, and Israel has allowed only 200 testing kits into the enclave https://t.co/fz9H9Q3XqT
— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) March 24, 2020

#Iran coronavirus update
March 23
Over 🔟5⃣0⃣0⃣ people across 212 cities in Iran dead of coronavirus, per Iranian opposition PMOI/MEK #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/CPdCNfEnqB
— mostafa.m Ⓜ️ (@MostafaMe4) March 23, 2020

In #Turkey, people have started to leave food packets on the road for the poor and the needy who cannot earn due to #COVIDー19 lockdown.
qantara.de, COVID-19 across the Islamic world – Fighting shy of coronavirus "Coronavirus continues unabated. Iran remains a hub of infection, war-torn Syria has recorded its first case and Yemen is bracing itself for the worst. Here’s the latest from across the region."
Love you #Turks for representing us. pic.twitter.com/UY1OkWdsyo
— Rana Rehan 009🇵🇰🇵🇰 🇹🇷 🇨🇳 (@RanaReh18086299) March 22, 2020

"My message to my fellow Imams & Mosque leaders would be to have greater use of digital technologies - the doors of the Mosques are shut, but communication is more important than ever"

Imam @QariAsim talks about the increased importance of digital platforms due to #COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/BTyfaAwYIo
— Imams Online (@ImamsOnline) March 23, 2020

When you had enough of the people who do not follow #SocialDistancing rules. #Iraq #coronavirus #COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/xlu4MSuVzB
— Steven Nabil (@thestevennabil) March 23, 2020

📢 Cremation Amendment Speech@NazShahBfd thanks our Senior Editor, Imam @QariAsim MBE & others during her speech in Parliament for playing an important role in achieving an amendment to the #COVID19 Emergency Bill, which referenced cremation of an individual in some cases. pic.twitter.com/uW6r8Kx7Cj
— Imams Online (@ImamsOnline) March 24, 2020

Asian families are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus because it's common for elderly members to live with three generations under one roof. The government response to coronavirus takes no account of the way that non-white families are structured https://t.co/AF4yTFLMNF
— Faima Bakar (@FaimaBakar) March 23, 2020

Al-Bayyazin Mosque in #Granada made public #Adhan yesterday after 500 years since the Islamic call to prayer was banned in #Spain.

Some Muslims have been turned their neighbourhoods into places where the adhan is being said aloud through their windows.#Coronavirus #COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/LwJE5bCJso
— DOAM (@doamuslims) March 23, 2020

Malaysia expects coronavirus cases to spike as more worshippers traced https://t.co/Xsy6VBnPYJ
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 22, 2020

Iranians ignore requests to stay home for new year celebrations https://t.co/iO8QKY3WFH
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 20, 2020

BBC News - Is Iran covering up its outbreak?https://t.co/PdCkBzVxLs
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 20, 2020

📱Digital Mosque -Are you optimised?

🕌 Today is the 1st Friday that Mosques across the UK will be closed due to #Coronavirus.

🌐 Mosques need to utilise the below online requirements to connect with the community regularly over this period.

▶️ https://t.co/Q1bHaSQC5l pic.twitter.com/KUfu73IDC4
— Faith Associates (@FaithAssociates) March 20, 2020

Due to the highly contagious nature of #coronavirus #Covid_19, following Islamic & medical advice, for the safety of people @LeedsMosque along with other #mosques across the world, has suspended all congregations and religious events to the public.
Pray #Zuhr at home & do #Dua. https://t.co/dhh5r1AeAz
— Qari Asim MBE (@QariAsim) March 20, 2020

"In Islam, the obligation to protect human beings from harm supersedes all other considerations, including the act of congregational prayer"

Imam @QariAsim's message on why Mosques have started to close their doors across the world. #JummahMubarak #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/kNykVYIAuP
— Imams Online (@ImamsOnline) March 20, 2020

In these difficult times, this is exactly the attitude believers should have. pic.twitter.com/OPkyh4jUse
— IlmFeed (@IlmFeed) March 20, 2020

I haven’t smiled so hard all week. pic.twitter.com/3bugLnLdAr
— 39, 5’9” (@huegolden) March 22, 2020

Iraq's MoH has confirmed 19 new #coronavirus cases in #Iraq - including 7 across #Kurdistan region - total is 233 cases now in Iraq.

The number of #COVIDー19 cases is increasing everyday, because Iraqis ignoring this deadly virus

Video by @SarkawtMMarwan pic.twitter.com/PBNQ0zFgkX
— Lawk Ghafuri (@LawkGhafuri) March 22, 2020

#Moroccans climb to the roofs of their homes to recite #Quran and praying to Allah due to #coronavirus lockdown. 🤲#Morocco pic.twitter.com/qkeqt1qvmA
— DOAM (@doamuslims) March 22, 2020

The Jakarta Post, COVID-19: Mosques defy ulema council appeal to suspend Friday prayer "The Jami' Ar-Rahmah mosque located in East Tebet subdistrict in Tebet, South Jakarta, insisted on gathering dozens of local residents for Friday prayer, even though the subdistrict had one confirmed case COVID-19."

وقتی تمام سیستم می‌گویند قرنطینه معنی ندارد پس تمام سیستم مقصر تکثیر ویروس کرونا از طریق این متحجرانِ پوسیده مغز هستند. تقصیر را گردن «عده‌ای تندرو» انداختن فریبی بیش نیست https://t.co/1KWwQdubp1
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus stops communal Muslim prayers https://t.co/ix6CwSyqv0 via @ReutersUK
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 20, 2020

Iranians ignore requests to stay home for new year celebrations https://t.co/iO8QKY3WFH
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 20, 2020

Can the power of prayer alone stop a #pandemic? Even the Prophet #Muhammad wouldn't agree | #Corona #Covid19 Opinion https://t.co/F0OcUZbYeo
— Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri (@DrUmarAlQadri) March 19, 2020

Pakistan coronavirus camp: ‘No facilities, no humanity’ https://t.co/uhIwSlFN3M
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 19, 2020

Indonesia halted a mass congregation of nearly 9,000 Muslim pilgrims and began quarantining them and checking their health Thursday to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus amid a spike in cases.https://t.co/HPYzXPF3WJ #COVID19
— TellMAMAUK (@TellMamaUK) March 19, 2020

How the coronavirus spread at Malaysia’s tabligh Islamic gathering https://t.co/KhDbAaN9gk via @scmpnews
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 19, 2020

Married in the Time of Coronavirus: Mass Infections and Police Arrests to Stop Weddings in the Middle East https://t.co/mpn9NOPlyZ
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 19, 2020

Muslims worldwide are adapting their worship as more mosques continue to close over #coronavirus fears. pic.twitter.com/QSbbM5YKHj
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 19, 2020

Call to prayer (Adhān) in London:

“Ṣalū bi-buyūtikum-Pray in your houses”

To adapt the Adhān in this way in times of extreme difficulty is based on tradition by companions (Ṣaḥāba) like Ibn ʿAbbās (ra) who did this during heavy rain, cold etc. (See Bukhārī, Muslim, Nisāʾī) pic.twitter.com/VSYswSSW3n
— Arnold Yasin Mol (@ArnoldYasinMol) March 19, 2020

Israeli Health Ministry Offers COVID-19 Guidelines in Arabic Only After Arab MKs Protest Being Disregarded https://t.co/kpH3ee4qzs
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 19, 2020

5 Pillars, Influential British Muslim scholars urge mosques to remain open "The fatwa by Deobandi scholars Yusuf Shabbir and Mufti Shabbir Ahmad of Darul Uloom Blackburn and Mufti Muhammad Tahir of Darul Uloom Bury comes as many, if not most, mosques across the country remain open."

Imam cries after announcing closure of mosque due to #Coronavirus.

Worshipper: "How ling will suspension last?"

Imam: "Until Allah is happy with us"#Islam #CoronavirusOutbreak #Iraq #Baghdad #coronavirus #COVID19 #COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/mnnmnqfjmI
— DOAM (@doamuslims) March 17, 2020

Iran's supreme leader to pardon 10,000 prisoners, including... https://t.co/UnkeCcr9EH
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 18, 2020

Al Jazeera, Coronavirus: Philippines seeks 215 who attended Malaysia event "Religious gathering in Malaysia that drew 16,000 Muslims from about 30 countries linked to spike in COVID-19 cases."

BREAKING NEWS | The senior scholars in Saudi Arabia have ordered to close all masājid with the exception of the Haramain Sharīfain until further notice. Only the athān will continue to be called. #COVID19
— 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 (@HaramainInfo) March 17, 2020

Indonesia launches mosque disinfection campaign https://t.co/37q18wEoFc
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 16, 2020

Malaysia reports 2 COVID-19 deaths, including one from mosque gathering: Health minister https://t.co/TJsbYY88Vz
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 17, 2020

Rose S. Aslan, The Conversation, What Islamic hygienic practices can teach when coronavirus is spreading "Islamic law requires Muslims to ritually purify their body before praying. As a scholar of Islamic studies who researches ritual practices among Muslims, I have found that these practices contain both spiritual and physical benefits."

Breaking news: Turkey has temporarily suspended all congregational prayers including Jumu'ah as a precautionary measure to stop the spread of the coronavirus. However, mosques will remain open. President of Religious Affairs, Dr Ali Erbaş has urged people to pray at home.
— IlmFeed (@IlmFeed) March 16, 2020

New Arab, Special coverage: How many coronavirus cases are there in the Middle East?

The Times, Isis issues coronavirus travel advice: terrorists should avoid Europe "The Isis terrorist group is steering clear of Europe because of the coronavirus. Having previously urged its supporters to attack European cities, the group is now advising members to “stay away from the land of the epidemic” in case they become infected."
Newsweek, Iranian Senior Cleric Dies From Coronavirus As President Says Infections Peak Has Passed "Ayatollah Hashem Bathaei-Golpaygani died Monday, according to multiple Iranian news outlets. The 79-year-old cleric was a member of Iran's Assembly of Experts, the body that chooses the country's supreme leader—currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei."
Asharq Al-Awsat, Six Million Students Resume Studying Online in Saudi Arabia "In the Kingdom, 20 broadcasting channels have been dedicated to offer lessons to all school grades from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. An alternative has also been provided on YouTube."Al Arabiya, Iran Assembly of Experts member Hashem Bathaei-Golpaygani dies of coronavirus "Bathaei-Golpaygani was receiving treatment in Qom’s Shahid Beheshti hospital, according to Iranian news agencies. He was initially admitted to the hospital on Saturday."

I started an English-#Arabic glossary of recurring terms used to talk about #COVIDー19 for my next scientific #translation class (which I will now be giving remotely!).
Feel free to use / suggest additions.#xl8 pic.twitter.com/RPC6DkF52N
— Mariam Aboelezz (on UCU strike) (@MariamAboelezz) March 15, 2020

Latest #UAE closures: #Dubai shuts down museums, historical sites and public libraries amid the #coronavirus outbreak. https://t.co/YRU6GHInxv
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) March 15, 2020

Iraq's influential cleric Muqtada Sadr blamed US President Donald Trump for the spread of COVID-19 and announced he would not take any cure produced by the 'infidel' United Stateshttps://t.co/1bx4sBhOgv
— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) March 12, 2020

Palestinians in Gaza are trying to prepare for the novel coronavirus outbreak. But the Israeli blockade is making it much harder. pic.twitter.com/rnacjKX1Dg
— AJ+ (@ajplus) March 12, 2020

BBC News - Coronavirus: Iran death toll rises as virus spreads https://t.co/nFsILbdzRe
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 11, 2020

The Al-Aqsa mosque closes over coronavirus concerns, Muslim prayers to continue outsidehttps://t.co/TSFnoAVeBJ
— DAILY SABAH (@DailySabah) March 15, 2020

Malaysia reported 190 new cases of coronavirus today, most linked to a religious event at a mosque that was attended by more than 10,000 people from several countries.

Follow our live updates on #coronavirus here: https://t.co/vY4fVgAjuk
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) March 15, 2020

Straits Times, 250,000 pilgrims mass in Pakistan despite coronavirus warnings "Organisers late Thursday (March 12) curtailed the annual Tablighi Ijtema congregation, which had drawn people from across the country, but cited rainy weather as the cause."

ABC, Iran to call dead medical staff 'martrys' as virus kills 291 "The decision by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei comes amid a propaganda campaign already trying to link the fight against the virus to Iran's long, bloody 1980s war with Iraq. The rising casualty figures each day in Iran suggest the fight against the new coronavirus is far from over, even as more people die from drinking methanol in the false belief it kills the virus."
Related: The New Arab, Bootleg booze touted as 'corona cure' kills dozens in Iran "The deputy prosecutor of Alborz, Mohammad Aghayari, told IRNA the dead had drunk methanol after being "misled by content online, thinking they were fighting coronavirus and curing it.""<
Some humour here amidst a difficult situation:

أعرف إنو الlogic مو صحيح بس وربي من ضحك 😭😭😭😭😂😂😂😂😂 أعشقها 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/XBhJ2K0Yey
— Han 🌧 (@Hanalaamri) March 10, 2020

IQNA, Al-Azhar to Help in Efforts to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus in Egypt "According to Al-Mesriyoon website, Osama al-Hadidi, director of Al-Azhar’s Word Fatwa Center, in a recent TV interview said that Al-Azhar will make efforts to raise public awareness about the disease."

Coronavirus: Touching Kaaba forbidden as Mecca's Grand Mosque partially reopens https://t.co/qDbeDAASYh
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 8, 2020

Thread: 'No hugs, no handshakes': How places of worship are handling coronavirus https://t.co/tszzY70gJJ
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 8, 2020

A very interesting thread, especially regarding the unusual case of someone swimming around the Kaaba precincts 🕋 - which must be unique? There are more details on @SFootsteps website... https://t.co/nPSQJpD8eM
— Gary Bunt (@garybunt) March 6, 2020

BeThatGraciousMuslim #fightcovid19 #sgunited, Singapore Islamic Scholars & Religious Teachers Association - Pergas
Egypt Today, No need to cancel Friday prayers over corona at present: Egypt's Min. "Egyptian Minister of Awqaf [Endowment] Mohamed Mukhtar stated on Saturday that Egypt has no need now to cancel Friday prayer for coronavirus outbreak. "
IQNA, WFMS Fatwa Allows Cancelling Hajj, Umrah "Secretary-General of World Federation of Muslim Scholars (WFMS) Ali Qaradaghi issued a Fatwa (religious edict) that allows cancelling of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage."
al Jazeera, Bethlehem under lockdown after coronavirus cases confirmed, 7 Mar 2020 "Muhannad Qaisy, a Bethlehem resident, told Al Jazeera it was nothing the Palestinians had not experienced before.
"To be honest, we're used to such measures, to be under closure, people staying at home for many nights, but for a different reason, because we live under occupation," he said.
Boom, No, Xi Jinping Did Not Visit Muslim Homes To Learn How To Fight Coronavirus "A compilation of clips of Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting the Northwest region Ningxia Hui in 2016 is viral with bizarre claims that the former made a trip to Muslim majority areas to understand why COVID-19 virus has not affected them…" … Several videos are viral on social media with claims that people of a certain faith do not get infected by the novel Coronavirus. The fake viral clips show Chinese or Asians allegedly converting to Islam after realising that Muslims were not being affected with the virus. The same narrative has been debunked by multiple fact-checkers worldwide."
Toronto City News, Islamic centre closes 3 GTA mosques over COVID-19 concerns (video report)
Jakarta Post, COVID-19: Indonesians in Saudi Arabia told to refrain from traveling to Mecca, Medina "The Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh has called on Indonesian citizens residing in Saudi Arabia to temporarily refrain from traveling to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina as part of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) containment efforts."

#Coronavirus Infographic for UK Muslim Community

BIMA & @MuslimCouncil would like to advise the Muslim community to take these precautions as suggested by the @PHE_uk & #NHS experts.

Please be aware that the situation is changing often and is correct as of 05/03/2020 #covid19uk pic.twitter.com/uisMb2bMgC
— British IMA (@BritishIMA) March 5, 2020

Arab News, Saudi Arabia closes Grand Mosque, Prophet’s Mosque between night and morning prayers

Muslim Council of Britain Issues Guidance Amidst Coronavirus https://t.co/UIAXDBB1E5
— The Muslim Vibe (@themuslimvibe) March 5, 2020

Al Bawaba, Rumour Has It: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince May Have Been Hospitalized After Contracting the Coronavirus "Unverified news of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammad Bin Zayed being placed in quarantine after contracting the novel coronavirus has been widely circulated across the internet after a US-based journalist reported it through her personal Twitter account."

Saudi authorities have cleared the tawaf area in the Kabah in Mecca to give it a "deep clean" - never seen it so empty. pic.twitter.com/swXXGmkq3O
— Areeb Ullah (@are_eb) March 5, 2020

The National, Coronavirus: cleaning operation under way at UAE mosques, 4 Mar 2020 The country’s Fatwa Council on Tuesday said anyone at risk of potentially contracting coronavirus – including senior citizens, those suffering from a respiratory disease and people who have weakened immune systems – should avoid going to mosques and pray at home instead."
Ardilla Syakriah, Rizki Fachriansyah and Muh. Ibnu Aqil, Jakarta Post/The Star, Covid-19 patients become victims of Indonesia’s lack of privacy protection, 5 Mar 2020. "Indonesia’s first two confirmed Covid-19 patients claim that media coverage and discussion on social media have taken a greater toll on them than the disease itself, saying that numerous breaches of privacy and the resulting stigma have left them “mentally drained”."
Deutsche Welle, Coronavirus in Iraq: Bullets, repression, Iran trump COVID-19, "Activists say Iraq's political system is the real virus, without an apparent cure. Political deadlock, violent repression and decades of corruption all outweigh fears of a transfer of the coronavirus from Iran."
Reuters/The Star, Tajikistan closes mosques to fend off coronavirus threat, 4 Mar 2020 "Tajikistan's national council of clerics told mosques on Wednesday to suspend public gatherings, including Friday prayers but excluding burial rites, to protect against the coronavirus, even though the country has not reported any cases."
Al Jazeera, Coronavirus is changing the way Muslims worship across the world "Saudi bans Umrah pilgrimage, Iran cancels Friday prayers and Singapore Muslims are urged to bring own mats to mosques."
Qantara.de, Covid-19 re-opens religion vs. science debate in Iran
"Nothing justifies the closure of this divine duty," Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda, the imam who leads prayers in north-eastern Mashhad, was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.
"But one hodjatoleslam has a different opinion.
"If specialist doctors recommend collective prayers should be temporarily suspended or that attendance at religious sites should be reduced, then this should be adhered to," Mohammadreza Zaeri said.
"If someone were to be contaminated by (a cleric's) negligence, then (this cleric) would certainly be religiously responsible," Zaeri, who writes for a religious monthly,said on the messaging service Telegram.
Al Bawaba, Egyptians Questioning their Governments' Coronavirus Containment Measures Citing a 2014 TV Show "Sparking even more controversy, Egyptian online commentators shared an opening scene from a 2014 show called "The Last Ship" to express their mistrust of the current measures taken by the government to tackle the coronavirus outbreak."
Stepfeed, In Egypt, reporting fake cases of COVID-19 is a sort of prank or penalty "Reporting people for displaying the current coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms seems to be the new not-so-funny way some people are choosing to get back at others after arguments."
Rudaw, Coronavirus fatwa: Friday prayers will not be suspended in Kurdistan Region Another fatwa relating to Covid-19: "The Fatwa Council, the Kurdistan Region’s highest religious authority, does not believe the outbreak is serious enough at this stage to warrant cancelling Friday prayers.
"“According to Sharia [Islamic law], Friday sermons at this stage cannot be suspended, except in places where the disease has certainly spread and become an epidemic,” the Fatwa Council said in a statement.
"It did recommend some precautionary measures, however.
"“We are calling on clerics to shorten their Friday sermons and to help keep mosques clean and to advise people to take their ablutions at home.”"
Sensible advice on mosques and ablutions, although I'm not sure how shorter sermons will help in this regard.
And additionally: "The Kurdistan Region’s Fatwa Council also said it would bestow “the rank of martyrdom” upon anyone who dies after contracting COVID-19. "

Covid-19 Qom shrine licking latest: Rozina Sini & Armen Shahbazian, BBC News, Trending, Coronavirus: Iran holy-shrine-lickers face prison, 3 Mar 2020
"MP Hasan Nowrozi said: "Those doing such unconventional acts are publishing fake and superstitious news against the officials in the country.
""Such people would face two months to two years [in] jail and up to 74 lashes as punishment.""
The issue of proportionality is significant here in terms of the representation of this practice:

If you have ever come across the term orientalism and wonder what it means, here is a classic example: the author picks up a bizarre incident and falsely claims this is a common practice. Misrepresenting a group of non-whites to portrait them as backward, zealous, and irrational. https://t.co/mfV4K6yyAl
— Kayvan Hosseini کیوان حسینی (@Kayvan_Hosseini) March 3, 2020

Jon Gambrell, Associated Press, Report: 23 cases of new virus among Iranian MPs "The death of Expediency Council member Mohammad Mirmohammadi on Monday makes him the highest-ranking official within Iran’s leadership to be killed by the virus. State media referred to him as a confidant of Khamenei."
Khaleej Times, Covid-19: Muslims with respiratory issues urged to stay home for prayers, says UAE Sharia council, 2 March 2020 "Muslims suffering from respiratory or immunity issues are urged to stay home for prayers amid the global Covid-19 epidemic, according to a fatwa issued by the UAE Sharia Ifta Council on Tuesday. They do not need to attend congregational prayers, Friday sermon or Eid prayers, it added."
Stepfeed, Kuwaiti man tried to murder his family for reporting his COVID-19 symptoms [article also updates on Middle East Covid-19 situation] "On Twitter, some Kuwaitis have been criticizing those who have arrived back home from countries with confirmed cases of the virus yet are refusing to enter quarantines. Last week, videos capturing passengers from Iran arguing with medical personnel over the need to be quarantined sparked outrage all over the nation."
MEMRI, Iraqi Islamic Scholar Hadi Al-Modarresi, Prior to Being Infected with Coronavirus: The Virus Is a Divine Punishment against the Chinese
MUIS Singapore, Advisory on Managing the COVID- 19 Situation "If you go to the mosque, please take additional steps to minimise any risk of infection. The virus may remain on carpet surfaces if used by a congregant who is infected. This occurrence is highly likely if the area has not been properly disinfected and cleansed. As such, we encourage the use of personal clean mat to cover the prostration area. Female congregants are also advised to bring your own personal prayer clothing."
Tempo, Imbauan Komisi Fatwa MUI untuk Antisipasi Wabah Virus Corona Secretary of the Indonesian Ulema Council Fatwa Commission Asrorun Ni'am Sholeh comments on Covid-19, urging 'healthy lifestyle'.
About Islam, Coronavirus: British Muslim Group Issues Advise for Mosques, Madrasahs based on MCB, Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for mosques/madrassas and Umrah Pilgrims

Grateful to @WHO & friendly nations for solidarity in fighting #COVID19—in face of US #EconomicTerrorism, which has endangered Iranian patients.

Urgent need in Iran for:

- N95 Face & 3-Layer Masks
- Ventilators
- Surgical Gowns
- Coronavirus Test Kits
- PPF
- Face/Body Shields
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) March 2, 2020

While the city of Qom is the epicentre of #CoronaVirus in Iran, authorities refuse to close down religious shrines there.

These pro-regime people are licking the shrines & encouraging people to visit them.

Iran's authorities are endangering lives of Iranians & the world pic.twitter.com/s9o6zYhzNQ
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) February 29, 2020

World Health Organisation @WHO needs to intervene urgently.

Videos of pro-regime people urging even their own children to lick the #CoronaVirus infested shrines are surfacing.

Not only is this child abuse, but it's also helping the virus spread Iran and to other countries. pic.twitter.com/CDDYzSuxMF
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) February 29, 2020

Pilgrimage and travel to Qom is having an impact here: "Now, as it struggles to contain the spread of the coronavirus, Iran is also emerging as the second focal point after China for the spread of the disease. Cases in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates — even one in Canada — have all been traced to Iran, sending tremors of fear rippling out from Kabul to Beirut."

Her name is Narges Khan Alizadeh. This nurse is the latest victim of #CoronaVirus in Iran. She had dedicated her life to patients. Meanwhile, authorities are getting ready to attribute her death to something else. They’ve also lied about the death toll from the virus. pic.twitter.com/d67b0lufpS
— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) February 26, 2020

“I say this to you from my heart, look after yourselves.”

Iran's deputy health minister has tested positive for the coronavirus, as the country struggles with one of the worst outbreaks outside of China.

Read the latest: https://t.co/M9xmITqdcK pic.twitter.com/jwuw9WRdSz
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) February 25, 2020

Guardian, Saudi Arabia bans pilgrimages to holy sites "The decision also affected travel to Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Medina. Authorities also suspended entry to the kingdom to those with tourist visas from nations affected by the new virus."

Tags: COVID-19, Qom, UAE, Oman, Fatwa, Medicine, hajj, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Internet, KSA, Palestine, Ireland, Sokoto, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Canadian Muslims, Shi'ism, Iran Internet, Indonesia, Singapore, UAE internet, Kurdish internet, Kurdistan, UAE, Prayer, Ritual, Shrines, Shi'ism, Mosques

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Gary R. Bunt

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