Can a Masjid deny entry to someone who does not wear a face mask ( health and safety of others )

Question:

Can a Masjid deny entry to someone who does not wear a face mask, bearing in mind that in the UK face masks are not mandatory in public places? Answer: ِﺑ ْﺴ ِﻢ ا ِﷲ اﻟ ﱠﺮ ْﺣﻤ ِﻦ اﻟ ﱠﺮ ِﺣﯿﻢ In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Masjids enforce such rules for our own health and safety. If a masjid requires congregants to wear a face mask, then a Muslim should comply. A person can only get sick with the will of Allah ﺗﻌﺎﻟﻰ, however, Islam teaches us to exercise precaution. In addition, if someone refuses to wear a mask, it would inconvenience other Muslims and be a means of other Muslims not coming to the Masjid due to the fear of becoming sick. Furthermore, if someone does become sick, the people who refused to wear masks would be blamed, and it would give Muslims a bad name. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “There should be no causing harm to others nor reciprocating harm.” (Sunan Ibn Majah: 2341) It is difficult to discern who has the coronavirus and who does not, therefore one must adopt precautionary measures in order to protect oneself and others, at the same time, knowing that one can only become sick with the decree of Allah. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “There is no adwa (contagion-- the interpretation of this is that contagious diseases do not transfer on their own, however, they only transfer with the will of Allah ﺗﻌﺎﻟﻰ)... and flee from the leper just as you flee from the lion (in this section of the hadith the Prophet [s.a.w.] teaches us to adopt the means]) (Bukhari:5707) On the basis thereof, a Masjid may deny entry to someone who refuses to wear a mask during a pandemic or epidemic, e.g. COVID 19. Nevertheless, it is suggested that the Masjid committee speak to the Muslim community in a kind, wise manner and explain to them that the reason they are enforcing such rules is for their safety. In addition, it is advisable that the Masjid committee keep masks available for free distribution for those who do not possess any masks.

Raddul Muhtar: v. 2 p. 435 [Dar ‘Aalam Al-Kutub]; Fatawa Mahmudia: v. 6,

p. 403-404 [Darul Ifta Jamia Farooqia Karachi]

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham