Information for Muslim Communities

Information for Muslim communities

This document answers frequently asked questions about Ramadan under other cultural and religious practices during Covid-19.

Can Muslims extend their bubbles, or gather up to 10 people during Ramadan?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to extend your bubble further to bring in extra people to celebrate or mark religious events. Your household bubble can be extended during Alert Level 3 to reconnect with close family, bring in caregivers, or support isolated people. That bubble must stay small and exclusive at all times. Muslims are encouraged to observe Ramadan at home, with their own bubble.

Can Muslims come together for Iftaar, Isha and Taraweeh?

You can come together within your bubble for Iftaar and Isha, but unfortunately not with people outside your bubble. As with all religious groups, gatherings for religious activity present a very high risk of transmitting COVID-19, even at Alert Level 3. Muslims are encouraged to hold Iftaar and Isha and Taraweeh prayers within their bubble.

Can mosques and other religious venues open during Level 3 if social distancing rules are observed?

Unfortunately no. All venues must stay closed to the public under Alert Level 3, including mosques and other faith-based venues. Workers from the mosque can go into mosques and other religious venues to work, e.g. to conduct online religious services. Many places of worship are catering for communities using a variety of online methods.

Can Imams and other religious leaders visit people and perform last rites personally in hospitals and hospice facilities during Level 3? And can they officiate at funeral gatherings personally?

Guidance is being developed about providing last rites under Alert Level 3, and will be released soon. Funeral directors will work with Muslim communities to identify people who can carry out ghusl and Janaza, and will advise and supervise them to ensure it is done in a safe way. Imams can officiate at funerals during Alert Level 3. Please work with your funeral director to make sure that all Alert Level 3 requirements are met, including a maximum of 10 people at the funeral.

Will Halal butchers be able to open?

Yes, Halal butchers can open under Alert Level 3. Like all businesses they must operate under the requirements at Alert Level 3. Halal butchers can take orders online, or over the phone. And they can deliver, or have their customers pick up from outside the store. Customers cannot enter the premises. Like all workplaces, halal butchers must operate safely. That means meeting appropriate public health requirements and fulfilling all other health and safety obligations.

If Eid occurs while we're in Alert Level 2 can the mosques use different buildings or structures on their sites to hold 100 person per building?

The requirements for gatherings will be the same for Eid as they are for all other gatherings. If Eid occurs under Alert Level 2, the total number at any one gathering should not exceed the maximum allowed. It is important that we try to adhere to the intent of the restrictions in place. A gathering would be considered to be distinct from another if each building has its own point of entry, its own facilities (like bathrooms and kitchens), and the people in one building do not interact in any way with groups in other buildings, including when arriving and leaving.