Sunday, 30 August 2020

Board of Imams Victoria (BOIV) understands that the community has been going through a very challenging period as COVID 19 stage 4 lockdowns have been difficult for everyone. That is why now is such a crucial time for us to stand together and make a collective and conscious effort to fight the pandemic. We either stand firm and get through this journey to arrest the spreading of the virus together or risk further losses to our state and our community.

Understandably, ongoing restrictions have created several frustrations, some of which entail not being able to assemble for prayer. It must however be understood that protecting the community from a pandemic and promoting community safety in general is perhaps worth the sacrifices we have all made. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘“There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.”

It has also come to our knowledge that protests have taken place in which a small number of people took to the streets to protest COVID-19 restrictions. The vast majority of Muslims in Victoria and elsewhere do not agree with such actions during this time and are seen as counter-productive and may potentially put protesters, their families and the community at large in danger.

BOIV calls upon members of the Muslim community to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (peace be upon him) by exercising restraint, exhibiting good conduct and complying with the recommendations of health authorities and experts.

Given that we are all in the midst of a trying time, it is incumbent that we turn towards the mercy of  the Almighty Allah so that we are able to overcome whatever trials come our way through patience and perseverance. Allah SWT said;

 ‘And be patient, [O Muhammad], and your patience is not but through Allah’  [An-Nahl: 127]

The End

Contact email: info@boiv.org.au  OR  boardofimams@gmail.com