Madina Institute (Atlanta) COVID-19 Statement
March 17th, 2020
In accordance with guidelines and recommendations given by CDC and government officials, as well as keeping health and safety our utmost priority, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the following:
Effective Wednesday, March 18th 2020, Madina Institute Atlanta will remain closed until further notice. The 5 daily prayers, Jummah (Friday prayer) and all other programs and events are cancelled until further notice.
March 13th, 2020
As-Salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi Ta’la wa Barakatuhu
After much deliberation and discussion with other neighborhood Masajid, recommendations from government and health organizations, and also in light of county school and other public closings, Madina Institute Atlanta will be cancelling the Jummah prayers starting today, Friday March 13th, until further notice.
Our current priority is the health and well being of our community. We are all well aware that there is an increased threat of COVID-19 spread in large gatherings. The incubation period of this virus is very long, and a person can be infected and spread this infection, but still not show symptoms for several days.
We all love to come together for Jummah for the sake of Allah Ta’la, and He is the Most Merciful and has allowed exceptions during times of imminent risk. Groups of 3 people or more can hold Jummah anywhere, and this is our recommendation
We pray that Allah Ta’la keeps us and our families safe and healthy and strong in Iman.
March 12th, 2020
Madina Institute has been closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak within the USA and globally. We have been staying updated with the very latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), The World Health Organization (WHO), medical professionals and government agencies.
The community’s health and safety is currently our top priority. With that in mind, as a measure of caution, Madina Institute Atlanta is suspending ALL events and programs on site until further notice.
We will continue the following until further announcement:
1. The 5 Daily Prayers
2. Jummah Prayer
We are strongly recommending the following:
1. If you have any symptoms, have recently traveled, or have been in contact with someone with known Coronavirus stay at home and call your physician. If you’ve traveled please also follow all governmental protocols upon your return and avoid all gatherings inside the Masjid and out.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after Jummah.
3. Avoid unnecessary physical contact while at the Masjid to reduce the spread of disease. While shaking hands is a Sunnah, it is not an obligation. Hence one should exercise it judiciously in situations where spreading infections is possible.
4. Individuals for whom Jummah is not obligatory such as the old, weak, sick, women, children, and travelers should avoid coming to Jummah.
5. Please bring your own prayer rug to the Masjid for Salah.
6. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze. Again, wash your hands well with soap and water.
7. Try to make your wudhu at home whenever possible.
We strongly recommend that anyone over 60 or with a respiratory or heart issue not attend the Masjid or any other crowded spaces until this crisis subsides.
We would like to ensure it is understood that we do not have any confirmed or known cases of COVID-19 within our community Alhamdulillah, and this is strictly a proactive measure to make certain we mitigate all risks during this time. If anyone has any symptoms, regardless of how mild they may be, please seek medical attention and refrain from visiting the Masjid or other public places.
Thank you for your understanding. This is a fluid situation and we will keep you updated as things change.
Spiritual Recommendations:
Affirm your belief in Allah Ta’la only and rely only on Him.
Repent, stop sinning, and do lots of Istighfar (seeking forgiveness).
Make lots of Dua for self and others.
We pray that Allah Ta’la keeps us and our families safe and healthy and strong in Iman and Taqwa.
Please continue to review the latest information here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Sincerely,
Madina Institute, Atlanta
