23:54, 23 April 2020

Muftiate of Dagestan allocates a mosque for ablution of COVID-19 victims' bodies

A mosque named after Husseinil Muhammad Afandi Al Uribi (Kamaev street 94). Photo: https://static.mk.ru/upload/entities/2020/04/23/16/articles/detailPicture/29/04/fc/bd/49e848ee3b0e483338e087b498210ac6.jpg

The Muftiate of Dagestan reports that in Makhachkala, a mosque has been allocated for the ablution of the COVID-19 victims' bodies, and theologians are on duty around the clock at the mosque to answer questions from believers.

The Muftiate of Dagestan has adopted the theological conclusion on the funeral rites for Muslims who died from COVID-19. Believers interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" think that relatives of the deceased people can independently conduct funeral rites using protective items, but they should refuse gathering after a burial.

Dagestan shows the highest COVID-19 death toll in the North-Caucasian Federal District (NCFD): 454 cases of the coronavirus infection were confirmed, and 11 patients deceased in the republic.

The Dagestani Muftiate notes that the funeral rites prescribed by Islam are to be performed for the victims of COVID-19, but in accordance with sanitary standards, the "Region Online" reports.

In its released regulations concerning the funeral rites for the burials of COVID-19 victims, the Muftiate of Dagestan indicates that cremation and other methods that do not comply with Sharia standards are "strictly prohibited in Islam." Meanwhile, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) of Russia notes that it is admissible to burn bodies of the deceased patients in exceptional cases.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 23, 2020 at 05:59 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.