Message from the Office of Ayatollah al-Sistani regarding the Coronavirus

The office of Ayatollah al-Sistani in Qom has issued a statement regarding the Coronavirus.

News ID: 449509

Date: 10 March 2020 - 08:27

RNA – The office of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani in Qom has issued a statement regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

The statement is as follows:

In the Name of God, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful

The Most-Wise Lord says in His Noble Book:

“We will certainly test you with a measure of fear, hunger, and a loss of wealth, lives, and fruits…” [al-Baqarah, verse 155]

At this time of astonishing turmoil, when the world is struck by the corona disease, and especially as the Islamic Republic of Iran has also suffered from this affliction, the following is expected from the believers:

To be patient and to seriously heed and act upon the advice and recommendations of the Ministry of Health – the main authority responsible for countering this affliction – and of other officials.

Undoubtedly, among the most important factors for being saved from this difficult turmoil are taking refuge in and pleading to God’s Grace, and seeking intercession from the Infallible and Purified Family.

Attending to the health condition of those afflicted and helping them in every way possible to speed up their recovery and alleviate their suffering is pleasing to God Almighty. Believers are allowed to use half of the blessed portion of the Imam (Sahm al-Imam) for this purpose and for preventing people from becoming infected with the disease.

[Note by translator: the use of half of Sahm al-Imam for these purposes, as stated here, applies to believers in Iran only. If believers in other countries would like to assist with their half of Sahm al-Imam for needy cases in Iran or elsewhere, they must get permission].

We thank all the doctors, nurses, and all those who are striving to fight this virus with all their heart and soul to ensure the good health of [our] dear people, and we ask The All-Knowing and All-Wise Lord to grant them good health and success.

In addition to recommending forbearance and discernment, we pray for the speedy healing of the dear patients, and for the mercy and forgiveness of the deceased.

Oh God! Relieve this community of this grief.

[Stamped with the Seal of His Eminence’s Qom Office]

Sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani
9 Rajab 1441/5 March 2020

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