السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Wednesday 15th July 2020. Let’s focus on ‘The Difference Between Guidelines and Regulations’ today.
As we are all aware, our famous town Blackburn, is once again in the headlines. According to official figures, positive cases of the coronavirus are continuing to rise in Blackburn. Without disputing the findings, I humbly request everyone to focus on the difference between ‘guidelines (optional) and regulations (compulsory)’.
It is very similar to the terminology we use in our beautiful SharīꜤah, ‘Farḍ (compulsory) and Nafl (optional)’. Almighty Allāh, in His Wisdom, made some acts Farḍ, which have to be carried out; there are no two ways about it. Many other acts are classified as Nafl, which you may perform, if you want, or leave out; however, Nafl deeds are recommended and encouraged. The difference is clear cut.
Let’s now look at ‘guidelines and regulations’. Guidelines are recommendations made by the government or public health bodies; as such, they are completely optional. Yes of course they are for our benefit and we should follow them. In fact, we should encourage that these guidelines be followed. However, stop there. We should not make them compulsory. Why impose or force unnecessary legislation upon ourselves?
Regulations are rules enacted by the government, or other authority, and are therefore compulsory. As British citizens, we have to abide by those laws, whether we like them or not.
To conclude, my very humble request to all Masjid management committees is to please keep Farḍ as Farḍ and Nafl as Nafl. In other words, the wearing of a face covering in the Masjid should be optional (highly recommended and encouraged), not compulsory.
Almighty Allāh give us all the correct understanding and keep all of us in His Protection, Āmeen.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for DuꜤās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala