Al-Sistani issues a Fatwa on COVID-19 measures in Ashura

Shafaq News / The supreme Shiite authority in Iraq, Ali al-Sistani, issued a fatwa on Thursday regarding the establishment of consolation councils in Ashura in light of COVID-19 pandemic.

Al-Sistani's office said when asked on holding Ashura ceremonies, according to a statement, "There are many methods that can be followed in expressing sorrow and grief on this painful occasion and showing sympathy with the Prophet (may God bless him and his family) and his pure family in that great calamity That befell Islam and Muslims".

Al-Sistani also advised, "Spreading Ashura appearances on a large scale by raising black flags and banners in squares, streets, etc…while respecting private property and the laws of the country".

As for food distributed in Ashura days, "the necessary health conditions must be taken into account in preparing and distributing them, even if it means limiting it to delivering dry food to the believers' houses, to avoid crowding".