Islamic Association of Nova Scotia
42 Leaman Drive B3A 2K9 Dartmouth, NS, Canada

In relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nova Scotia government today announced that a gathering of 50 people is now permitted as long as physical isolation and other rules regarding infection control are observed. Effective immediately, the Dartmouth masjid will be open for five daily prayers (salat). The maximum number will be limited to 50 individuals. Normally more than 100 individuals attend the Friday (juma) prayers at the Dartmouth masjid. Therefore, in compliance ...with the provincial regulations, the masjid will remain closed for Friday prayers until further notice. We will be monitoring the situation closely and advise on the resumption of the Friday prayers as the situation with the pandemic evolves. Individuals coming to masjid for daily prayers must observe the following: Do ablution (wudu) at home. Bring your own prayer mat. Observe a physical distance of 2 meters (6 feet) during prayers and at other times. A face mask is advised but not mandatory. Carry a hand sanitizer to clean your hands before entering and after leaving the masjid. Leave the masjid immediately after offering prayers and avoid social gathering. Do not bring children under 12 years of age into the masjid. Do not come to the masjid if you have any symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Jazak Allah Khair for your understanding and cooperation.

The Imam's Council of Nova Scotia would like to announce that based on the current criteria of Imams Council of NS Shawwal crescent was sighted in many countries including Moritania, Somalia, Ethiobia, Kinia, Tanzania Therefore, Friday May, 22nd marks the end of Ramadan Eid Alfitr will be on Saturday May, 23rd.... Please join NS Imams council for the virtual Eid prayer tomorrow Saturday, at 8:45 am using either of the links below: https://www.facebook.com/ummahmasjid/posts/3813334155404914 https://www.ummahmasjid.ca/eid-2020/ We would love to take this opportunity to wish you a blessed Eid and for Allah SWT to lift the calamity that has befallen mankind. NS Imam Council

We wish the Muslim community a blessed Ramadan! Please note in accordance with public health guidance, there will be no iftar potlucks or nightly tarawih prayers at the mosques. Muslims are encouraged to pray at home.

Asalamualiakum (Peace Be With You), Given the current unprecedented situation with COVID-19 infection and in accordance with the recommendations of Department of Public Health regarding avoiding congregations, the Islamic Association of Nova Scotia has decided to close the three masajid (mosques) it administers in Dartmouth, Truro and Pictou County for a period of TWO weeks. Effective immediately, there will be no activities in these masajid including five regular prayers an...d Juma (Friday salat). The situation will be reassessed on Saturday 03, April 2020 and further announcement made. All Brothers and Sisters are requested to kindly understand and respect this difficult decision which is important for the safety of everyone. FUNERAL PRAYERS Funeral prayers are an exception to the above notice, with the following conditions. 1. Funeral prayers should only be attended by immediate family members and limited to 5 individuals including the Imam. 2. People attending the funeral prayers are expected to observe public health guidelines. 3. People attending funeral prayers should perform wudu at home. 4. Please maintain a space of 6 feet during prayers. 5. Please follow any additional guidance from the Imam.

COVID-19 - Update for the Muslim Community May the Peace, Blessings and Mercy of Allah be with you Due to the evolving situation with the Corona Pandemic and the new government restrictions in Nova Scotia on public gatherings, the Imams Council of Nova Scotia combined with the five Islamic Institutions listed at the end of this announcement, held a meeting on March 17,2020. ... The meeting reached the conclusion that the only safe and proper decision is to prevent the spread of the health threatening and potentially fatal COVID-19, is by NOT having Jummah prayers performed at our Masajid on a temporary basis, until the present situation is cleared by health authorities, provincially and federally. The meeting was guided by prior consultations with the Department of Health and Wellness, the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Nova Scotia and various experts in the field of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology. Given the importance of Jummah congregational prayers, this decision was not easy to make. However, it took into account numerous fatwas by credible scholars and scholarly bodies such as the International Union of Muslim Scholars, the European Council for Fatwa and Research, The Fiqh Council of North America and many other bodies in North America and overseas, concerning the permissibility of temporary suspension of Friday prayers in emergencies that threatens the life and health of a community. We believe that we must not be concerned only about our own safety, but also all our fellow Canadians, even fellow humans at large. Indeed, as a community, we should give a good example of abiding by rules, regulations and recommendations of public health authorities for the benefit of all. We will soon be posting, Insha’Allah, simple instructions for families to perform Jummah in their own homes so that no one misses on the blessings of that day. Please recognize that this situation is constantly changing, and we will review our circumstances weekly [even daily if a significant event occurs], to determine when it is appropriate to reverse or modify our decision. We came together united yesterday as a community with the intention and hope that we, as Muslims, could play a significant role in an attempt to flatten the COVID-19 curve in Nova Scotia. The Imams Council of Nova Scotia: Center for Islamic Development Barakah Masjid The Ummah Masjid and Community Centre Nova Scotia Islamic Community Centre Islamic Association of Nova Scotia

The Islamic Association of Nova Scotia is committed to protecting the safety of attendees at prayers and other events. Therefore, in accordance with the guidance provided by the Health Agency of Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health & Wellness, the following measures will be adopted effective immediately to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus. 1. If you are sick, please stay home and do not come to the mosque. Call 811 for guidance. ... 2. If you have recently travelled, please stay home for 14 days and do not come to the mosque. 3. Wash hands frequently with soap and water. The soap must be applied for 20 seconds for effectiveness. 4. Increased cleaning of frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, handles, light switches. We request volunteers to please help us keep the mosques clean. 5. Avoid hugging, kissing, shaking hands, or touching your face. 6. Perform wudu at home before coming to the mosque. 7. Pray sunnah and nafl prayers at home. 8. Children and elderly are encouraged to pray at home. FRIDAY PRAYERS & OTHER ACTIVITIES Friday prayers will continue as normal. The Friday prayer length will be shortened to limit the amount of public exposure. Any decision to cancel Friday prayers or other activities will be in accordance to the guidelines provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health & Wellness and consultation with other mosques. Additional public health guidance can be found at the following links: Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca//d/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html Nova Scotia Department of Health & Wellness. www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus