Statement from Imam Talib Shareef  of the Nations Mosque

With Allah’s Name, The Merciful Benefactor, The Merciful Redeemer, All Praise and Thanks belongs to Allah, the Lord, Guardian Evolver, Cherisher and Sustainer of all worlds, all systems of knowledge. The same Almighty G-d for all of us, who created us all and Cares about us all equally. We extend our thoughts and prayers for all the families that have experienced loss of lives as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We further extend our gratitude to all who are contributing to the solution and not the problem by cooperating and adhering to the cleanliness, distancing, and self-quarantine guidance presented by our health experts.

As of this communication, there are over 470,000 COVID-19 cases worldwide, with more than 21,000 deaths, affecting 198 countries and territories. In the USA, cases have risen to over 68,203 and more than 1,027 deaths. In our local area, cases in Maryland have risen to 473, in Virginia to 391, and here in D.C. to nearly 200. All In less than a few months. We are seeing a rapid increase and, in some cases, doubling every few days. So, the imperative is to stay home, stop the spread, and save lives. Please understand that asking you to stay at home and limit your movement gives the experts time and reduces the pressure or burden on the health systems, but on their own, these actions won’t eliminate the virus. Nevertheless, these actions will facilitate the precise measures needed to suppress and stop transmission and save lives. Then, when restrictions are lifted, the virus doesn’t resurge. Our Holy Qur’an teaches us the value of a human life in chapter 5:32, “if you save a life it’s as if you have saved the whole of humanity.”

While we, as a religious community and member of the society, are doing our part by closing and cancelling most public activities, I want to list some of things we’re doing:

– Live streaming the Jumu’ah (Friday) Prayer service.
– Having limited business hours to respond to phone calls, mail, etc. and forwarding calls after hours.
– Communicating to our membership via text messaging, e-newsletter, phone, etc.
– Communicating with government officials for updates, presenting our needs and seeking ways to assist
– Providing counseling, referral, limited matrimonial services, etc.
– Facilitating the delivery of daily meals weekly to our DC-based seniors via our Kibar Nutrition Site and facilitating monthly food distribution via our SHARE Program.
– Contacting and responding to the needs of ALL seniors in the DC, MD and VA area.
– Exploring webinar training, classes, symposiums, etc. for all. Stay tuned.

As we continue providing services during this time of crisis, please continue to help us be of service to you, and those in need, by making an online contribution at www.thenationsmosque.org.

These are trying times. It’s a test, it’s a challenge, and like everything else it’s temporary. We won’t progress if we don’t have a test. Welcome challenges. The more the soul is challenged the more the good potential in the soul is brought out. “Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives, and the fruits of your toil. But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who say, when afflicted with calamity, ‘To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.’ They are those on whom descend blessings from their Lord, and mercy. They are the ones who receive guidance.” Qur’an 2:155-157

“It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West. But it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day, And the Angels, and the Books, and the Messengers; To spend of your substance, out of love for Him, For your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; To be steadfast in prayer, And give in charity; To fulfill the contracts which you have made; And to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity, And throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing.” Qur’an 2:177

Verily, with every difficulty there is relief. Verily, with every difficulty there is relief. Qur’an 94:5-6