Congregational Salat Suspended
The SBIA Board of Directors has decided to suspend all gatherings at SBIA, including outdoor congregational salat at SBIA, while the stay-at-home order is in effect in Santa Clara County.
SBIA will reassess the situation and recommendations from Santa Clara County and make a determination then on when we can safely resume prayers in congregation on site.
Why?
While the stay-at-home order allows religious facilities to continue operation, the risks to the community are high. The safety and security of our community is paramount.
Compared to the situation earlier this year, we are now faced with a dire shortfall in hospital capacity in the county. This situation is compounded by the rising rates of infection, unfortunately at a time when our surrounding community may be celebrating the holidays. Coupled with the flu season, we have a confluence of high risk factors. Being vigilant and careful while the vaccine is at hand is the right choice.
COVID-19 Hospital Capacity Dashboard
Stay At Home, Stop the Spread
A key reason to stay at home is to stop or slow the spread of Covid-19, which at this time is suspected to be spread more through asymptomatic carriers in the current surge in Santa Clara County. While we understand that our decision may be disappointing to some of our regular attendees, we pray you bear with us through this temporary pause. We will continue to offer virtual talks with our scholars.
One of the objectives of the Sharia is the preservation of life. And there is a principle in our dīn which states that prevention of harm takes precedence over gaining benefit.
Performing the prayer in congregation assists a person in carrying out the prayer, therefore fulfilling the objective of preservation of the Dīn. If a person does not pray in congregation but still prays, he is able to preserve his Dīn. It will not be immediately detrimental to his Dīn and its preservation.
“And Allāh wants to lighten for you [your difficulties]; and mankind was created weak.” (Al-Qur’ān 4:28)
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said:
“The afflicted should not be mixed with the healthy.”[Muslim]
We pray that this calamity is lifted soon from our community and for the health, well-being, safety, and security of all.
Please keep us in your duas and we look forward to seeing you at SBIA in the very near future, InshaAllah.
South Bay Islamic Association
Congregational Prayers to be Resumed on Friday, Jan. 29: Maximum Attendance Capacity 75
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, SBIA is restricting the number of attendees allowed per prayer. Please use the forms below to sign up for daily prayers or Jumuah prayers. All prayers are held at Harris Way location.
- Children less than 13 years old will not be allowed
- Persons age 65 years or older are requested to pray at home
- Prayer attendees must come with wudu and bring their own prayer rugs
- There will be no access to the building and therefore no arrangement for wudu
- Please use hand sanitizer before and after visiting SBIA
- Attendees must wear facial masks at all times and maintain six feet distance between each other
- Each participant will be screened for symptoms of fever or illness
- Prayer shall be limited to 75 persons; congregants will be allowed on a first-come, first-served basis. Two volunteers and our imam will make up the maximum number of participants permitted
- Congregants must pray fard only and leave immediately thereafter
SBIA and its management are doing their best to follow the Federal/State/City Laws. While much uncertainty and apprehension remain, we do know that COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. It may also spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. SBIA is holding religious services based on the Federal/State/City guidelines and is not responsible for any virus transmission which may be beyond its control. Hence it is up to the congregant to make the informed individual decision to attend the Prayer at SBIA or pray at home.
Note: Registering for the prayer means you are acknowledging that you will follow all rules and agree with the above disclaimer.
Daily Prayer Signup
Jumu'ah Signup
Weekly Tafsir With Imam Tahir Anwar (Online)
Weekly Tafsir: Selected Verses from the Qur'an With Imam Tahir. Watch OnlineRead More »
About South Bay Islamic Association
The South Bay Islamic Association (SBIA) is one of the oldest Islamic Organizations in The Bay Area. Its headquarters are located in San Jose, CA. SBIA has been providing various services to the community since 1977 including the five daily prayers at two locations (San Jose Downtown, and Harris Way) and Friday prayers at both locations. SBIA has been active in spreading Islam through various Dawah programs and by hosting a number of activities including Weekend Islamic School, Quranic classes for children, Tafseer (English translation and Exegesis) classes for adults, conferences and community get-togethers.