Dear imams, councilors and jemaah!

Following the development of the situation on a global scale, especially in view of the United States of America, New York state, and the growing number of newly infected from the virus in this region, we need to show responsibility as an Islamic community during this difficult period. 

Starting from the fact that Islam is a religion of prevention and life and health is one of the basic values ​​that Islam protects, and the obligation to follow the instructions of the competent state institutions in such situations, knowing that the President of the United States, Mr.Donald J. Trump has declared a state of emergency, whose measures, due to the gravity of the situation, tend to be honored in the coming days.

The mekteb teaching is temporarily suspended, until all next notice, the Jama'at spreads and the planned festivities for religious holidays as well as other religious and cultural gatherings are suspended.

Responsible persons of the Islamic community ,Imams and the councilors will be on standby and contacted by phone with members of the community as needed during the state of emergency.

We ask believers to pray dhuhr-salat instead of Jumaa, as well as all prayers in their homes, because salats like any other public gatherings, are currently being suspended until further instruction by the competent institutions of New York state.

Funeral rallies will be organized, because of the circumstances of morality, in as few as possible, without restraint and with a recommendation to the believers to take this seriously because the instructions come from state institutions.

Special appeal is directed to the more vulnerable categories of society, the elderly, chronic patients, diabetics and anyone who feels the difficulty of staying in their homes as much as possible. 

It is the responsibility of Islamic community officials to adhere to these measures and to work to raise awareness of the importance and implementation of New York State Health Department instructions. 

Believers are asked to continue to follow the instructions given to us by the competent institutions of the United States and the New York state.Believers are asked to continue to follow the instructions given to us by the competent institutions of the United States and the New York state.

With respect, 

President of IZ and Cultural Center Plav & Gusinje in New York,

Hajji Smajlje Srdanovic