In The Name of Allah The All-Merciful The Beneficent

 The office of His eminence Grand Ayatullah Sayed Ali Al-Sistani (may Allah prolong his life)

Assalamu 'alykum wa rahmat'llahi wa barakatuhu

You are aware of what people are facing these days due to the Corona virus pandemic. The medical staff, nurses and volunteers in hospitals and clinics, which interacts with those who have this disease or are suspected to have it, are risking their health and may be their life because of what they do. They are exposed to being infected by this disease, what words does Marjiya (religious authority) have for them?

Please benefit us.

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In The Name of Allah The All-Merciful The Beneficent

The responsibility of treating, caring for and helping the ill is Wajib Kifa'ie (collective obligation on those members of the community who are capable of contributing) upon those who are qualified to do so, including medical doctors, nursing staff and others. However, it is the responsibility of the authorities concerned to provide them, all that they need to protect themselves from the dangers of contracting the illness, and there is no excuse for the failure or delay in doing so.

There is no doubt that the work that is being done by these dear individuals, despite all the challenges they face, is a great work, their effort is priceless and it may be as close in importance as fighting side by side in the trenches with the heroes defending the homeland and its people. It is certain that Allah the Almighty appreciates their efforts in this world and will reward them for it in the hereafter. In fact, we plead with Allah for those who have sacrificed their lives in this path that they obtain both the reward and the status of a martyr on the Day of Judgement. And we thank them greatly and express our highest appreciation for their magnificent humanitarian work and ask Allah the Supreme the All-able to protect them, save them and keep away from them all ill. Surely, Allah is the All-Hearing and the most able to answer [our prayer].

The Office of His Eminence Sayed Al-Sistani
The Holy City of Najaf
21st Rajab 1441 A.H.

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