Gatherings, Schools, and 'Umrah During the Spread of the Plague

Question:
The questioner says: These days, there are reports circulating about swine flu and the fear and panic it has caused among the general public. The competent authorities have warned against gatherings and advised the elderly and children to avoid them. It is well known that most of these gatherings take place in prayers and schools. He says: In fact, some people have restricted themselves or some have left off performing 'Umrah out of fear of contracting this disease. He asks: What about the schools? Do you see postponing the schools so that no infections occur in them? And do we allow our children to go to school if the term is not postponed?

Answer:
The obligatory gatherings for prayer are required of the Muslims; they place their reliance on Allah. However, anyone who has been afflicted with this disease must not go to the mosque; he is forbidden from entering the mosque and is even forbidden from leaving his house or his country in order to protect the people. But do not abandon the congregational prayer.
As for 'Umrah and Hajj, this is subject to the directives of the state. If the state directs that the elderly, children, and women should not perform Hajj, because their immunity is low and they are more susceptible to the epidemic disease than others, then they should not proceed with it. Allah has made things easy for them, and praise be to Allah. They should not engage in anything that poses a danger to them. Allah the Exalted said: As long as the matter remains broad and the state has not issued a prohibition against it, the matter is, praise be to Allah, broad. Yes.