Weather Alert & Friday Jummah Update
Weather Alert and Friday Jummah Update
Assalāmu ʿAlaykum wa Raḥmatullāhi wa Barakātuh,
We pray this message finds you and your families in the best of health and imān.
As you may know, the greater Memphis area is under a winter storm warning until Saturday morning, with an expected accumulation of up to 5-8 inches of snow. Given the conditions, we would like to provide the following updates regarding Jumuʿah and other activities at MIC:
1. Friday Jumuʿah Service
We strongly encourage you to prioritize your safety and that of your family and recommend you stay and pray at home.
We assessed the area this morning and the parking lot, streets, and walkways at MIC are covered in snow and quite dangerous. Humphrey isn't safe and the parking lot conditions are worse.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Do not cause harm, nor reciprocate harm.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah, 2341)
If the roads or walkways in your area are unsafe or hazardous, it is completely permissible to pray Ẓuhr at home instead of attending Jumuʿah at the masjid. Islam emphasizes ease and does not burden us beyond our capacity:
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:286)
There will be a short limited khutbah for those that live close to MIC that will be available on YouTube so please exercise the necessary caution. Please no children or elderly even if you live close by. For those who do come, dress warmly, and take all necessary precautions to avoid slipping or falling.
2. Ishāʾ and All Other Prayers on Friday
We recommend performing Ishāʾ and all other prayers at home for your safety. This aligns with the teaching of the Prophet (ﷺ), who instructed that in conditions of severe weather, the adhān caller (mu’adhdhin) should announce:
“Pray in your homes” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 632).
3. Cancellation of All Other Programs
All non-prayer activities at MIC are cancelled until further notice. Updates regarding Saturday’s schedule will be shared once weather conditions are reassessed.
4. Spiritual Reflections During This Time
We urge our community to take advantage of this time indoors to engage in acts of worship and reflection, especially making duʿāʾ for protection and safety.
A recommended duʿāʾ of the Prophet (ﷺ) for seeking protection is:
“In the name of Allah, with whose name nothing in the earth or heaven can harm, and He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” (Abu Dāwūd, 5088)
Additionally, reflect upon the signs of Allah in nature. The Quran reminds us:
“Have you not seen how your Lord drives the clouds, then gathers them, then makes them into layers, and you see the rain emerge from within them?…” (Surah An-Nur, 24:43)
Let us use this moment of pause in our daily lives to strengthen our connection with Allah, seek forgiveness, and perform extra acts of charity, even from a distance, to those in need during this storm.
5. Safety Precautions
• Keep warm and stay indoors as much as possible.
• Avoid unnecessary travel on icy or snow-covered roads.
• Check on your neighbors, particularly the elderly or vulnerable, to ensure their well-being.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“He is not a believer whose neighbor is not safe from his harm.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 6016)
May Allah keep everyone safe and protected during this storm. We pray for ease and barakah for all. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the MIC team if you need assistance.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan,
Memphis Islamic Center
Memphis Islamic Center | 10225 Humphrey Road | Cordova, TN 38018 US