Thursday July 30th, 2020

Attention:       Chief Medical Officers of Health, All Provinces and Territories of Canada

Subject:          Celebration of Eid-ul-Adha on Friday July 31st, 2020

Dear Doctor:

Thank you once again for all your hard work and leadership, the guidance and resources that you have developed and shared with businesses and faith groups to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, and your feedback on our previous communications.

After worshipping during Ramadan and celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr within our homes (with some regional differences) this year, Canadian Muslims are looking forward to attending Eid-ul-Adha prayers on Friday July 31st, 2020, now that most mosques have opened across the country. As one of the two biggest and holiest Islamic holidays of the year, Muslims typically celebrate Eid by attending a large prayer gathering in the morning, followed by a ritual sacrifice that is divided into three parts - one for the home, one for friends and relatives, and one for the poor and destitute. Muslims also wear their finest clothes and gather with friends and family in what can end up being several different social gatherings.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize the importance of ensuring houses of worship and community members are prepared and have adequate resources and safeguards in place to keep Canadians safe. This is especially critical given recent outbreaks of COVID-19 associated with reopening in several provinces across Canada, where public health measures of containment had been laudable and effective.

Last week, we circulated a statement which emphasized public health measures and guidance for mosques and the 1-million strong Canadian Muslim community, with additional guidance surrounding activities related to the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha. We also included posters that mosques could put up informing their congregation of their Eid prayer plans, and a set of infographics released in English, French and Arabic to maximize community uptake and preparation. 

We have enclosed these resources for your review and reference, in case it may be helpful for future guidance and recommendations.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to continuing to hear from and working with you.

Dr. M. Hashim Khan MBBS MPH FRCPC

Co-Chair, Canadian Muslim COVID-19 Task Force (CMCTF)

cmcovidtf@gmail.com | www.cmcovidtf.com | @cmcovidtf