Religious Figures: COVID-19 Not Doom

JAKARTA - The Board of Experts of the PW ISNU Gorontalo Muhammad Makmun Rasyid invited religious leaders not to equate COVID-19 as punishment because there is no argument that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is an army of God.

"This virus is not torture, not punishment," said Makmun in an online press conference entitled "Religion and COVID-19 Mitigation" which was monitored in Jakarta, Thursday.

Present at the press conference were a number of interfaith figures, namely Maha Bhiksu Dutavira Mahastavira (Chairman of the Walubi Sangha Council) and Fransiskus Xaverius Mudji Sutrisno, SJ (Catholic clergy).

Makmun said the COVID-19 outbreak must be tackled together with all efforts for the common good by implementing health protocols. The implementation of this health protocol can save many people so that the role of religious leaders is to be able to guide people so that they are able to pass through this ordeal.

According to him, a pandemic should be interpreted as an instrument to restore mutual awareness to protect each other.

"This is a stage of purification within us, tazkiyatun nafs and restoration of awareness to maintain together. Indonesia is our common prayer mat," he said.

Makmun said the COVID-19 pandemic was a momentum to test one's faith. When an epidemic occurs, the people are asked to be able to prioritize the common good.

Especially in Islam, he said, it is highly recommended not to prioritize the interests of self-worship when an outbreak occurs, so that there is tolerance of worship.

"What we do is not always for personal reasons, but also for the benefit of all because we exist, because there are other people too. We should not have crowds in the mosque, we can worship at home, not diminishing the slightest reward," he said.