No Need For Homecoming, PBNU Says Virtual Gathering Does Not Reduce Values And Essences

JAKARTA - Secretary-General of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board, Helmy Faisal Zaini, said virtual hospitality in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic does not reduce the value and essence of Eid.

"This in no way reduces the value and essence of friendship. Because the main thing is to connect feelings of affection," Helmy said as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, May 5.

Helmy said that in the context of facing a pandemic like today, friendship and halal bi halal (gathering) can be done in ways that minimize physical contact as much as possible, which can be done virtually.

According to Helmy, friendship is one of the teachings highly recommended by Islam. The gathering is one of the media that can be used to reinforce the values of brotherhood. Gathering can be done in many ways, namely in the network, especially in the current pandemic conditions.

Helmy said that homecoming as a medium of hospitality is a good tradition, but because of the pandemic situation, avoiding the risk of transmission by not doing homecoming is more important.

In order to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and the spike in COVID-19 cases after Eid, the government has banned homecoming. It is hoped that the public will understand this condition in order to protect themselves and the public from the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Previously, the Chairman of the Task Force for Handling COVID-19 Lt. Gen. Doni Monardo invited the public to use virtual services for the Idul Fitri 1442 Hijri/2021 AD homecoming activities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"One of the solutions in overcoming the longing for the family not to do homecoming is to make various efforts to make friends virtually," said Doni some time ago.

Doni appealed to all regional posts to assist local residents in making virtual communications as a substitute for direct friendship.