Impact Of COVID-19, Vice President Ma'ruf Calls World Ulemas Issue New Fatwa Related To Healthcare To Retrieval Of Bodies

JAKARTA - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin said the crisis condition of the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on religious life for the community. As a result, the scholars conducted a review of their views on the teachings of Islam.

This was conveyed by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin when delivering a virtual speech at the 20th Annual International Conference on Islamic Studies (AICIS) 2021, which was held by the Ministry of Religion in Solo, Monday, October 25.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on religious life. Ulama in almost all countries, especially those with Muslim populations, carry out i'adatu an-nadhar (re-examination) of their religious views, because they are inappropriate and irrelevant to the existing pandemic conditions," said Ma'ruf Amin as quoted by Antara.

The scholars have also set a new fatwa that is more relevant to the pandemic conditions so that it can be used as a guide for Muslims in various countries to carry out worship.

The new fatwa applies to medical personnel, sufferers or Muslims in general and is related to the procedures for curing the bodies of positive COVID-19 patients in accordance with health protocols.

"And fatwas related to economic instruments that can be used to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," added the Vice President.

Various adjustments and conveniences in worship, as outlined in the fatwa, are actually based on Islamic teachings so as not to make it difficult for adherents.

“In carrying out worship, there are things that can be done in a normal or azimah way, which is when it is done in normal situations. However, in abnormal conditions, worship can be carried out by adjusting existing conditions," he explained.

Therefore, the Vice President emphasized that the handling of COVID-19 is not only for the health sector, but also an important part of religious issues.

“Covid-19 response is not merely a health issue, but is an important part of religious issues. Religious issues that are in accordance with sharia that provide protection and protection," said the vice president.