MUI Allows Saf Congregational Prayers Do Not Have To Keep Distance, Studies Can Be Implemented

Illustration of praying during the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia. (Antaranews.)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has allowed the public to perform congregational prayers by closing the law regarding the decline in the number of national COVID-19 cases. The previous congregational prayer method was asked to stretch.

"The fatwa regarding the permissibility of stretching the rows during prayer is a rukhshah or dispensation because there is an excuse to prevent the spread of the epidemic," said MUI Fatwa Division Head Asrorun Niam Sholeh in a written statement, Thursday, March 10.

Niam explained that by sloping down the case and relaxing social activities, including social distancing rules in public activities, the excuse that was the basis for the dispensation has disappeared.

"Thus, congregational prayers will return to their original rules, be closed. Close the rows in congregation while maintaining health," he explained.

The pandemic situation that is getting better also has an impact on recitation activities in mosques and offices. Niam said that worship activities in the two places can now be carried out normally.

It is hoped that this condition can be used as well as possible to carry out worship. Niam appealed to Muslims in the country to prepare for the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan.

"Soon we will enter Ramadan, for that Muslims need to prepare themselves physically and mentally as well as possible," he added.

Furthermore, Intention reminded that Muslims who optimize Ramadan 2022 to compete in increasing their practice do not forget the condition of the country which is still in a pandemic situation. That's why, he said, for Muslims who carry out worship, the health protocols are still disciplined.

"Ramadan is a momentum to increase worship and religious symbols and build social solidarity. We optimize the symbols but remain vigilant and disciplined to maintain health," he said.

Previously, the government had relaxed various community activities. One of them is that the government no longer requires COVID-19 tests as a condition for land, sea and air travel.

A number of policy relaxations are contained in two Circulars (SE) issued by the Ministry of Transportation, namely SE Numbers 24 and 25 of 2022 concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of Domestic Travel by Sea and Rail Transportation During the COVID-19 Pandemic.