Ministry Of Religion Prohibits ASN From Holding Joint Breaks And Open Houses

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion forbids State Civil Apparatus (ASN) in their work environment to hold or attend iftar and Eid al-Fitr Open Houses.

This provision is stated in Circular Letter Number 08 of 2022 which was signed by the Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on March 29, 2022.

"Officials and State Civil Apparatus are prohibited from holding or attending joint iftar, sahur, and/or Eid al-Fitr Open House activities," said the Minister of Religion in a written statement quoted by Antara, Thursday, March 31.

However, for the general public who will hold a joint iftar, the Ministry of Religion appealed to continue to apply health protocols to avoid the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Muslims are also encouraged to fill and improve practices in the month of Ramadan, such as tarawih prayers, iktikaf, tadarus Al Quran, recitation, zakat, infaq, alms, and waqf while still observing health protocols.

The activities of collecting and distributing zakat mal, zakat fitrah, infaq, and alms by the National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas), Amil Zakat Institutions (LAZ), and the community are carried out with due regard to health protocols.

In organizing Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr worship, the administrators and managers of mosques/musalas pay attention to the Circular of the Minister of Religion regarding the implementation of worship/religious activities in places of worship during the Enforcement of Restrictions on Community Activities in accordance with the status of the respective regional level.

Managers of mosques/musalas may open the entire capacity of places of worship up to 100 percent if they are in the PPKM Level 1 area, 75 percent for PPKM Level 2, and 50 percent for PPKM Level 3.

Managers and managers of mosques/musalas are also required to appoint officers who ensure the socialization and implementation of health protocols to all congregations during worship.

The circular also invites missionaries/lecturers to play a role in strengthening the values of faith, piety, unity, harmony, the benefit of the people, and nationality.

They are encouraged to convey the material and language of da'wah that is wise and polite in accordance with the guidance of the Al-Quran and As-Sunnah, and does not contradict the problem of khilafiyah.

"The COVID-19 vaccination can be carried out in the month of Ramadan by following health guidelines," the letter said.

As for takbir, the Ministry of Religion allows it to be held in mosques/or prayer rooms. In the previous SE, takbir activities were advised to be held in their respective homes

As for the Eid prayer 1 Syawal 1443H/2022M, it can be carried out in a mosque or in an open field with due observance of health protocols.

"The use of loudspeakers refers to the Circular of the Minister of Religion Number SE 05 of 2022 concerning Guidelines for the Use of Loudspeakers in Mosques and Musala," the circular said.