The Tradition Of Spicy Porridge In Medan Grand Mosque Is Abolished, BKM: We Ask God That COVID-19

People crowded the Great Mosque of Al Mashun Medan, North Sumatra on Monday (12/4/2021) night for tarawih prayer (ANTARA)

MEDAN - The tradition of distributing spicy porridge as an iftar menu at Al Mashun Great Mosque in Medan, North Sumatra was abolished this year. This is to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Secretary of the Mosque Prosperity Agency (BKM) of Al Mashun Zaini Hafiz Grand Mosque on Tuesday said the tradition has been abolished since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

"During this pendemi, since a year ago we have also ceased. Because of the call from the government for no crowding," he was quoted as saying by Antara, Tuesday, April 12.

The tradition of distributing typical malay noble food has been going on since the heyday of the Malay Sultanate of Deli.

Usually about 1,000 portions are distributed to residents after Asr, before breaking the fast during Ramadan.

He said since the COVID-19 pandemic changed the habit.

"Later from the district / city iftar here is unstoppable, until later 1,500 people. Hopefully in the coming year, we ask God that COVID-19 disappear," he said.