Minister Of Religion Reminded Mosques In Red And Orange Zones To Not Hold Tarawih Worship

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Quomas alias Gus Yaqut (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas emphasized that tarawih and itikaf worship can only be done in mosques or prayer rooms in the green and yellow zones. Its implementation will be limited to only 40 percent of the capacity of the place of worship.

"Meanwhile, in the red or orange zone there is no easing, we will not make concessions," said Yaqut in a press conference broadcast on the YouTube account of the Presidential Secretariat, Monday, April 19.

Then, the public may not hold the night takbir parade. This activity may only be carried out in the mosque or prayer room.

The reason for the government prohibiting traveling takbir is because this activity can cause crowds and have the potential to transmit COVID-19 in the community.

"Therefore, we also place restrictions on takbir activities. We do not allow takbirs to be carried out in mosques or prayer rooms with a 50 percent limitation," he said.

"I think with us being patient, Allah will provide the best way and results for all of us. And, God willing, together with the government and society we take collaborative action to handle the pandemic. I think the pandemic will pass and we will not lose any merit if we prioritize that. mandatory and the sunnah, "added Yaqut.

Previously, the government through the Ministry of Religion had issued a circular which allowed the implementation of tarawih prayers and Eid prayers in congregation during the COVID-19 pandemic while still implementing strict health protocols.

Although it is allowed, in Circular Number 3 of 2021 issued on Monday, April 5, the implementation of tarawih and Eid prayers is limited to only 50 percent of the total space capacity used.

"Eid Al-Fitr prayer 1 Syawal 1442 H / 2021 M can be held in mosques or in open fields with strict attention to health protocols, unless the development of COVID-19 has increased based on the announcement of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19 for all regions of the country or local governments in their respective regions, "read a circular signed by the Minister of Religion, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.

However, the government through the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy gave three provisions that the community must obey.

First, the implementation of tarawih prayer must stick to strict health protocols.

Second, tarawih prayers may be performed in congregations outside the home, but with participants or congregations who are only limited to their community or within their community. That way, congregants from outside the scope of the community are asked not to be allowed to participate in tarawih in that community.

Third, the government requests that the congregational tarawih prayer be kept as simple as possible.