Prohibition Of Traveling Takbir, PBNU: Can Be At Home To Mosques

Documentation - The police raided vehicles used by the community for takbir around the night of takbiran (Muhammad Adimaja / Antara)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Nahdatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board, Robikin Emhas, said that the ban on traveling takbir will not extinguish religious messages. He considered that the ban was appropriate considering the spread of COVID-19 was still not under control and the vaccination program had not yet been completed.

"Takbir tours and various activities that have the potential to prevent crowds should be avoided," Robikin said as quoted from his written statement, Wednesday, April 21.

He said, as a substitute for traveling takbir, people can perform takbir from home, mosque, prayer room, mosque, and various other places of worship. However, its implementation must still comply with health protocols that have been determined by the government.

"In addition, the Muslim community can take advantage of social media with a variety of positive and creative content in celebrating Eid," he said.

Previously reported, the government prohibited the implementation of the takbir night parade. Takbiran night activities may only be carried out in mosques or prayer rooms.

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 50 percent restrictions," said Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, which was broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat YouTube account, Monday, April 19. .

In addition, tarawih and itikaf prayers may only be performed 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," 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, "concluded Yaqut.