Ministry Of Religion Circular: Eid Prayers In The Field Must Be Coordinated With Local Task Force

Muslims perform the Eid al Adha prayer 1441 H at the Grand Mosque of Darussalaam, Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, Friday (31/7/2020). (Photo: Meaning of Zaezar/Antara).

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion issued a Guidance Letter for the Implementation of Eid Al-Fitr 1442 Hijriah Prayers in Pandemic Situations Eid Prayers in the open field must coordinate with the local COVID-19 Handling Task Force.

"Islamic Holiday Committee/Eid al-Fitr Pray Committee before held Eid al-Fitr prayer in mosques and open fields are required to coordinate with the local government, the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, and local security elements. To find out information on zoning status and prepare supervisors so that the standard health protocol for COVID is carried out properly, safely and under control," read the points of the issued guidance letter on Thursday, May 6, as reported by Antara, Friday, May 7.

In letter number SE 07/2021 in Jakarta, the Eid Al-Fitr prayer can be carried out in mosques or open fields as long as the area is in the green and yellow zone of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, for those living in the red and orange zone should do it at home respectively, in line with the fatwa of the Indonesian Ulema Council and other Islamic mass organizations.

In addition, the implementation of the Eid Prayer in the field/mosque must meet several protocol standards for preventing the transmission of COVID-19, such as congregations not to exceed 50 percent of the room capacity, must be spaced, check body temperature.

Then for the elderly (elderly) or people in unhealthy conditions, just recovering from illness or traveling, it is advisable not to attend the Eid Al-Fitr prayer in the mosque and the field.

All worshipers should keep wearing masks during the Eid prayer and while listening to Eid al-Fitr sermons. Eid al-Fitr sermons are carried out briefly while still fulfilling the pillars of the sermon, a maximum of 20 minutes.

The pulpit used in the holding of the Eid Al-Fitr prayers at the mosque and the field should be equipped with a transparent barrier between the preacher and the congregation. Finally, avoid shaking hands by touching physically.

In the framework of Eid Al-Fitr, it is only done with the closest family and not holding Open House/Halal Bihalal activities in the office or community.

"I ask all levels of the Ministry of Religion to immediately socialize this circulation massively, especially to the mosque administrators and the committees of Islamic holidays as well as the wider community so that it is carried out properly," said Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.