MUI: Perform Eid Salat With Strict Health Protocol, Don’t Gather

Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council, Anwar Abbas/Antara

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) appealed to the public, especially Muslims, to follow government recommendations regarding the implementation of the Idulfitri 1442 Hijriah prayer to prevent a spike in new COVID-19 cases.

Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council, Anwar Abbas, assessed that the government must provide an explanation in which areas the virus spread is out of control. In addition to issuing the Eid prayer guide, Takbir night, and hospitality during Eid.

According to him, this is to become a consideration for violating the Eid Prayer in the congregation, whether it is held or better, it is eliminated. Even if people participate in these activities at the mosque, the community must apply strict health protocols.

"Do not do the Eid prayers at the mosque. And if they also carry out the program, please carry out the program smartly and firmly. Because otherwise, the risk is enormous. Meanwhile, in religion it is the sunnah of muakad, it is not obligatory. While protecting yourself from danger is obligatory", he said Anwar told VOI, Friday, May 7.

"If it is compulsory to meet, it is the Sunnah that wins the more obligatory. So taking care of yourself is much more important", he continued.

The Chairperson of PP Muhammadiyah for the 2015-2020 period urged the public not to gather or crowd at Takbir nights or during gatherings on Eid days.

"The point is, don't get together and there are crowds. Takbir go ahead, but the violation is regulated not to violate the health protocol", explained Anwar.

Meanwhile, for the implementation of Eid Prayer, the former Secretary-general of MUI asked the government, community leaders, and religious leaders to provide infrastructure in case there is no violation of health protocols so that activities can be carried out properly.

"The safe distance is 1.5 to 2 meters. Because of that, there will be implications. Usually, we pray in mosques, in fields, now that the prokes are full. That means we need two, three places so we don't pile up. Create a new place to hold Eid Prayer, so the health protocol can be noticed", said Anwar Abbas.