Vice President Asks Ulama To Help Protect People From The COVID-19 Outbreak

Representative Presiden Ma'ruf Amin (Photo: instragram @marufamin)

JAKARTA - Vice President Maruf Amin requested the help of the ulama to protect the people from the spread of the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Including, the distribution of false information or hoaxes circulating in the midst of a pandemic.

"I ask for the help of the ulama to protect themselves and the people from the plague, in the context of himayatul ummah (protecting the people) and also hifdzun nafs (protecting the soul), because this is the obligation of all of us," said the vice president in a written statement received, Friday, 9 July.

Quoting the hadith of the prophet, Vice President Ma'ruf explained that maintaining a clean heart is important as part of efforts to build superior human resources (HR).

Rasulullah, he said, once said that in the human body there is a clot of blood. If his heart is clean, then all is well. But if it breaks, everything is broken.

"Therefore, it is important in preparing superior human resources that we want to build, besides of course having other skills, but the point is in a clean heart," he said.

In addition, Maruf also reminded the public to be careful in choosing the right news. This is because there is a lot of false information about the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also asked the ulema to guide the public so as not to experience confusion in the midst of the current pandemic.

"Kyais, rabbaniyyin scholars who are vigilant are what we need, who can have direct contact with Allah, who can receive inspirations, this is what is needed now. And indeed, Allah has ordered us to invite people to be careful to sort out, you have to be tabayyun first,” said Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.