MPU Aceh: The Implementation Of Salat Is Not Necessary By Keeping A Distance Of One Meter

BANDA ACEH - Aceh's Ulema Consultative Council (MPU) stated that the implementation of worship in the province would continue as usual, or it was not mandatory to maintain a one-meter distance when praying.

"The implementation of our worship procedures as usual, in Aceh it is not necessary to pray with rows of one meter apart. Because of the conditions, it is still very possible for us to worship in the usual way," said MPU Aceh Chair Tgk Faisal Ali, in Banda Aceh quoted by Antara, Monday, February 7 ..

Previously, the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) again regulated the implementation of religious activities in places of worship, in order to prevent a spike in COVID-19, especially the omicron variant.

The regulation is conveyed through Circular Letter Number SE. 04 of 2022 concerning the Implementation of Worship/Religious Activities in Places of Worship During PPKM Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 COVID-19, Optimization of COVID-19 Handling Posts at Village and Sub-District Levels, and Implementation of the 5M Health Protocol.

The provisions in the circular contain four things, namely places of worship, administrators and managers of places of worship, congregations, as well as socialization and monitoring schemes.

One of the points in the rules also regulates the distance between congregations at least one meter by placing a special mark on the floor, yard, or chair. Until it is not allowed to distribute charity boxes, infaq, collection bags or funds to the congregation.

Regarding this, continued Tgk Faisal Ali, the implementation of worship at mosques in this province continues to run normally as usual without a distance of one meter because Aceh is still in good condition. Unless the situation is no longer possible.

"We don't have things that make us have to worship at a distance. However, if there are new conditions we make a kind of Tausyiah (about the implementation of worship during the COVID-19 period)," said the cleric who is familiarly called Lem Faisal.

Regarding the distribution of charity boxes, continued Lem Faisal, what the Minister of Religion meant was charity boxes that came from outside the mosque and were then circulated to the congregation, and that must be watched out for.

"So there is no prohibition on the charity box for the mosque and that is the right of each of us pilgrims. But what is meant is the charity box from outside that is requested to the mosques, that really needs our caution," said Lem Faisal.