TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi issued a circular on the guidelines for prayers during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1441 Hijri amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The letter, addressed to religious affairs offices in provinces and cities/regencies and Technical Management Units (UPT) across the country, was inked on Monday, April 6.

“This circular stands as a guideline for performing prayers that follows the Islamic sharia while preventing and reducing the coronavirus spread as well as protecting Indonesian people from COVID-19 risks,” said Fachrul Razi in a written statement.

Through the circular No. 6/2020, people are advised to have the pre-dawn meal before starting the fast or Sahur and iftar or breaking the fast individually or with family. Thus, sahur on the road activities of mass iftar are inadvisable.

Tarawih, the evening prayer during the fasting month, and Quran recital should also be performed at home. Moreover, Eid prayers that are commonly held massively in an open space, mosque, or field are also canceled.

Therefore, Fachrul Razi expected the Indonesian Ulema Council or MUI to issue an edict or fatwa regarding the matter.

The government also bars road convoys to celebrate the end of Ramadan or locally known Takbiran keliling and post-Ramadan gatherings or halal bi halal to celebrate the holy day of Eid al-Fitr due to the coronavirus outbreak.

DEWI NURITA