Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas Issues Circular on Ramadan Prayers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas issued Circular Letter No. 03 of 2021 on guidelines for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1442 Hijri dated Monday, April 5, 2021.

The circular notes rules for the implementation of various Ramadan prayers that involve many people. “The goal is to provide prayer guidelines that are in line with the health protocols and to prevent, reduce the spread, and protect the public from the risk of Covid-19,” said Yaqut in a written statement on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

As quoted from the circular, Muslims are advised to have sahur (predawn meal) and break the fast at home with the main family member. Joint iftar or breaking-of-the-fast gathering or locally known bukber is allowed with limited attendance to 50 percent of the total capacity of the place and prevents crowds.

Mosques are also permitted to hold mass prayers under strict health protocols and limited participants to 50 percent of the place. Congregations are obliged to maintain a one-meter distance from each other and bring their own prayer clothes or mats.

Mosque management could also hold Ramadan lectures for only 15 minutes and must ensure the implementation of the predetermined health protocols.

Moreover, the letter says that Covid-19 vaccination is permissible during the holy month based on the Indonesian Ulema Council’s (MUI) fatwa or edict No. 13/2021 and other Islamic organizations’ edicts.

Eid al-Fitr prayer on first Syawal can be held in mosques or open fields under strict health protocols unless there is a worsening situation of Covid-19 announced by the Covid-19 task force.

Read: Eid Homecoming Ban; Police List People Allowed to Travel

DEWI NURITA