Minister Yaqut Issues Circular on 2021 Eid al-Adha Prayer, Qurban

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas issued a Circular Letter No. 15 of 2021 concerning the health protocols in the implementation of Eid al-Adha prayer and the qurban sacrificial tradition in 1442 Hijri or 2021.

Yaqut explained the circular is a guide to prevent, control, and break the chain of coronavirus transmission that causes Covid-19. “This is enforced to protect the public,” said Yaqut in a written statement, Wednesday, June 23.

The following are several main rules regarding Eid al-Adha:

1.  Takbiran

Mosques are allowed to perform takbiran (praising God) on Eid evening with a limited number of congregations at 10 percent of the total capacity and under strict health protocols. Takbiran parade, meanwhile, is prohibited to prevent crowds. 

2. Eid prayer

Eid prayer in mosques or open fields in the red and yellow zones is prohibited. However, the annual prayer in mosques or open fields in other zones with low to zero risks of virus transmission can be held at 50 percent of the total capacity.

Elderlies, unhealthy people, and those who have recovered or returned from traveling are not allowed to join the mass prayer.

All congregations are also required to wear face masks, maintain distance from each other, and bring their own prayer mat.

3. Qurban 

The slaughter of livestock or qurban is limited to three days after Eid al-Adha, on 11, 12, and 13 Zulhijjah, to prevent crowds of people. The qurban is recommended to be carried out at the animal slaughterhouse (RPH-R). Performing qurban outside the slaughterhouse is allowed under strict Covid-19 health protocols.

Read: Pandemic Alters Eid al-Adha Animal Sacrifice Ritual in 2020

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