This rule does not apply to regions accorded as red and orange zones, please worship at your own home. This attempt is aimed at protecting us all in order that we can worship well and calmly.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has urged people living in orange and red zones to worship at home during Ramadhan to avoid COVID-19 transmission.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs had earlier issued worship guidelines for Ramadhan and Eid Al Fitr, permitting tarawih prayers, eid prayers, and seven-minute sermons (kultum) in mosques or yards under some restrictions.

“This rule does not apply to regions accorded as red and orange zones, please worship at your own home. This attempt is aimed at protecting us all in order that we can worship well and calmly,” said Qoumas during an online press conference here on Monday.

People living in yellow and green zones may perform tarawih prayers at mosques or small mosques (musala) while observing the health protocols and following the 50-percent occupancy rule at mosques, he added.

“Ramadhan is a special month. Those who love good deeds, should be happy and take advantage of the privilege in it,” minister said.

“On the contrary, those who still do bad things are urged to stop and do self-introspection. Ramadhan offers chances to improve to be a better person,” he added.

Qoumas also urged people to use the holy month of Ramadhan as an opportunity to educate their minds and become religious persons who tolerate, respect, and appreciate each other despite differences to realize a better Indonesia.

“Marhaban Ya Ramadhan (welcome Ramadhan). Happy fasting. Taqabbalallahu minna waminkum, shiyamana wa shiiyamakum. May God accept our fasting performance and grant our prayers,” he said.

Earlier on Monday, the government through the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced the first day of 1442/2021 Ramadhan will be April 13, 2021, based on the decision reached at an isbat (confirmation) meeting.

“The ‘isbat’ decision was made without any differences. We agree and set the first day of Ramadhan will be on April 13,” the minister noted. (INE)

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