By: Aulia Hawa )*
The public is advised to always carry out strict Prokes in carrying out worship during Ramadan, as has been regulated by the Government. Adherence to the Prokes is an effort to prevent a spike in Covid-19.
During the holy month of Ramadan, every Muslim is obliged to fast, pay zakat fitrah, and perform other sunnah worship such as tarawih prayers, giving alms, and so on. All activities in the month of Ramadan are regulated by the government so that the situation remains conducive and in accordance with Prokes.
The government’s spokesman for the handling of the corona virus, Professor Wiku Adisasmito, stated that although the government had given easing, the public was still asked not to lower their vigilance, especially not to ignore health protocols.
Since a few days before the fasting month, the government announced several easing of health protocols because the situation was quite conducive and the number of Covid-19 patients was below 10,000 people per day. The implementation of activities during Ramadan must be in accordance with Prokes even though the situation is safe, because if there are many violations, there will be an increase in Covid-19 cases.
There are some adjustments in the implementation of activities during the month of Ramadan. First, people can work in mosques but must wear masks. So when there is a recitation, everyone, both the cleric and the congregation, must wear a mask and not only wear a face shield.
For the past two years, we have been used to implementing health protocols in our daily lives. So, the Covid-19 Task Force Team reminded everyone to obey Prokes, not only in their activities but also in carrying out religious activities. Moreover, during Ramadan there are more religious activities carried out by the people such as recitation and sharing of alms packages.
Meanwhile, Tarawih prayers are allowed to be performed in mosques with tight rows. But again, Prof. Wiku reminded, “People still have to wear a perfect mask (covering the mouth and nose) when praying, reading the Koran, and doing dhikr.” In a sense, before going to the mosque, everyone must wear a mask and must not take it off during prayer.
As an additional rule, people are asked to perform ablution at home, so when they are at the mosque they can immediately pray together. By doing ablution at home, you will not wait in line for your turn to use the faucet in the mosque and avoid crowds. They should also bring their own prayer rugs and prayer tools such as mukena, to be more hygienic.
Prof. Wiku added that the public must also wear masks and obey other health procedures when distributing zakat and alms. In a sense, both those who give zakat rice packages and those who receive them must both wear masks for the sake of health, and must be worn correctly. In fact, if possible, use a double mask, with a disposable mask on the inside and a cloth mask on the outside, to strengthen filtration.
Also obey other Prokes such as queuing for zakat in an orderly manner and keeping a distance. In fact, if possible, there is no need to queue, in the sense that the mosque amil committee directly delivers rice to people in need. All these rules are enforced because the pandemic is still not over so we all have to be vigilant and obey the Prokes.
The government regulates the implementation of activities in places of worship during Ramadan so that people can fast and perform other worship smoothly. For example, when you go to the mosque, you must wear a mask and when you pray in congregation, you must also wear a mask. People should also not shake hands directly after finishing the congregation because it is still a pandemic. All people are expected to obey Prokes so that the pandemic ends quickly.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute