By: Dodik Prasetyo )*
The Covid-19 pandemic led to the emergence of a ban on takbir around people throughout Indonesia. The tarawih prayer should also be done at home. That is because we are still in the Covid-19 pandemic, so we have to stay home at the same time keep our distance to stay safe and not contract Corona.
Traveling Takbir is a tradition practiced by most people in Indonesia, and is carried out at night, the day before Eid. Old and young people walk around the village carrying torches and saying takbir sentences to welcome the holiday. In urban areas, it is usually done by driving around motorbikes, pickup trucks, and trucks. The participants seemed to want to convoy while touring and celebrating joy because Lebaran soon.
Unfortunately we are still in the Covid-19 pandemic. So that activities such as taking the tour outside the home, are very risky to do, because it can increase the risk of Corona disease. Moreover, there are large-scale social restrictions and physical distancing and stay at home rules that must be obeyed. So if this activity is still carried out it will be considered violating and can be acted upon by the official.
Government officials and the authorities do not prohibit this tour takbir without reason. We do not know anyone who has the potential to carry the Covid-19 virus among the many takbir traveling participants. After all, people who are already sick with Corona’s characteristics are not very visible when seen with the naked eye. So don’t risk your life, just because you follow the annual traveling takbir tradition.
Metro Jaya Regional Traffic Director, Police Commissioner Sambodo Purnomo Yogo stated that it is strictly forbidden to take the tour around Jakarta. There are already many officers who are ready to dispel public vehicles that contain the people who will do it. They stand guard on the main road or the route that is usually passed by vehicles that take the takbiran convoy.
Similarly, tarawih prayers. Worship conducted in the month of Ramadan should only be done at home. MUI has stated that do not tarawih in the mosque. This is stated in the MUI fatwa number 14 of 2020. It is best for Muslims to pray tarawih at home, together with all family members.
Although tarawih prayers are held very carefully in the mosque, for example everyone must wear a mask, bring their own prayer rugs, and there is a distance between pilgrims, and must wash their hands with soap and running water, but still a high risk. If there is just one pilgrim who carries the seeds of Corona disease, then the whole mosque can be infected. Sadly, families at home can also be affected by the Covid-19 virus spread by worshipers.
Do not be reckless around the city and look for mosques that hold tarawih prayers. Fasting is still afdhol, even though at night you only pray tarawih at home. The tarawih prayer in congregation at the musala house is still rewarding, as well as adding closeness between family members. Tarawih worship at home proves that you love your family and protect them from the potential transmission of Corona disease.
During the fasting month of 2020 this was undertaken in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. You may be sad because you cannot pray tarawih in the mosque as usual. You may also be upset at heart because there is a ban on taking takbir around the night before Eid, and losing the excitement to welcome Eid. Be patient and remember that this prohibition arises because it is for the good of us all. Obey PSBB rules, physical distancing, and stay at home, so that the distribution of Corona is not more rampant.
)* The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute (LSISI)