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PRESERVING ISLAMIC PRACTICES IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC ERA

PRESERVING ISLAMIC PRACTICES IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC ERA

Wednesday, 14/07/2021

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Islamic practices of Muslims around the world have been affected because of the arrival of the
COVID-19 pandemic last year.
 
Among the most affected is the Friday prayer, which has been temporarily replaced with the Zohor
prayer.
 
The Friday prayer is essentially compulsory for Muslim men, and neglecting it intentionally is
forbidden. Those who take the rule lightly will incur the wrath of Allah SWT.
 
However, the rule concerning the Friday prayer may be flexed when certain pressing situations exist,
such as the pandemic, where protecting lives is more important.
Other affected Islamic practices
 
There have been many other practices affected, including shaking hands, visiting homes of friends
and relatives, and visiting patients at the hospital.
 
Not to mention ceremonies to celebrate birth of babies or weddings, and gathering to pay last
respects to the deceased.
During last two Ramadan, practices specific to the special month had to be cancelled in observance
of the SOP set out by the government. The Tarawih prayers, performed only during this time of the
year, were sadly absent.
 
Reciting the Quran in groups could not be completed, unlike before. The same is true with feeding
people during breaking of fast. Many organisations had to change their strategy to ensure that the
practice could continue amid the constraints.
 
During the Aidil Fitri celebration in 2020 and 2021, the Aidil Fitri prayer and visits from house to
house were not allowed, in line with the new norms.
 
The coming Aidil Adha
 
Because of the pandemic, the practice of sacrificing the animals, or Qurban, during the last Aidl Adha
was also affected, and so will it during the coming one not too distant from now.
The SOP had to be followed and advice from the Ministry of Health heeded then to prevent the
spread of the COVID-19 infection.
The pilgrimage of hajj and umrah by Muslims was cancelled last year in fear of the safety of Muslims’
lives.
 
This year, the Saudi Arabia government will only allow certain Muslims to perform the pilgrimage,
considering the still worrying state of the pandemic across the globe. So there will be no Malaysians
performing hajj this year.
 
New norms during the pandemic era
During Aidil Adha, the practice of Qurban is normally participated by groups of people from the
same village or nearby communities.
 
The event that runs for three days is very much awaited. This is the time to obtain fresh local meat
for those less fortunate who cannot afford to buy it.
 
During the three days, there are many invitations to Aqiqah feasts. Also for three days the takbir is
recited, making the event more memorable.
Sadly, now in the times of the pandemic, the event only becomes the topic of conversations among
the Muslims.
 
New norms must be observed to protect all lives. The practice of Qurban must be carried out in
compliance with the SOP.
Only those relevant such as family members and the people to slaughter and skin the animals are
allowed at the site.
 
So is it with the pilgrimage of Hajj, the season customarily celebrated in merriment.
Cars flock the airports to send and fetch the Muslim pilgrims. The television carries 24-hour live
broadcast from Mecca, the holy place filled with people from all parts of the world.
These guests of Allah frequent the Baitulihram, seeking His blessings.
 
Now, the season is sorely missed. Last year, Mecca was quiet, without visitors. With no one
surrounding it, the Baitulihram was in clear view. Only the Imam’s recitation of the Quran could be
heard on television.
 
This year, the event will again not be as merry as always. Because of the ongoing pandemic, Hajj
limitations apply. Only those selected may come to Mecca to perform the holy rituals.
 
Preserving the Islamic practices
 
What is worrying is that these religious practices may seem awkward to the young generation
especially children growing up in the pandemic era.
They may not be familiar with these practices and understand their importance in Islam if they are
not told about them.
 
A clearest example is the practice of shaking hands. They may look at the act as disgusting because
they have been brought up never to touch other people.
 
It is therefore important to prevent these Islamic practices from disappearing, by spreading the
information using word of mouth or through social media.
 
These Islamic practices must be replayed over and over until they are retained inside the minds of
the pandemic-era children. These practices may be recorded, relayed, and reinforced to them.
 
It is important that they understand the true identity of good Muslims and practice those deeds as
prescribed by the religion of Islam.
 
Translated by Corporate Communication Office, UMT
 
Original version in Malay written by Dr Isma Rosila Ismail, Lecturer, Centre for Fundamental and
Continuing Education, UMT