Mosques in Singapore will reopen in progressive phases from 2 June 2020. They will offer limited spaces for individual prayer to cater to the needs of mobile essential workers. Congregational and Friday prayers will remain suspended until further notice, announced the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).
Muis noted that while mosques were closed, workarounds were found. Mosque services such as Islamic learning have been moved online, while other services traditionally conducted at mosques such as congregational prayer and communal activities were suspended and carried out at home instead. Zakat beneficiaries continued to receive financial and developmental assistance, and the mosques continued to be the channel for charitable works and doing good during Ramadhan with its key support for the SGUnited Buka Puasa initiative.
Under the first phase of easing of circuit breaker restrictions, Safe Reopening, Muis will introduce maximum precautionary measures to minimise the possibility of a second wave of community infections, and consequently having to close mosques again.
In Phase 1:
From 2 to 7 June – mosques will open from 1 pm to 6 pm. Preschool services at 15 mosque-based kindergartens reopen for K1 and K2 classes.
From 8 June – most mosques will allow individual worship for the five daily prayers; some mosques will continue to offer limited operating hours. N1 and N2 classes to reopen.
Islamic education and religious query services will continue online.
Check-ins with zakat beneficiaries will continue via phone, but urgent face-to-face sessions may be conducted on a needs basis.
During Phase 1, mosques will not organise congregational prayers, including Friday prayers, in line with the national guidelines for places of worship. These will instead be organised in later phases when the overall situation allows.
In addition to regular disinfection of common spaces, mosques have also put in place a physical checking, temperature taking and Safe Entry system*. Mosques will also implement safe distancing measures in terms of distinct zones or marked spaces for worshippers from different households. Mosques will limit the number of persons able to perform worship, in line with national guidelines.
Individuals visiting the mosques must abide by these practices and also bring along their NRIC or scannable personal identification documents for the Safe Entry system. They must adhere to the necessary precautionary measures, including donning masks, bringing their own personal prayer items such as prayer mats, avoiding intermingling with others at the mosque (including no handshakes) as well as avoiding coming to the mosque if they are unwell.
Limited prayer spaces will be provided for the community to perform private worship. In line with the national guidelines, up to five prayer zones will be demarcated, with each zone able to accommodate up to five individuals from the same household.
The community is urged to give priority to individuals performing essential services and who, due to the nature of their work, are unable to perform prayers at a fixed workspace. This will include mobile delivery drivers and riders as well as drivers of personal hire vehicles and taxis.
"We also urge other members of the community who can perform their worship at home to continue to do so," said Muis, highlighting that the elderly and the young are discouraged from performing prayers at the mosques for the time being, in line with the overall guidance to stay at home.
As the rate of community transmission eases, and Singapore moves into the next phase of reopening, Safe Transition and then to Safe Nation, mosques will also gradually ease protective measures to allow for an increased but safe number of mosque users as well as more activities, including congregational prayers. However, measures may also be tightened if the situation worsens, Muis said.
Muis said: "...We urge the community to work closely with mosque leaders to continue to curb the spread of the virus by adopting the necessary precautions when visiting our mosques, and to visit mosques during this period only when necessary. At the same time, our mosques are committed to continuing to serve the socioreligious needs of the community with mosque services continue to be available to the public during this period, including via online channels."
*Safe Entry software tracks the date and time that a person has visited a venue for contact tracing purposes.
Thursday, 28 May 2020
Wednesday, 20 May 2020
Maybank expects more duit Raya to be given online
Maybank has forecast a spike in online festive giving in Malaysia via its platform this year.
Datuk Hamirullah Boorhan, Maybank’s Head of Community Financial Services Malaysia says that the bank is expecting a 30% rise in the volume of eDuit Raya transactions performed, and projects more than RM33 million worth of eDuit Raya being sent amongst family and friends. Duit Raya are gifts of cash given to children in paper envelopes during Eid al-Fitr (Hari Raya Aidilfitri) visits by those who are older.
He added that eDuit Raya has gained much popularity since its launch in 2015. “Over the years,
we have been enhancing the eDuit Raya feature which has contributed to its strong acceptance.
After the Raya QR was introduced in 2018, the transaction volume grew by more than 10 times
while transaction value almost doubled. We continued to see exponential growth in 2019 with more
than 700,000 transactions for eDuit Raya,” he said.
The eDuit Raya can be given in two ways – via Raya QR on the Maybank2u App - a peer-to-peer transaction method whereby the giver scans the receiver's QR code - or via a phone number using the
MAE e-wallet in the Maybank2u App. It is open to all, including non-Maybank customers, who can
sign up for MAE from the Maybank2u App fully online, and start using the feature immediately. MAE is the first and only shari'ah-compliant e-wallet in Malaysia.
Datuk Hamirullah also announced that as an added convenience this year, the bank has expanded
the list of zakat bodies collecting zakat fitrah online. QRPay Zakat Fitrah services will enable customers to fulfil their obligations this Ramadhan via Maybank2u and Maybank QRPay securely and conveniently. With these cashless options, he projected that zakat fitrah payments via Maybank would grow by more than 100% in 2020.
“The convenience in having the eDuit Raya and zakat fitrah online services is particularly significant this year as we have to observe social distancing, crowd control and limit travelling while celebrating this festivity,” he said.
“But as the spirit of giving is important and encouraged during the holy month of Ramadhan and Hari Raya, we want to enable our customers to fulfil their obligations of paying zakat, and keep the tradition of giving duit Raya to their loved ones despite the constraints. With Maybank2u, we can continue to share our blessings and help the less fortunate while prioritising safety.”
Zakat fitrah can be paid online via the Maybank2u website while customers who prefer to use the
QRPay Zakat Fitrah only need to scan the QR code on the respective state zakat board’s websites to
make payment through their Maybank2u App. Currently, 10 State zakat bodies accept payments via
Maybank2u – Kedah, Kelantan, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu and
Wilayah Persekutuan - while Penang, Wilayah Persekutuan, Sarawak and Perak are also able to
accept payment via QRPay.
Maybank is also rewarding customers through the Raya Paling Gempak (RPG) campaign with prizes worth up to RM2 million. During the campaign period, customers can also donate to the less fortunate customers via Maybank2u website and app. Additionally, Maybank2u App users can choose to donate the cash rewards they receive from campaign initiatives to the MaybankHeart’s People’s Campaign, which aims to raise funds for at risk communities during the COVID-19 outbreak. This feature was first introduced in 2019 and raised over RM600,000 in donations for the less fortunate during the various festive seasons last year.
Zakat fitrah is an obligation on a Muslim and his dependents such as his wife, children who have not reached maturity, and parents. The person should possess more assets than he and his dependents need on Eid al-Fitr. If he is unable to pay zakat fitrah, the dependents may pay on it for themselves and on his behalf. For those who fast, it redresses sins that occurred during fasting. The money is given to the needy.
Datuk Hamirullah Boorhan, Maybank’s Head of Community Financial Services Malaysia says that the bank is expecting a 30% rise in the volume of eDuit Raya transactions performed, and projects more than RM33 million worth of eDuit Raya being sent amongst family and friends. Duit Raya are gifts of cash given to children in paper envelopes during Eid al-Fitr (Hari Raya Aidilfitri) visits by those who are older.
He added that eDuit Raya has gained much popularity since its launch in 2015. “Over the years,
we have been enhancing the eDuit Raya feature which has contributed to its strong acceptance.
After the Raya QR was introduced in 2018, the transaction volume grew by more than 10 times
while transaction value almost doubled. We continued to see exponential growth in 2019 with more
than 700,000 transactions for eDuit Raya,” he said.
The eDuit Raya can be given in two ways – via Raya QR on the Maybank2u App - a peer-to-peer transaction method whereby the giver scans the receiver's QR code - or via a phone number using the
MAE e-wallet in the Maybank2u App. It is open to all, including non-Maybank customers, who can
sign up for MAE from the Maybank2u App fully online, and start using the feature immediately. MAE is the first and only shari'ah-compliant e-wallet in Malaysia.
Datuk Hamirullah also announced that as an added convenience this year, the bank has expanded
the list of zakat bodies collecting zakat fitrah online. QRPay Zakat Fitrah services will enable customers to fulfil their obligations this Ramadhan via Maybank2u and Maybank QRPay securely and conveniently. With these cashless options, he projected that zakat fitrah payments via Maybank would grow by more than 100% in 2020.
“The convenience in having the eDuit Raya and zakat fitrah online services is particularly significant this year as we have to observe social distancing, crowd control and limit travelling while celebrating this festivity,” he said.
“But as the spirit of giving is important and encouraged during the holy month of Ramadhan and Hari Raya, we want to enable our customers to fulfil their obligations of paying zakat, and keep the tradition of giving duit Raya to their loved ones despite the constraints. With Maybank2u, we can continue to share our blessings and help the less fortunate while prioritising safety.”
Zakat fitrah can be paid online via the Maybank2u website while customers who prefer to use the
QRPay Zakat Fitrah only need to scan the QR code on the respective state zakat board’s websites to
make payment through their Maybank2u App. Currently, 10 State zakat bodies accept payments via
Maybank2u – Kedah, Kelantan, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu and
Wilayah Persekutuan - while Penang, Wilayah Persekutuan, Sarawak and Perak are also able to
accept payment via QRPay.
Maybank is also rewarding customers through the Raya Paling Gempak (RPG) campaign with prizes worth up to RM2 million. During the campaign period, customers can also donate to the less fortunate customers via Maybank2u website and app. Additionally, Maybank2u App users can choose to donate the cash rewards they receive from campaign initiatives to the MaybankHeart’s People’s Campaign, which aims to raise funds for at risk communities during the COVID-19 outbreak. This feature was first introduced in 2019 and raised over RM600,000 in donations for the less fortunate during the various festive seasons last year.
Zakat fitrah is an obligation on a Muslim and his dependents such as his wife, children who have not reached maturity, and parents. The person should possess more assets than he and his dependents need on Eid al-Fitr. If he is unable to pay zakat fitrah, the dependents may pay on it for themselves and on his behalf. For those who fast, it redresses sins that occurred during fasting. The money is given to the needy.
Monday, 18 May 2020
Muis issues guidance on e-zakat
Muis has been busy looking after the wider Muslim community during Ramadhan against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its activities involve advising Muslims on what they can do during the pandemic as well as providing fatwas and FAQs on COVID-19-related matters.
For example, Muis has issued a FAQ on COVID-19 testing advises that blood serology tests do not invalidate the fast.
Muis also reached out to migrant workers in Singapore, providing 300 workers with prayers and care packs for Ramadhan. Working with the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach and Masjid Maarof, Muis has been distributing 3,500 donated prayer mats to Muslim migrant workers living in dormitories across Singapore, since 7 May.
Muis and mosques are further partnering Free Food For All and The Food Bank Singapore to provide iftar meals to 1,200 Muslim migrant workers staying in various dormitories. The meals will be provided during the last 10 days of Ramadhan, and a gesture to appreciate Muslim migrant workers who have actively volunteered at mosque activities throughout the year and in Ramadhan.
Muis has also suggested helping seniors fulfil zakat obligations through online and digital methods, such as eNETS online payment, PayNow and DBS/POSB iBanking. "In fact, since the start of Ramadhan this year, we have seen a sharp increase in the number of people paying their zakat via e-payment," Muis Chief Executive Esa Masood said on the Muis Facebook page.
"I urge all of us to make use of the convenient digital modes of payment available. Do help your parents with they online process if they find it difficult."
The zakat contributions go in part to support the vulnerable in the Singapore community over Ramadhan.
Muis announced on May 13 that it will disburse $2.01 million to over 6,900 Muslim households on Muis' monthly zakat financial assistance, families referred by Family Service Centres, recipients of Comcare Long Term Assistance and residents of welfare homes. This year, Muis will also deliver food for iftar, as well as Eid hampers, to seniors in welfare homes.
In 2020, Muis said it will disburse more zakat assistance, to help more families and individuals who are in need.
Details:
Check out how to pay zakat
For example, Muis has issued a FAQ on COVID-19 testing advises that blood serology tests do not invalidate the fast.
Muis also reached out to migrant workers in Singapore, providing 300 workers with prayers and care packs for Ramadhan. Working with the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach and Masjid Maarof, Muis has been distributing 3,500 donated prayer mats to Muslim migrant workers living in dormitories across Singapore, since 7 May.
Muis and mosques are further partnering Free Food For All and The Food Bank Singapore to provide iftar meals to 1,200 Muslim migrant workers staying in various dormitories. The meals will be provided during the last 10 days of Ramadhan, and a gesture to appreciate Muslim migrant workers who have actively volunteered at mosque activities throughout the year and in Ramadhan.
Muis has also suggested helping seniors fulfil zakat obligations through online and digital methods, such as eNETS online payment, PayNow and DBS/POSB iBanking. "In fact, since the start of Ramadhan this year, we have seen a sharp increase in the number of people paying their zakat via e-payment," Muis Chief Executive Esa Masood said on the Muis Facebook page.
"I urge all of us to make use of the convenient digital modes of payment available. Do help your parents with they online process if they find it difficult."
The zakat contributions go in part to support the vulnerable in the Singapore community over Ramadhan.
Muis announced on May 13 that it will disburse $2.01 million to over 6,900 Muslim households on Muis' monthly zakat financial assistance, families referred by Family Service Centres, recipients of Comcare Long Term Assistance and residents of welfare homes. This year, Muis will also deliver food for iftar, as well as Eid hampers, to seniors in welfare homes.
In 2020, Muis said it will disburse more zakat assistance, to help more families and individuals who are in need.
Check out how to pay zakat
Saturday, 16 May 2020
Muis advises on Eid during the COVID pandemic
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has advised Muslims against a time-worn tradition - visiting friends and relatives for Eid. This is typically a month-long activity.
This year, the beginning of Eid falls during Singapore's lockdown period, on 24 May 2020. "For Hari Raya (Eid) this year, we may not be able to visit our loved ones, or take comfort in their embrace on this day of celebration," Muis said on its Facebook page.
"Let's continue to be socially responsible and observe a #stayhomeraya for the sake of the ones we love."
Muis pointed out that while the number of new COVID-19 cases in the community has fallen since the 'circuit breaker' or lockdown began on 7 April, the virus is still present in the community and a new wave of transmission can occur from a small number of cases.
"The safe distancing measures implemented during this period can only bring about the intended results when everybody works together to adhere to them. As such, Muslims should abide by the national restrictions on gatherings in public and private spaces, and therefore refrain from traditional Hari Raya visits and gatherings across households," Muis said in an online statement.
Other guidance included:
- Persons going out to purchase festive items should do so individually and keep their trips as short as possible.
- Visits to loved ones in different households, especially elderly family members, should be deferred until restrictions on visits are lifted, except where important care-giving is required.
"The risk to them will be raised if they receive more frequent visits of long duration and high intensity of close physical interaction. It is all the more important to take precautions now and adjust to the new norms, so that we can visit our loved ones later when it is safe to do so, in more Hari Rayas to come," Muis said.
Muis has also planned several initiatives to help Muslims fulfil their religious duties while adhering to safe distancing.
Eve of Hari Raya
Traditionally,
on the eve of Hari Raya, Muslims will congregate at the mosque after
the breaking of fast, for communal prayer calls (تكبير, takbir, referring to the phrase الله أكبر, Allahu akbar). Since mosques are closed, Muis says that the Muslim community should recite the takbir in their own homes together with family members,
led by Mufti Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir and various asatizah online.
The takbir can be heard via YouTube Live on SalamSG TV, Facebook Live on the Muis Facebook page, and on the Facebook pages of mosques. This is the first time this arrangement is being done in Singapore.
Following the online takbir, the Mufti of Singapore will address the community on SalamSG TV on how the community can fulfil its religious duties during Eid amidst the COVID-19 situation. He will be joined by former Mufti Dr Fatris Bakaram and President of Singapore, Mdm Halimah Yacob, as a special guest.
Eid morning
By tradition, Muslims will go to the mosque to perform takbir and Eid al-Fitr prayers, as well as listen to an Eid sermon. With mosques closed, Muslims will celebrate the morning at home with family members of the same household. They can join in the 'live' takbir broadcast via Warna 94.2 FM, or online through the Facebook pages of local mosques.
The Mufti will again speak thereafter, conducting an Eid sermon which will be broadcast over radio and various online channels such as SalamSG TV. This is also a first for Singapore.
Details:
Watch the Muslim.SG short film Jauh Di Mata, Dekat Di Hati on how to celebrate Eid together while apart.
Watch the video guide to performing the Eid takbir
Watch the video guide to performing the Eid al-Fitr prayer
Hashtags:#StaySafeRaya, #StayHomeRaya, #JauhDiMataDekatDiHati, #MuslimSgCares, #JomTakbirSG
This year, the beginning of Eid falls during Singapore's lockdown period, on 24 May 2020. "For Hari Raya (Eid) this year, we may not be able to visit our loved ones, or take comfort in their embrace on this day of celebration," Muis said on its Facebook page.
"Let's continue to be socially responsible and observe a #stayhomeraya for the sake of the ones we love."
Muis pointed out that while the number of new COVID-19 cases in the community has fallen since the 'circuit breaker' or lockdown began on 7 April, the virus is still present in the community and a new wave of transmission can occur from a small number of cases.
"The safe distancing measures implemented during this period can only bring about the intended results when everybody works together to adhere to them. As such, Muslims should abide by the national restrictions on gatherings in public and private spaces, and therefore refrain from traditional Hari Raya visits and gatherings across households," Muis said in an online statement.
Other guidance included:
- Persons going out to purchase festive items should do so individually and keep their trips as short as possible.
- Visits to loved ones in different households, especially elderly family members, should be deferred until restrictions on visits are lifted, except where important care-giving is required.
"The risk to them will be raised if they receive more frequent visits of long duration and high intensity of close physical interaction. It is all the more important to take precautions now and adjust to the new norms, so that we can visit our loved ones later when it is safe to do so, in more Hari Rayas to come," Muis said.
Muis has also planned several initiatives to help Muslims fulfil their religious duties while adhering to safe distancing.
Eve of Hari Raya
 |
| Source: Muis Facebook page. Poster for Eid eve and Eid programmes. |
The takbir can be heard via YouTube Live on SalamSG TV, Facebook Live on the Muis Facebook page, and on the Facebook pages of mosques. This is the first time this arrangement is being done in Singapore.
Following the online takbir, the Mufti of Singapore will address the community on SalamSG TV on how the community can fulfil its religious duties during Eid amidst the COVID-19 situation. He will be joined by former Mufti Dr Fatris Bakaram and President of Singapore, Mdm Halimah Yacob, as a special guest.
Eid morning
By tradition, Muslims will go to the mosque to perform takbir and Eid al-Fitr prayers, as well as listen to an Eid sermon. With mosques closed, Muslims will celebrate the morning at home with family members of the same household. They can join in the 'live' takbir broadcast via Warna 94.2 FM, or online through the Facebook pages of local mosques.
The Mufti will again speak thereafter, conducting an Eid sermon which will be broadcast over radio and various online channels such as SalamSG TV. This is also a first for Singapore.
Details:
Watch the Muslim.SG short film Jauh Di Mata, Dekat Di Hati on how to celebrate Eid together while apart.
Watch the video guide to performing the Eid takbir
Watch the video guide to performing the Eid al-Fitr prayer
Hashtags:#StaySafeRaya, #StayHomeRaya, #JauhDiMataDekatDiHati, #MuslimSgCares, #JomTakbirSG
Hajj deferred for Singaporean pilgrims in 2020
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), in consultation with Singapore's Ministry of Health, has taken prevailing challenges into consideration and decided that as a responsible stakeholder, it is only prudent for Singapore to defer its Hajj 2020 plans for the 900 pilgrims expected to travel this year.
These pilgrims have been automatically rescheduled to go on the Hajj in 2021 instead. Muis will send letters to the affected pilgrims on the details on the deferment of Hajj 2020, and the next steps they should take.
"As of today, KSA has not made an official announcement on the status of Hajj pilgrimage for 2020," Muis noted in an online statement on 15 May.
The organisation explained that the numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths on a daily basis remain high around the world, with the real possibility of further waves of transmission.
"The nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has severely curtailed our mobility to travel, and this will remain so for some time. There remain many uncertainties regarding the spread and impact of COVID-19 on infected patients. The government has issued a travel advisory against travel abroad which remains in force," said Muis.
With the annual Hajj traditionally involving some 2.5 million people from all over the world congregating in Makkah, KSA, Singaporean pilgrims risk contracting the virus if they should participate, Muis said.
According to Muis, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah of KSA issued an advisory in March to Hajj agencies around the world to stop taking on new reservations or payments with respect to Hajj in 2020. Saudia Airlines, KSA's national carrier, also announced the suspension of all international flights until further notice.
"We have full confidence in KSA’s management of the pandemic, and that appropriate measures will be put in place should Hajj proceed. However, Singapore has its own considerations to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Singaporean pilgrims.
"More than 80% of Singaporeans who are scheduled to perform Hajj this year are above the age of 50. The Ministry of Health advised that this category of individuals face a greater risk of complications and mortality if they contract the COVID-19 virus.
"In addition, younger pilgrims who are working have expressed challenges in obtaining leave to perform the Hajj and concerns over their job security, given the challenging economic situation. This is compounded by the fact that Singaporean travellers must serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice upon their return to Singapore," Muis stated.
The organisation shared that pilgrims have already approached Haj General Service Agents (GSA) in Singapore as they need to make personal, family and work arrangements in the coming months. "In past years, pilgrims would usually have made payment and secured their travel arrangements and accommodation before the month of Ramadhan. However, with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly challenging to adequately prepare logistical and administrative requirements for the pilgrimage," Muis said.
Singapore’s healthcare resources are currently fully committed to managing COVID-19 and other pressing hospital requirements. This has also meant that Muis cannot assemble a medical team to support this year’s Hajj delegation.
"The absence of such a medical team will compromise the health and well-being of our pilgrims," Muis added.
"While we want to help our Muslim community to fulfil their pilgrimage, we also have a responsibility to protect the pilgrims and their families, as well as the wider community in Singapore, from the risk of infection."
The Fatwa Committee has convened to discuss the matter and supports the decision for the deferment of Hajj for Singaporean pilgrims to the following year for reasons of their health and safety. The Committee said that in the current context, not all the preconditions for a safe Hajj are met, and therefore, they recommend that the Singapore delegation defer its Hajj plans in order to avoid potential harm. A fatwa has been issued accordingly.
Given Singapore’s circumstances, the Association of Muslim Travel Agents (AMTAS) Taskforce fully supports Muis’ decision to defer the Singapore delegation to Hajj 2021 as well. Muis will continue to work together with AMTAS and its members on ways to minimise the impact of a deferment on AMTAS members as well as Singapore pilgrims.
Should pilgrims have any clarifications, they can contact their respective GSAs or the Muis hotline at +65 6350 5369.
As of 15 May, more than 4.2 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, resulting in more than 290,000 deaths.
These pilgrims have been automatically rescheduled to go on the Hajj in 2021 instead. Muis will send letters to the affected pilgrims on the details on the deferment of Hajj 2020, and the next steps they should take.
"As of today, KSA has not made an official announcement on the status of Hajj pilgrimage for 2020," Muis noted in an online statement on 15 May.
The organisation explained that the numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths on a daily basis remain high around the world, with the real possibility of further waves of transmission.
"The nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has severely curtailed our mobility to travel, and this will remain so for some time. There remain many uncertainties regarding the spread and impact of COVID-19 on infected patients. The government has issued a travel advisory against travel abroad which remains in force," said Muis.
With the annual Hajj traditionally involving some 2.5 million people from all over the world congregating in Makkah, KSA, Singaporean pilgrims risk contracting the virus if they should participate, Muis said.
According to Muis, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah of KSA issued an advisory in March to Hajj agencies around the world to stop taking on new reservations or payments with respect to Hajj in 2020. Saudia Airlines, KSA's national carrier, also announced the suspension of all international flights until further notice.
"We have full confidence in KSA’s management of the pandemic, and that appropriate measures will be put in place should Hajj proceed. However, Singapore has its own considerations to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Singaporean pilgrims.
"More than 80% of Singaporeans who are scheduled to perform Hajj this year are above the age of 50. The Ministry of Health advised that this category of individuals face a greater risk of complications and mortality if they contract the COVID-19 virus.
"In addition, younger pilgrims who are working have expressed challenges in obtaining leave to perform the Hajj and concerns over their job security, given the challenging economic situation. This is compounded by the fact that Singaporean travellers must serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice upon their return to Singapore," Muis stated.
The organisation shared that pilgrims have already approached Haj General Service Agents (GSA) in Singapore as they need to make personal, family and work arrangements in the coming months. "In past years, pilgrims would usually have made payment and secured their travel arrangements and accommodation before the month of Ramadhan. However, with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly challenging to adequately prepare logistical and administrative requirements for the pilgrimage," Muis said.
Singapore’s healthcare resources are currently fully committed to managing COVID-19 and other pressing hospital requirements. This has also meant that Muis cannot assemble a medical team to support this year’s Hajj delegation.
"The absence of such a medical team will compromise the health and well-being of our pilgrims," Muis added.
"While we want to help our Muslim community to fulfil their pilgrimage, we also have a responsibility to protect the pilgrims and their families, as well as the wider community in Singapore, from the risk of infection."
The Fatwa Committee has convened to discuss the matter and supports the decision for the deferment of Hajj for Singaporean pilgrims to the following year for reasons of their health and safety. The Committee said that in the current context, not all the preconditions for a safe Hajj are met, and therefore, they recommend that the Singapore delegation defer its Hajj plans in order to avoid potential harm. A fatwa has been issued accordingly.
Given Singapore’s circumstances, the Association of Muslim Travel Agents (AMTAS) Taskforce fully supports Muis’ decision to defer the Singapore delegation to Hajj 2021 as well. Muis will continue to work together with AMTAS and its members on ways to minimise the impact of a deferment on AMTAS members as well as Singapore pilgrims.
Should pilgrims have any clarifications, they can contact their respective GSAs or the Muis hotline at +65 6350 5369.
As of 15 May, more than 4.2 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, resulting in more than 290,000 deaths.
Thursday, 7 May 2020
Muslim marriages in Singapore may be conducted via video link
The COVID-19 (Temporary Measures for Solemnization and Registration of Marriages) Bill was passed in the Singapore Parliament on 5 May 2020 to allow civil and Muslim marriage solemnisations and registrations to be conducted using video link. All solemnisations conducted in this manner will bear the same validity as in-person solemnisations.
Currently, the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) requires marriage processes to be done in person. Couples have to verify their documents and make statutory declarations in the physical presence of a Commissioner for Oaths. Muslim marriage solemnisations must be conducted in person, in the presence of the Kadi/Naib Kadi and the Wali as well as witnesses.
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmissions, marriage solemnisations were postponed during the circuit breaker (lockdown) period.
With the Act, couples where at least one party is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident will be able to verify documents, make statutory declarations and have their marriages solemnised via a video link. Couples with foreign-issued documents will, however, need to verify their documents and make statutory declarations physically. The video link option will be extended to more couples over time.
All parties involved in video-link solemnisations must be physically present in Singapore, in accordance with AMLA. The Office of the Mufti also confirmed that marriages conducted through video link are equally valid under Islamic law, so long as all the conditions for a nikah (marriage contract) are satisfied. The Office of the Mufti has issued an irsyad, which notes:
"In principle, the use of videoconference for marriage and divorce proceedings is an administrative arrangement that does not affect the validity or otherwise of such proceedings. The Fatwa Committee issued a fatwa in 1999 which permits the use of videoconferencing methods to discuss the wife’s divorce application and to verify the husband’s pronouncement of divorce in prison, without the need for the husband to appear in court.
"In view of current circumstances where safe distancing must be observed to contain the spread of COVID-19, the Office of the Mufti is of the opinion that solemnisers at the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) may solemnise marriages via video conference if the need arises, as long as they can ensure that all the conditions set out under Islamic law on the validity of the nikah are fulfilled. These include ascertaining the identities of all parties involved and that there are no objections and/or impediments to the nikah as recognised under Islamic law."
To ensure that necessary safeguards are in place under the new law, the Registrar of Muslim Marriages will have the discretion to decide which couples may use the video-link process to verify documents and make statutory declarations
The Act will be implemented in the second half of May 2020.
Currently, the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) requires marriage processes to be done in person. Couples have to verify their documents and make statutory declarations in the physical presence of a Commissioner for Oaths. Muslim marriage solemnisations must be conducted in person, in the presence of the Kadi/Naib Kadi and the Wali as well as witnesses.
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmissions, marriage solemnisations were postponed during the circuit breaker (lockdown) period.
With the Act, couples where at least one party is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident will be able to verify documents, make statutory declarations and have their marriages solemnised via a video link. Couples with foreign-issued documents will, however, need to verify their documents and make statutory declarations physically. The video link option will be extended to more couples over time.
All parties involved in video-link solemnisations must be physically present in Singapore, in accordance with AMLA. The Office of the Mufti also confirmed that marriages conducted through video link are equally valid under Islamic law, so long as all the conditions for a nikah (marriage contract) are satisfied. The Office of the Mufti has issued an irsyad, which notes:
"In principle, the use of videoconference for marriage and divorce proceedings is an administrative arrangement that does not affect the validity or otherwise of such proceedings. The Fatwa Committee issued a fatwa in 1999 which permits the use of videoconferencing methods to discuss the wife’s divorce application and to verify the husband’s pronouncement of divorce in prison, without the need for the husband to appear in court.
"In view of current circumstances where safe distancing must be observed to contain the spread of COVID-19, the Office of the Mufti is of the opinion that solemnisers at the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) may solemnise marriages via video conference if the need arises, as long as they can ensure that all the conditions set out under Islamic law on the validity of the nikah are fulfilled. These include ascertaining the identities of all parties involved and that there are no objections and/or impediments to the nikah as recognised under Islamic law."
To ensure that necessary safeguards are in place under the new law, the Registrar of Muslim Marriages will have the discretion to decide which couples may use the video-link process to verify documents and make statutory declarations
The Act will be implemented in the second half of May 2020.
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