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

Source: Muis Facebook page. Poster for Eid eve
and Eid programmes.

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