File photo shows a worker conducting sanitisation works on the praying hall of Masjid Demak in Kuching. Effective tomorrow, Muslims are allowed to perform congregational prayers in suraus and mosque in Sarawak – subject to strict guidelines set by MIS.
KUCHING (July 6): Muslims in Sarawak are now able to perform congregational fardu (obligatory) and Friday prayers at suraus and mosques, but in limited numbers to allow at least 1m physical distancing between one person and another.
In a statement today, the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) said the application of these guidelines would take effect tomorrow and be in force until the termination of the current Movement Control Order (MCO), or until the announcement of any further instruction set by council that might state otherwise.
It said for the Friday mass prayer at Masjid Jamek (Grand Mosque) Sarawak in Kuching, the size of the congregation must not exceed 400 people at any one time.
For every divisional, district and sub-district mosque, the council said the number of worshippers for the Friday mass prayer must not exceed 200 people at one time; for a surau designated to hold this once-a-week congregational prayer, the maximum number of worshippers should be 100 people at one time.
For ‘solat fardu’ – the five daily obligatory prayers, namely Subuh, Zohor, Asar, Maghrib and Isya, the maximum number of worshippers is limited to 150 people at Masjid Jamek Sarawak; and 100 people at every divisional, district and sub-district mosque, as well as surau.
“Members of the congregation for the fardu and Friday prayers include the surau/mosque officials and their respective management committees,” said MIS.
It said the guidelines were issued after taking into account the current developments of the Covid-19 situation in Sarawak.
“The guidelines are also in line with the state government’s efforts in dealing with the pandemic.
“In addition, other activities at the surau and mosques such as talks, lectures, and Al-Quran study classes are allowed, but subject to the time period and congregation size allowed as per guidelines.
“Specifically, the activities are allowed after Maghrib prayers (after sunset) up until Isya (early night) prayers; and after Subuh prayers (minutes after sunrise) until 7.30am,” said the council.
Previously, the Muslim members of the public were not allowed to perform any congregational prayer at the surau or mosque in Sarawak, following the re-imposition of the MCO, which took effect on May 29 this year.
Meanwhile, MIS said any live-streaming activity via social media involving suraus and mosques would be allowed, but it must adhere strictly to these set broadcasting times – the period between the end of Maghrib prayer and before the ‘azan’ (call) for Isya prayer; the period between the end of Subuh prayer and 7.30am; and the duration of the ‘khutbah’ (sermon) for the mass Friday prayer.
On ‘pengurusan jenazah’ (pre-burial and funeral arrangements), MIS said it would be allowed for death cases not related to Covid-19.
“The presence of the next-of-kin is allowed in suraus and mosques, limited to no more than 10 people at one time – including those handling the ‘jenazah’ – and all are subject to strict physical-distancing practice.
“For the burial ceremony, the presence of people must not exceed 10 people, whom include the cemetery workers. Strict physical-distancing requirement must also be observed.
“However, grave-visiting is still not allowed,” said MIS.
In this regard, the council stressed that everyone must comply with all the standard operating procedures (SOP) as stipulated by the Sarawak Fatwa Board, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and all divisional disaster management committees, as well as the National Security Council and Ministry of Health.
“MIS may change or amend these guidelines from time to time, based on necessities,” it added.