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Religion
Strengthening spirituality
during trying times
Rokiah Mahmud
Photo by DK
The outbreak of COVID-19 caused
uncertainty, not only among the public but
also the government and public sectors in
the country. Various measures and guidelines
were outlined by the Ministry of Health (MoH),
including the closure of some public areas as
well as limiting the conducting or hosting
of social gatherings, events or weddings in
the country. The decision was expanded to
dine-in services at restaurants, while schools
nationwide were also closed.
Similar measures were taken by the
Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) to close
all mosques, suraus and religious halls in
the country. Congregants were not allowed
to enter as safety measures are very strictly
observed.
On March 16, during a press conference
held at the MoH, Minister of Religious Affairs
Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia
On June 15, the country
entered second phase
of the de-escalation plan
for mosques, suraus and
religious halls.
Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah
Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman announced
the temporary closure of mosques, suraus
and religious halls. The measures were taken
to minimise the risk of infection or the spread
of COVID-19 virus while at the same time to
prohibit social gathering at the venue.
The decision was taken while taking
into consideration and being guided by the
State Mufti
Fatwa
No 02/2020 regarding the
prevention of (avoiding) damage or harm
to further curb the deadly pandemic. The
temporary closure affected daily routine
of congregants who usually perform their
daily prayer at such venues. However, upon
learning on prevention is better than cure,
everyone followed and complied with the
measures. During the closure, only the call
to prayer
(Azan)
continued to be echoed like
usual and onlymosques officials were allowed
to perform their duties. At the same time,
with the continuous closure of the mosque,
the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB)
took the opportunity to carry out a cleaning
campaign and sanitise every mosque in
the country. The work was implemented in
phases involving the private sector and youth
volunteers toassist in thecleaning, fumigation
and sanitising the prayer hall areas. With the
progress of curbing the spread of COVID-19,
in the few weeks leading up to Ramadhan and
Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, Muslims were
advised to carry out the prayers at home.
On June 15, the country entered the
second phase of the de-escalation plan for
mosques, suraus and religious halls.
The re-opening allowed congregants
to perform Friday prayer and the five times
daily prayers. However, women and children
below 15 are still restricted from entering and
performing prayers at mosques, suraus and
religious halls. In addition, as of July 3, those
with a yellow-colour code for the BruHealth
application are allowed to enter.
However, all congregants are reminded to
follow procedures and guidelines as outlined
by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA)
and Ministry of Health (MoH).
Social and physical distancing still are
a priority in efforts to curb the COVID-19
pandemic, to scan the BruHealth QR Code
every time they enter and exit the mosque,
to bring their own prayer mat (standard size),
check their temperature, must wear face-
mask as well as sanitise their hands before
entering all the venues.
Borneo Bulletin, Wednesday July 15, 2020
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