Sarawak postpones ‘korban’ rites for Hari Raya Aidiladha 2021

KUCHING: The current Covid-19 situation and the surge in cases involving Variants of Concern (VoC) has led Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) to postpone ‘korban’ (sacrificial rites) for this year’s Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration in the state.

This was stated in the updated guidelines for the Aidiladha celebration released by MIS, despite Sarawak now in Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

The guidelines also state that open-houses, house-to-house visiting, house-to-house ‘takbir’ activities and grave-visiting are not allowed during the celebration, which falls tomorrow (July 20).

According to the guidelines, feasts after the Aidiladha prayers are also not allowed – it is to be replaced with distribution of packed food to the congregation.

Also not allowed is ‘tahlil’ (recitation of words of prayers and songs of praise) after the Aidiladha prayers.

“These guidelines take effect starting 9 Zulhijjah (July 19) until 13 Zulhijjah (July 23) depending on further directive from the Sarawak Islamic Council.”

Despite many activities not being allowed, mosques and suraus can hold ‘Takbir Hari Raya’, which is allowed for the celebration.

MIS said these would include ‘Takbir Muqayyad’ from Subuh prayer (sunrise) on 9 Zulhijjah until Asar prayers on 13 Zulhijjah, and ‘Tabkir Mursal’ before Maghrib prayer (sunset) on 10 Zulhijjah.

Aidiladha prayers at mosques and suraus are also allowed statewide with the number of congregation limited to enable the observance of 1m physical distancing.

MIS said for Aidiladha prayers at Sarawak State Jamek Mosque, the number of congregation must not exceed 500 people at any one time.

For divisional, district and sub-district mosques, MIS said Aidiladha prayers must not exceed 150 people, while suraus must not exceed 70 people.

“The number of congregation allowed includes mosque officials and management committee members,” it said.

The guidelines also state that wearing of face mask is compulsory, and members of the congregation must have their body temperature scanned as well as register their attendance via MySejahtera or the visitor’s record book.

The congregation is also advised to bring their own ‘sejadah’ (prayer mat), perform the ‘wudhu’ (ablution) at home and not to crowd the entry and exit points. They must also not shake hands with each other.

“The management committee of the mosques and suraus must ensure all doors are open when the congregation exits after prayers,” added the guidelines.

In this regard, MIS stressed that all standard operating procedures (SOP) against Covid19 must be complied with as stipulated by the Sarawak State Fatwa Board, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), Divisional Disaster Management Committee, National Security Council and Ministry of Health.

“MIS may change or amend these guidelines from time to time based on need after approval is received from the SDMC,” it added.