Fikri Arigi, Jakarta – Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) stated that mass Friday prayer remains mandatory for healthy people in the green zone or areas with low potential of the coronavirus contagion. Nevertheless, they must comply with a number of virus prevention protocols.

"People who are healthy and in a green zone with low virus transmission potential are bound by the usual obligations. And they must stay vigilant to avoid the infection," said MUI Edict Commission Secretary Asrorun Niam Sholeh during a press conference at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) building in Jakarta on Thursday, March 19.

Asrorun then called on the public to maintain the body's health and hygiene as well as cleanliness of the places of worship. They are also instructed to bring their own prayer rugs.

Meanwhile, for those who are sick or feeling unwell, even in the green zone, are appealed to pray at home or in a private place, he added.

Additionally, MUI restricted Friday prayer at mosques in regions with high virus contagion potential, even for healthy people. "Because it has the potential to threaten people's lives," Asrorun remarked.

Asrorun further reminded that as mass prayers in public areas were prohibited in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, public activities such as in shopping centers, tourist attractions, offices and others were also restricted. "We need to maintain social distance together."

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1321515/mui-mass-friday-prayer-still-mandatory-for-muslims-in-green-zone