“Then, we can see that Islam must provide solutions and Islam must become a lighter. Make Islam a solution, especially during emergencies, rather than adding to the problem," Haedar said in Jakarta.
He said one of the real solutions Muslims could be a part of during the COVID-19 outbreak was refraining from collective worship at mosques.
"We have to provide a solution in the midst of disaster. We (can) worship by following the health protocol to prevent the transmission of COVID-19," he added.
According to him, not worshiping at the mosque during the month of Ramadhan for a while would not mean one is not carrying out religious orders.
However, it would involve worshipping in a different way, he noted.
The appeal not to worship at the mosque, he said, was not an attempt to spread paranoia or excessive fear of the new type of coronavirus, or COVID-19.
He revealed there is a narrative being built by a handful of elements in the community, who have asked believers to not be afraid of the coronavirus. The narrative does not make Islam an enlightened religion, but rather darkens life, he remarked.
“Muslims with strong faith and piety who (make an effort to) avoid deadly diseases and epidemics have not lost their faith. We must endeavor not to be infected with COVID-19. Meanwhile, those who have been exposed can be dealt with together. Islam provides a way out," he stated. (INE)
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Translator: Anom P, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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