Apology Clarification After His Video Was Criticized, Does Atalarik Syach Still Recommend Praying in Congregation at the Mosque?

Kapanlagi.com - Atalarik Syach sparked controversy for insisting on performing Friday prayers at the mosque some time ago. Amidst the corona outbreak and living in a red zone area, Arik was considered disobedient to government regulations and the fatwa from MUI that prohibits Friday prayers to prevent the further spread of corona.

He previously referred to netizens who criticized him as hypocrites and stirred up controversy again. Now, Atalarik apologizes to all Muslims in Indonesia.

He uploaded a clarification video on his personal YouTube channel @Atalarik Syach. In the 2 minutes and 53 seconds recording, Arik speaks at length about his viral video on social media.

1. Clarification from Atalarik

© YouTube Atalarik Syach

Arik starts his video with an apology to his fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. He admits that he doesn't want to fear the coronavirus, but he fears Allah SWT more.

"Assalamualaikum wr.wb, I, Atalarik Syach, would like to sincerely apologize to all Muslims in the country for my words that have offended or disappointed my Muslim brothers and sisters, which I uploaded on my social media account, Instagram @ariksyach. Me and others who still perform Friday prayers do not mean that we do not comply with or disregard the government's advice not to perform congregational prayers, especially the decrees or fatwas from scholars. Especially now, I am eager to perform congregational prayers, I want to have a stronger faith in Allah SWT. I want to be more confident, I don't want to fear the coronavirus, but I fear Allah more," he expressed.

2. Still Recommend Congregational Prayer Worship?

© YouTube Atalarik Syach

Furthermore, Arik revealed that the mosque should be a place for socializing programs. It is implied that he suggests allowing Muslims to continue congregational prayer worship with some protocols.

"So, I also think that through the mosques spread throughout Indonesia, we can together help the government's program in socializing its health program through the mosque. Because that's where the gathering place for the men, who can then spread it to their relatives at home, especially women," he said.

"I think that if places of worship, not just mosques, can independently protect their congregations so that they can worship comfortably and peacefully. For example, by providing hand sanitizers, creating a sterilization room before entering the ablution area. Only opening one entrance to the mosque, and the congregants can personally undergo thermal scanning, then bring their own masks, prayer mats, and handshakes are not mandatory," continued the father of two.

He admitted feeling sad because Friday prayers were prohibited and many mosques were closed. Even though he wanted to pray together for the corona to pass quickly.

"That's why I feel very sad and disappointed that more and more mosques were closed on April 3rd. Even though we really hope that this corona outbreak can pass quickly with our confidence in worship," he said.

3. Apologize Once Again

© YouTube Atalarik Syach

Arik closed his video with a request for forgiveness once again to all Muslims in Indonesia. He also hopes that he will not repeat the same mistake.

"Alright, I don't want to say anything more except to ask all of you to accept my apology. And if there are still words from me that offend and hurt, me and all of us who will soon enter the holy month of Ramadan, please forgive me externally and internally. Hopefully, I will not make the same mistake," he concluded.

(kpl/phi)