Quraish Shihab Reveals a Fatwa that Does Not Oblige Friday Prayer in the Mosque

Kapanlagi.com - The #dirumahaja campaign is currently being widely conducted by the community to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. However, this has caused controversy considering the Friday prayer activity that must be done in the mosque.

In response to this, Najwa Shihab uploaded a new video with her father, Quraish Shihab. The former Metro TV news anchor asked whether Friday prayer is still obligatory in the mosque under the current conditions.

Quraish Shihab explained that there is a fatwa that does not oblige Friday prayer in the mosque. However, it must be in accordance with the following conditions.

1. Explanation of Fatwa

At the beginning of the video, Najwa explained that currently, people are required to increase their activities at home, from working, studying, to worshiping. She then asked if there is still an obligation to perform Friday prayers in the mosque considering the current condition.

Quraish Shihab explained that everyone has agreed that the coronavirus is dangerous to human life. Therefore, it is necessary to take appropriate measures to avoid it.

"From this point, religion states that when performing Friday prayers, people who can be infected or can infect others gather. Therefore, the scholars have issued a fatwa that it is not recommended for those who are concerned about the negative impact on health. It is not recommended for them to attend congregational prayers, including Friday prayers. This fatwa has been issued not only by the Indonesian Ulama Council but also by scholars at Al-Azhar," answered Quraish Shihab.

2. Once Happened in the Time of the Prophet

credit: YouTube/ Najwa Shihab

As someone who has a broad understanding of religion, Quraish Shihab also states that Islam is a religion that always provides convenience. Everything that causes difficulty is always sought to be avoided.

"In the past, during the time of the Prophet's companions, there was heavy rain that made the road muddy. At that time, the call to prayer (azan) was modified. If in the azan there is a phrase that says 'Hayya alashholaah', 'Come to prayer'. Then the call at that time sounded, 'Pray in your own homes'," said Quraish Shihab.

"This is not related to the safety of the soul but related to health and convenience. That is why, according to the Prophet's saying, people who emit unpleasant odors are prohibited from approaching the mosque. 'Whoever eats onions, do not approach the Prophet's mosque'. If even those with a bad smell are prohibited from approaching, let alone people who can cause harm to health (must be avoided). That is the religious view," he concluded.

(kpl/lmp)