Hari Raya Haji 2021 in Malaysia has arrived! With the ongoing pandemic and COVID-19 vaccinations, celebrations this year will no doubt be different. If you're wondering how it'll take place, here are some of the SOPs and guidelines you should know.
Hari Raya Haji 2021 Malaysia: SOPs and guidelines
Prayers, sermons and sacrificial rites at mosques and suraus are allowed in selected areas
According to Malay Mail, the government has allowed the 'takbir raya' at mosques and suraus in areas that transitioned to Phase Two of the Movement Control under the National Recovery Plan (NRP). Currently, these states include Perlis, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Sabanh and Sarawak. Aidiladha prayers and sermons will also be permitted in approved areas for states under Phase One. Check out some of the mosque and surau SOPs highlighted by The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM):
- Limited number of congregants allowed in mosques or suraus.
- Body temperature check required.
- Management to provide hand sanitisers and record congregants' details.
- Regular sanitisation of prayer rooms, restrooms and ablution areas.
- Mosques and suraus to be opened only an hour before prayers commence and closed once Aidiladha prayers are completed.
JAKIM has also stated that the animal sacrificial rites are allowed subject to the SOPs as well as permission from state religious authorities.
No Hari Raya visits or open houses
All types of social gatherings such as house-to-house visits, feasts after prayers, visiting graves, open houses and Hari Raya ceremonies, are not allowed.
As Malaysians continue to pull through the pandemic along with the rest of the world, we hope that everyone does their part in staying safe and observing safety rules so that we'll be able to return to celebrations like Hari Raya Haji in person by this time next year ?
Celebrate Hari Raya Haji (safely) by enjoying a feast with your loved ones at home: