Hari Raya Visits During ‘Circuit Breaker’ Discouraged, Until Government Lifts Restrictions
With Hari Raya fast approaching, the question at the back of Muslim Singaporeans’ minds will be whether they can conduct the regular festive visits.
Today (15 May), the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) confirmed the dreaded news — visiting relatives during the ‘Circuit Breaker’ period is a big no.
Since authorities have yet to lift restrictions, everyone will still have to abide by them, at least till further notice.
Avoid Hari Raya visits & gatherings across different households
A common practice especially on the first day of Hari Raya is to visit close relatives for meals, and to seek forgiveness.
But with strict instructions to stay in our own homes, continuing the tradition this year seems impossible.
According to TODAY Online, a MUIS statement advised the public to avoid visiting different households, in line with ‘Circuit Breaker’ measures.
The risk of compromising the progress Singapore has made in curbing Covid-19 infections among the community will simply be too high.
Since most will be visiting elderly parents or grandparents who are more vulnerable, they may be jeopardising their safety too.
‘Takbir’ to be streamed online on 23 & 24 May
While mosques will remain closed, rituals like the ‘takbir‘ recitation marking the occasion will still go on, albeit via virtual avenues.
Singapore’s Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir and local religious teachers will be coming together to recite the ‘takbir‘ on Hari Raya Eve (23 May) via the following platforms:
- SalamSG TV’s YouTube ‘Live’
- MUIS’ Facebook ‘Live’
- Respective local mosques’ Facebook ‘Live’
Likewise, the ‘takbir‘ on the first day itself (24 May) will play on mosques’ Facebook live streams as well as Warna 94.2 FM, reports Yahoo.
Families will then have to carry out Hari Raya prayers in their own homes.
At the end of the rituals, the Mufti will deliver a ‘Live’ sermon which you can listen to on Warna or watch on SalamSG TV.
A different celebration for a safer Syawal
Despite the drastic difference to festivities this year, we’re glad that MUIS has found ways to adapt to the changes and still provide an uplifting experience for the Muslim community.
We hope that everyone will be able to cooperate for the time being, for the sake of the community’s safety.
Until authorities lift restrictions, let’s try our best to have a #SaferSyawal.
Here’s a look at how you can still strengthen familial bonds during CB:
Family Celebrates Hari Raya Apart In Viral Video, A Reality We’ll Soon See During CB
Featured image adapted from Muslim SG.
