Islam office advises Muslims to strictly abide by health rules for Ramadan activities
The Sheikhul Islam office of Thailand advised Muslims taking part in Ramadan activities to strictly follow health guidelines to protect themselves against Covid-19.
Office representative Sutham Boonmalert said there is no problem if Muslims in the same household come together to eat after fasting. However, if they arrive from other provinces to join family or friends in eating they should follow health measures by separating their food and utensils.
He advised them to perform their “salah” (prayers) at home if necessary, but they could also do it at mosques, which should enforce social distancing and provide alcohol handwashing gel and sterilisers. Muslims could also pray outside mosques if there is an area to do so, Sutham recommended.
He said the activities should not be conducted in air-conditioned rooms to keep Covid at bay.
For gathering during the Eid al-Fitr feast, Sutham asked mosques to separate food and utensils. He said the best way is for mosques to give food to each house.
He also recommended that Muslims carry out “tahajjud” (night prayers) at home by having a father of the house act as an imam.
While the office suggested large open spaces for prayers, Sutham said elders and children should not pray together at mosques.
Department of Health director-general Dr Suwanchai Wattanaying-charoencha said on Wednesday that several rituals which involve gathering and carrying out activities together are risky.
Muslims taking part in activities together should be fully vaccinated and have a booster dose beforehand, he said.
“They should take an ATK test if they believe they have Covid-19 symptoms or come into contact with any high-risk person,” Suwanchai added.
