UNS – Nurul Huda Mosque Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held Friday Prayer again based on Rector’s Circular No. 032/NH-UNS/B/VI/2020 regarding Guidelines for Organizing Friday Prayer in Nurul Huda Mosque UNS In Creating Productive and Safe Communities from COVID-19 during Pandemic.
“Starting today, Friday (12/6/2020) Nurul Huda Mosque is reopened for worship, especially Friday Prayer, because it has been closed since 16 March 2020. Due to a better condition, we start to re-open the Mosque, but not completely open, there are several provisions in line with the health protocol,” said Prof. Jamal Wiwoho.
There are several requirements for Nurul Huda Mosque Manager (Takmir) in conducting the Friday Prayer. Among others, preparing officers to conduct and supervise the application of health protocols in the mosque area. Then do regular cleaning and disinfection, limit the number of doors or entrances to facilitate the application and supervision of health protocols. The takmir should provide handwashing/soap at the ablution spot, provide hand sanitizers at the entrance and exit, and provide a temperature check at the entrance.
“Distance restriction must be applied, must regulate the number of prayers, shorten the implementation of worship without reducing the provisions of the perfection of worship, installing an appeal for the application of health protocols in the area of the mosque, and make a statement of readiness to implement a predetermined health protocol,” he added.
Further, there are several requirements applied for the Friday Prayer congregations, namely the congregants are allowed to follow the prayer if they are healthy and are the members of UNS academics. Moreover, the congregant is not allowed to join the prayer if they are under 17 years old or elderly above 55 years old, susceptible to contracting the disease, and possess a congenital illness who are at high risk of COVID-19.
“Congregant must bring their own prayer rug, wearing a mask and already take ablution, bring a container for footwear such as a plastic bag because the entrance and exit door for the mosque will be distinguished, clean hands with hand sanitizer provided by the takmir when they want to enter and exit the mosque, and checking body temperature. For congregant with body temperature higher than 37.5°C, will be given 5 minutes to rest before checked again and if their temperature is not reduced, then they are not allowed to enter the mosque. The congregants must follow the placement accordingly following the sign to maintain a safe distance of at least 1 meter,” explain Prof. Jamal.
Meanwhile, Prof. Ahmad Yunus as the Head of UNS Nurul Huda Mosque Takmir, states that next week the mosque can accommodate approximately 300 congregates Friday Prayer. “Maximum limit is for 200 people, for Friday Prayer here, even though it is limited to UNS academic members, but in reality, there are more than 200 people. Therefore, for next Friday, shaf setting will be reset by considering the health protocol. At least we can add half of the current congregants, thus, we expect to be able to hold around 300 people for next Friday,” explain Prof. Yunus. Humas UNS/Zalfaa
