Dispensation and Adaptation of Islamic Religious Practices Based on Fatwas of the Indonesian Ulema Council During Covid-19 Pandemic

Ridwan

Muhammad Fuad Zain

 

Abstract: Indonesian government designated the Covid-19 pandemic as a national-scale humanitarian disaster and implemented measures like physical distancing and large-scale social restrictions to stop the spread of Covid-19. These measures have social as well as religious implications such as for collective prayers and worships in mosques. In implementing the restrictive measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 such as social distancing and lockdowns, the government was supported by a series of fatwas (rulings) issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), which has the authority over religious matters. This article applied a qualitative approach to investigate the MUI fatwas on changing the worship procedures during the Covid-19 pandemic and their role in preventing the spread of Covid-19. The main data sources for this research are three MUI fatwas, government policy documents related to Covid-19, and statements made by the government and MUI leaders to the media. In the Islamic law context, the modification of worship rules and procedures was based on the emerging threat of the Covid-19 pandemic warranting legal dispensations. This article found that the MUI fatwas were in line with religious objectives, especially for protecting lives by breaking Covid-19 infection chains in accordance with the government’s social distancing policy. However, the MUI fatwas and circular letters from the Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs on worship procedures during the Covid-19 pandemic have created a shift in religious practices for Muslims.