Reducing Mass Gathering on Congregational Prayer’s During Covid-19 Pandemic in Malaysia According to Al-Ta’seel Al-Fiqhee

Abstract

This paper sought to provide an overview of current mosque situation in Malaysia after the incident of covid-19 pandemic, which necessitated Malaysian Islamic affairs to close the place of worship and reduce mass gathering including Muslim five daily congregational prayers at Masjids as well as weekly congregational prayers in all of the Malaysian states more especially the most affected areas i.e. Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Khedah and Penang. The decision from Islamic point of view according to Islamic Fatwa is backed and supported with Muslims scholar’s Fatwa view according to analogical view (Qiyas) as well as Maslaha mechanism. However, could Islamic Fatwa be sufficient enough to address and attract Muslims congregation in accepting religious authority and mosque management decision for 1m SOP distancing as well as reducing mass gathering in congregations? And how this influence spiritual and health feelings of Muslims after the above-mentioned SOP implemented? The paper has two objectives. First, to identify the current situation of congregational prayers based on 1m SOP in Malaysia and its spiritual effect. Secondly, to analyse the current situation of congregational prayers based on 1m SOP according to Al- Ta’seel Al-Fiqhee. The documentary review of existing literatures and past researches also library research data from classical and contemporary Islamic scholars would be used to present a sound legal theory of successful Fatwa to straighten the decision made by religious authorities and mosque management. Thus, the obtainable data seems to suggest the sufficient enough Islamic Fatwa views to inspiring the adopted decision which influenced spiritual and health feelings of Muslims after the implementation of the 1m SOP.