For some, praying at home a rewarding experience

The directive prohibiting Muslims from performing Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayers at mosques and surau in Selangor saw many doing it instead in the comfort of their own homes.

They performed the prayers with family members based on the guidelines titled 'Kit Panduan Sambutan Aidilfitri di Rumah' (guidelines on celebrating Aidilfitri at home) published by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).

For Azurun Salamon, 36, although it seemed a little strange not being able to pray at the mosque as in previous years, he saw it as a blessing in disguise for his family.

"This is the first time I am praying at home. Usually, the whole family pray at a nearby mosque together.

'Having to lead the prayer by being the imam and to give the Raya sermon to my family proved to be a rewarding experience, something I had never done before," he told Bernama today.

Jakim published the guideline kit following the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) imposed by the government to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Simple and easy to follow, it contains general guidelines on Hari Raya celebration which are sunat (necessary) and wajib (obligatory) to perform during Hari Raya, the takbir (prayer chants to glorify Allah), Hari Raya prayer and Hari Raya sermon.

"Indirectly, I was able to explain to my two young boys what was happening to the country with regards to COVID-19 based on the sermon prepared by Jakim titled, "Berbeza Tapi Bermakna" (different yet meaningful)," he said.

-- BERNAMA