Let us celebrate Eid Al-Adha 2020 along with Covid-19 preventive measures. Early August this year, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid Al-Adha amid the Covid-19 pandemic. While the Coronavirus effects will still overshadow the celebrations, governments worldwide have started lifting public health measures.
Although it is pleasing to have our life get back to normal, it is still our responsibility to be in charge of our health and safety.
To avoid a sharp spike in infections during Eid Al-Adha, here are some Covid-19 health measures.
Coronavirus, Covid-19 health measures to Celebrate Eid Al-Adha
سورة البقرة ١٩٥
وَأَنفِقُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَلَا تُلْقُوا بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى التَّهْلُكَةِ ۛ وَأَحْسِنُوا ۛ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.
Al Baqarah 2:195
In Islamic law, preservation of human life takes precedence over everything else, even over other religious obligations.
Celebrate Eid Al-Adha 2020
1. Eid Al-Adha prayers
Community mosques are taking initiatives to protect congregant prayers by maintaining a social distance of 2 meters between people. Also, mosques require people to put on their protective equipment such as face masks and gloves. Also, bringing your prayer mat is a must.
To avoid crowded meeting points before and after prayers, you can bring a plastic bag to put in your shoes. You can take it with you inside the mosque while praying.
Keeping a distance between praying people means less capacity for people inside the mosques. Therefore, arriving early is important to guarantee a spot. Some mosques have an online registering system where you can book your spot in advance.
However, some people are not advised to go to the mosque. If you’re experiencing a fever, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms, you’d better stay at home.
2. Family and friends
Celebrating Eid Al-Adha with your loved ones can never be missed. You can gather at open areas such as parks while taking precautions, including avoiding sharing rides with non-family members. You could also play sports that involve minimal physical contact. Or you could gather virtually.
3. Stay home
Some people have a higher risk of getting seriously ill. Try to stay home as much as possible if you are an older adult, have a comprised immune system, or have an underlying medical condition.
4. Islamic norms
Some of our essential daily habits of Islam help prevent the spread of disease. Among them are doing wudu’ (ablution) regularly, reciting your daily morning and evening Azkar, greeting people with Assalamu Alaykum instead of shaking hands, and many more.
Last but not least while taking our health and safety precaution, we shall remember that
فَاللَّهُ خَيْرٌ حَافِظًا ۖ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
سورة يوسف
٦٤
God is the best guardian and the Most Merciful of the merciful.
Sarah Yusuf 12:64