Part 10 - Advisory on conducting Maulid during Phase 2 (English)

“Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.”

Introduction

1. On 30th September 2020, MUIS made an announcement that the number of prayer spaces for daily congregational prayers will be increased. This easing of restrictions will also allow more face-to-face events and religious activities to resume, provided that safe distancing measures are observed. Among the events that may be held during this phase is the observation of the Maulid of the Prophet s.a.w.

2. Maulid events have become a tradition among the Singaporean Muslim community. It strengthens the community’s spirituality through reflections on the lessons learnt from our Prophet’s life, reading his biography and reciting prayers and blessings upon him. This advisory aims to provide guidance on conducting Maulid events at the mosque in accordance with the necessary safety measures throughout this COVID-19 pandemic.

Advisory on conducting Maulid functions

3. Mosques conducting physical Maulid events must abide by the following guidelines:

i. Safe management measures must be observed at all times. This includes registration, temperature screening, filling up health and travel declarations, observing safe distancing and wearing masks throughout the duration of the event.

ii. Maulid events may only be conducted from 18th October 2020 to 30 November 2020.

iii. The number of congregants allowed at the mosque for the Maulid event is dependent on the capacity allocated for each mosque. Mosques must hence ensure that the events held within their premise must not exceed these allocations This can be done by implementing a registration system for congregants who wish to attend the Maulid event.

iv. Taking into account both the time limit and maximum capacity allowed for congregants to be in the mosque, the Maulid event must be completed within one hour and should not be held concurrently with the congregational prayers conducted at the mosque.

v. Those who are unsuccessful in their registration to attend the Maulid event may choose to join it virtually through online platforms instead.

vi. Congregants and the individuals leading the Maulid should be positioned in a manner that is similar to congregational or Friday prayers. The individual leading the Maulid recitation should position himself in the space allocated for the Imam whilst leading the congregants.

Conclusion

4. Maulid and salawat recitation may be conducted at the mosques in conjunction with Rabiulawal 1442H, as long as prevailing safe management measures are closely observed. May Allah s.w.t., by virtue of our deeds and the blessings and salutations that we send upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., fill our lives with blessings and grant us and the global community a way out of this trial that we are facing. Amin Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

15 October 2020
Office of the Mufti
Islamic Religious Council of Singapore