This year’s Hari Raya Eidilfitri will be exceptionally special since, on 1 April 2022, Malaysia begins the endemic transition phase of COVID-19. All Muslims are excited to celebrate the coming Eid for the first time after two years of complyimg with many restrictions to curb COVID-19. Muslims will be able to celebrate with utmost enjoyment and without limitation. Nevertheless, this situation is not a ticket for being free when celebrating Eidilfitri, regardless of the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
As we all know, Malaysia has entered a transition to the endemic phase and people are also still learning and adapting to live with the COVID-19 virus. In this regard, are we confident enough to be able to maintain the SOPs of COVID-19 properly?
The coming Eid celebration is expected to be livelier than before the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the restrictions of the SOPs have been lifted, including those on business operation hours, no physical distancing to perform the daily and tarawih prayers that were previously enforced to combat the spread of COVID-19. Thus, Malaysians are allowed to carry out more activities including the obligatory and voluntary ibadah in the mosque, shopping and dining out. The easing of movement does not imply that the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. Everyone must continue to adhere to the COVID-19 SOPs in preventing any disruption during the activities of Eid celebration. The freedom that has been granted should be accompanied by some preventive measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
What about the community’s involvement in ensuring that no new variants or clusters emerge during future festive gatherings? The Muslim community must be aware that, despite our joy in celebrating Hari Raya, the COVID-19 epidemic still exists. It is vital to realise that this infectious disease is still prevalent. Locally, COVID-19 has infected 4.4 million Malaysians so far and caused more than 35,000 deaths (data as of 20 April 2022).
In light of the current situation, Muslims should be encouraged to be mindful of the SOPs when visiting friends and relatives during the Eid celebration. Keep in mind that, while the effects of the Omicron variant are not as severe as those of previous variants, they are still triggered by COVID-19. It is also capable of infecting others.
Everyone must understand the significance of the SOPs and self-control in preventing virus transmission. People should be concerned about the importance of self-discipline, maintaining cleanliness, wearing a face mask when going out, and handwashing regularly. These small actions will ensure a future healthy lifestyle.
Indeed, many believe that being infected with COVID-19 with the Omicron variant is not serious because they only have mild symptoms, and some are completely asymptomatic. However, the public must be aware that not everyone may suffer the same symptoms, particularly those people with comorbidities, the elderly, and children.
Currently, people are busy preparing for the Eidilfitri celebration as the holy month of Ramadan is coming to an end. Unfortunately, many people are tempted to overspend during this time of celebration, wasting money on unnecessary items. In celebrating Eidilfitri, Muslims are encouraged to embrace moderation and avoid excessive food, drink, and clothing. As a result, after two years of learning to be modest, this time we should be well adjusted to the norms.
The increase in the cost of living nowadays, particularly the price of goods, may restrain the attitudes of some people who enjoy spending so much that they are willing to go into debt when preparing for Eidilfitri. This clearly contradicts Allah’s words in the Qur’an (surah al-Furqan: 67), which state: “And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate.” Nevertheless, during Ramadhan and previous festive seasons, Muslims have contravened these commandments by engaging in wasteful and conspicuous consumption.
Despite the fact that the country has now entered the endemic transition phase, Muslims are advised not to be overly enthusiastic about holding Hari Raya Eidilfitri open houses. However, if they wish to do so, the number of visitors must be limited, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be followed.
The established SOPs set earlier still need to be implemented to ensure that Malaysia can move to the next phase more safely. Everyone must learn to live with COVID-19 in the least disruptive condition of daily life by adopting public health measures to protect themselves, their families, and communities. In addition, COVID-19 pandemic management needs to shift from reliance on government interventions to individual responsibility and community solidarity.
Without a doubt, this Ramadan and the coming Shawal will not be the same as the previous ones. Nonetheless, now is the time to reflect on ourselves so that we can grasp the immense benefits and blessings that have been offered in these two holy months. The Eid celebration is not a gateway for Muslims into extravagance, but must be modest in all aspects of life. Everybody should take heed of the SOPs for a joyful and cheerful Hari Raya without any emergence of new cases or clusters.