Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah has given his consent for Hari Raya Aidiladha prayers and the "ibadah korban" (animal sacrificial rites) to be held in the state even though Aidiladha will be celebrated during the recovery movement control order (MCO) period.

Perak Islamic Religious Council and Malay Customs (MAIPk) chief executive officer Shahrul Azam Shaari said the decision was taken after the ruler took into consideration the recommendations from the Perak Fatwa Council and referred to the guidelines of the National Security Council (NSC) and the Health Ministry.

Aidiladha is expected to fall on July 31. 

He said the congregational Aidiladha prayers can be carried out in all mosques and surau (in the state) with the congregation size based on the capacity of the main prayer hall and follow the prescribed recovery MCO standard operating procedures (SOPs) including the one-metre distancing between congregants. 

Women are also allowed to perform the Aidiladha prayers in a special area, and they must be accompanied to the mosque or surau by a mahram (male family member).

“As Aidiladha falls on a Friday and in line with the ulil amri's (ruler's) decree, it is stressed that the Friday prayer is obligatory with the number of attendees based on prayer hall capacity, and adhering to the set SOPs,” he said in a statement today.

Shahrul Azam said Aidiladha and Friday prayers attendance at the moment is only for Malaysians with congregation members’ identity checked and recorded before being permitted into the prayer hall.

Regarding korban, he said only those organised by mosques and surau committees are allowed, from July 31 until Aug 3, must be confined to the house of worship’s yard, and approved by the state’s religious authority and the Veterinary Services Department.

He said attendance during korban is allowed only for Malaysians, and their identity will also be checked and recorded before being allowed to enter the slaughtering and distributing area.

The Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) will be issuing guidelines on the Aidiladha prayers and korban to all mosques and surau committee chairpersons in the state.

“These directives and resolutions are applicable and effective immediately until any new directives are issued from MAIPk,” he said.

- Bernama