MUHAMMADIYAH.ID, JAKARTA - Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia decided to cancel hajj embarkation 2020 since all over the world, including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, are confronting the COVID-19 pandemic.

General Secretary of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti conveyed that it is an appropriate pronouncement.

“It does not break sharia since pilgrims should be economically, mentally, and religiously capable and they should also be safe during the hajj trip. Indeed, the decision does not go against constitutions. Government of Saudi Arabia has not made any decision on the hajj pilgrimage so that Government of Indonesia gets difficulties in allowing the hajj embarkation,” stated Mu’ti on Tuesday (2/6).

He mentioned three consequences of the cancellation. First, the hajj pilgrimage queue is getting longer. Second, the government should think about hajj costs which are already paid and manage by hajj offices and the Hajj Pilgrimage Counseling Group (KBIH). Third, the government should be responsible for the state budget of hajj.

“All people, particularly Muslims, should keep calm and understand the pronouncement. We are now encountering an emergency. May this COVID-19 outbreak be over soon,” expressed Mu’ti.