People must respect, obey physical distancing rule
PHYSICAL distancing is part of the new normal that we live in. As a result of physical distancing, many aspects of our lives have changed. Religious activities, including assemblies and gatherings, have changed due to physical distancing.
As a measure of compliance, Islamic religious authorities provide a ruling for rows (saf ) during congregational prayers to be made in line with physical distancing.
According to the ruling, people who attend congregational prayers need to distance themselves at least 1m from each other during the formation of rows.
However, the religious ruling to enforce the practice of physical distancing during congregational prayers has sparked debates among the public. This ruling is seen to be uncommon to the usual practice, which emphasises the importance of closing the gap between people during congregational prayers as it completes and beautifies the prayers.
Due to this change, some people disagree with the new practice as they feel it goes against the original religious teachings. Consequently, religious authorities and experts are criticised and discredited for allegedly neglecting the role of preserving Islam.
People should respect the decision made by religious authorities and experts as they have the qualifications to enact a ruling. The decision made by the experts is based on their proficiency in Islamic jurisprudence, as well as their understanding of the current reality to ensure the safety of the public.
Any disagreement must be expressed in an ethical manner and preceded by a complete understanding of the whole process of the ruling.
Normally, congregations are required to fill the gaps during the formation of the rows leaving no space between each of them. Prophclosing
et Muhammad SAW (pbuh) said, “Straighten your rows as the straightening of rows is essential for a perfect prayer.”
However,weareaskedtoobeyAllah within our capability. This is based on Verse 16 of Surah al-Taghabun, “Fear Allah as much as you are able.” According to Sheikh Abd al-Rahman al-Sa’di, this verse also means that the obligation is lifted in the event where people are not able to perform due to shortcomings.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, it is evident through medical and scientific studies that close contact between people will lead to the spread of the virus and endanger lives, especially those in the high-risk category. During congregational prayers, the filling and
of gaps between people will create opportunities for contagion.
Physical distancing is prioritised because it is necessary to stop the spread of the virus, thus protecting lives, based on the Islamic legal maxim: “Repelling harm comes in priority over achieving benefit.”
The new practice will eventually shift to normal when the pandemic ends. We must strive to respect and follow the rules to expedite the process of eradicating the pandemic so that we can return to our normal lives and religious practices.
MOHAMMAD MUSTAQIM MALEK Centre for Science and Environment Studies, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Bhd’s net profit rose 124.5 per cent to RM633 million in the second quarter ended Dec 31 last year from RM282 million in the same period in 2019.
The conglomerate said in an exchange filing yesterday the higher earnings was mainly contributed by the gain on disposal of the group’s 30 per cent stake in Tesco Malaysia of RM272 million (net of tax) and strong performance of the motors division.
Revenue rose 10.1 per cent yearon-year to RM11.24 billion from RM10.21 billion previously.
For the six-month period, Sime Darby’s net profit surged 73.1 per cent to RM914 million from RM528 million in the same period in 2019, while revenue increased 12.3 per cent to RM22.12 billion from RM19.70 billion previously.
Sime Darby has announced a special dividend of 4.0 sen per share and an interim dividend of 2.0 sen per share, payable on May 11.
Group chief executive officer
Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson said Sime Darby’s motors division was the standout performer in the second quarter after almost doubling its profit following the outstanding contribution from its China operations.
“Motors Australia’s performance was also noteworthy given our turnaround of the Sydney dealerships that we acquired in 2019.
“We have been fortunate that demand for luxury cars has remained relatively robust during
this period,” he said in a separate statement yesterday.
Jeffri said Sime Darby completed the sale of its stake in Tesco Malaysia as well as the Jining river ports in China in the second quarter following its commitment to divest non-core assets.
“While we are well positioned
to ride the wave of demand for luxury cars, we remain mindful of the risks from the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the slowing demand for our products and services from the coal mining segment in Australia as a result of the restrictions on coal imports by China.”