Digitalizing Islamic Rituals: Scholars Fatwa Debate on Virtual Prayers in Indonesia During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to show the impact of covid-19 pandemic in creating new performances in Indonesian ritual practice to avoid crises during the last three years. To do so, we need to analyze the Imam's discourse and deduce the originality of these virtual prayers as they were debatable among scholars. The controversies were because they were included in the category of collective prayers that must be continued in the Mosque and necessitate physical contact. Some progressive scholars from Muhammadiyah such as Wawan Gunawan Abdulwahid and Indonesian activists in civil society like Usman Hamid, have put well-argued legal arguments for the permissibility of virtual Friday Prayers. Such arguments have served pious Indonesian Muslims who desire to fulfil their religious obligations while keeping safe and healthy during a pandemic. Other prominent Imams are opposed to the virtual Friday prayer. This point of view has been argued regarding Islamic tradition and Islamic Jurisprudence in the MUI Majles Ulama Indonesia, Muhammadiyah, and NU official fatwas. However, this debate did not prevent practising Friday prayer on digital platforms well organized by NGOs in Indonesia like the Public Virtue Institution. Digital Islam is interpreted as a solution to face pandemic crises.