The Indonesian Ulema Council has issued a fatwa that the law of rapid antigen and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or swab test tests does not invalidate fasting.

"The implementation of the swab test as in the general provisions does not invalidate the fast," said Mui Chairman of Fatwa, KH Asrorun Niam Sholeh in his official statement in Jakarta, Thursday (8/4).

Asrorun explained that swab tests can be performed due to sampling of phlegm, mucus, or fluid from the nasopharynx (the part of the upper throat located behind the nose and behind the palate of the oral cavity) and the oropharynx (the part between the mouth and throat). "Muslims who are fasting are allowed to do a swab test for the detection of Covid-19," he said.

In an effort to break the chain of transmission of Covid-19, MUI urges the public to adhere to Covid-19 prevention protocols with the discipline of using maxer, washing hands periodically, minimizing mobility and avoiding crowds.

MUI also encourages the government to be more proactive in supervising the implementation of health protocols in the community. This is solely so that the Covid-19 pandemic can end soon.

"The government to implement and supervise the implementation of health protocols strictly, so that the Covid-19 pandemic will end soon," he continued.

Previously, MUI has also issued a fatwa that vaccination does not invalidate the fast. "Covid-19 vaccination done by intramuscular injection does not invalidate the fast," said Mui Fatwa Head Asrorun Niam Sholeh when contacted in Jakarta, Tuesday (6/4).

Vaccination is currently being conducted as an endeavor to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic through intramuscular injection. Intramuscular injection is performed by injecting drugs or vaccines through the muscles.

In this way, according to MUI, the legal provision that vaccination during fasting will not invalidate the fast. It is stated in MUI Fatwa No. 13 of 2021 on Covid19 Vaccination Law when Fasting.