Explainer | How the coronavirus spread at Malaysia’s tabligh Islamic gathering
- Such events see thousands gather for several days of communal prayers and meals, while some also go door-to-door to proselytise
- Nearly 600 coronavirus cases in Southeast Asia have been linked to the event in Malaysia, including more than half of the country’s cases
The gathering – which was attended by 16,000 people, 14,500 of them from Malaysia – resulted in hundreds of new coronavirus cases throughout the country, as well as cases being spread to Thailand, Brunei and Singapore.
WHAT IS A TABLIGH?
Tabligh events usually see several days of communal prayers, meals and speeches. Attendants stay at the mosque, sleeping there as well, and listen to sermons. A portion of attendants are deputised to cook meals and keep the mosque clean.
Walk-ins are allowed to join the gatherings, some of which can attract millions of people, especially the “ijtima” event – an annual gathering that lasts for three days.
Malaysia’s ijtima this year – held at the Sri Petaling Mosque – was no different to similar events held previously, according to those who attended: two and a half days of prayers and sermons, following which some groups went door-to-door to spread their message.