DETRACTORS have snubbed the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) for ‘hastily’ organising the Quranic Madani prayers event at the Bukit Bintang touristic enclave this evening (May 8) – just a week after the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 furore by rightist fraternity and religious fanatic groups.
As per its publicity poster, the event themed “Night Reset: United in the Saf (orderly row of worshippers during congregational prayer) features Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar alongside Religious Affairs Minister Senator Dr Zulkifli bin Hasan as the guests of honour.
“Let’s come together to brighten the night with congregational prayers, recitation of Surah Al-Mulk, nasyid performances and a collection of tazkirah that soothes the soul amid the hustle and bustle of the city,” penned JAKIM’s Dakwah Division in a Facebook post.
“Bring along a prayer mat, a calm heart and the spirit of brotherhood to unite in the ranks to seek the mercy and blessings of Allah SWT. All Muslims are invited to attend. 😊”
However, detractors seemed to mock the event judging from FB feedback on grounds that the Madani administration wants to be seen making amends after allowing Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to bulldoze his way with the disgraceful Rain Rave 2026 which goes against the teaching of Islam.
No least was the criticism levelled at the Madani government for “politicising the event” as evident by the confusion “if this is a government programme or a PKR political programme”, no thanks to the image of Nurul Izzah who is also the party’s deputy president on the event poster.
Even prominent socio-political commentator Ab Jalil Backer expressed unease with the programme scheduled from 8pm to 11pm given it makes little sense “praying and reciting the Quran in the middle of Bukit Bintang”.
“Is this dakwah or politics? If you ask me, this is all politics to cover up the disgrace of Rain Rave 2026,” snubbed the CEO of Enigma Fikir Sdn Bhd, a publishing house.
One has to remember that Bukit Bintang is a business centre. If you read the Quran in the middle of the street, all Muslims have to stop listening to the recitation of the Quran.
Then it’s about praying in the middle of a street full of immoral stuff “when the place that Allah loves the most is the mosque and the place that Allah hates the most is the market”.
Does the government want to close all business and entertainment premises during the programme? Don’t ride on religion for politics.
Don’t lower the dignity of the obligatory congregational prayer. – May 8. 2026
