STATE assemblymen, MPs, and senators are no longer allowed to lead Friday prayers in mosques, said the Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Maidam).
In a statement, Maidam said Terengganu’s Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin was upset that some politicians had given religious lectures or classes, and led Friday prayers without the council’s consent.
“All state assemblymen, MPs, and senators are not allowed to deliver any religious ceramahs, lectures, or teachings in mosques and suraus in Terengganu,” the council said.
“All state assemblymen, MPs, and senators are also not allowed to lead Friday prayers in mosques.”
The council further stated that politicians and activists are prohibited from delivering religious ceramahs or lectures without the council’s permission.
“The committee of all mosques and suraus must ensure that speakers, lecturers and teachers, as well as imams leading Friday prayers, have the necessary accreditation issued by Maidam.
“All religious programmes organised by government agencies and NGOs, held in public areas or government buildings, and must involve speakers, lecturers or panel members accredited by Maidam.
“The Terengganu religious affairs department (JHEAT) will monitor such activities to ensure these instructions are complied with,” it said.
Mosques are regarded as important religious institutions by Muslims and a symbol of the unity of the ummah, according to Maidam.
It further argued that mosques and suraus should never be used inappropriately to create anxiety, restlessness, or strife within the community.
“This includes using mosques and suraus for any activity or programme that is mixed with political elements,” it said.
Similarly, all mosques and suraus in Johor are prohibited from serving as venues for political speeches, according to a decree issued in January by Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the crown prince of Johor.
Tunku Ismail, who also acts as the head of the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ), has banned any individual or politician from discussing politics in mosques and suraus. – March 3, 2023
Main pic credit: Facebook/Yayasan DiRaja Sultan Mizan
