Malaysia's state threatens to jail Muslims who skip Friday prayer

A man walks into ray of light as he attends an Eid al-Fitrprayer service, held to celebrate the end of Ramadan, at the Federal TerritoryMosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia./ Photo: EPA

(SAP News - Teeravoot Sion) The Guardian reported that a Malaysian state of Terengganu, one of 13 states of Malaysia,has threatened to jail men who skip Friday prayer without a valid reason for upto two years.

The shariah law (Islamic ruling law) inTerenggaru, first-time offenders could be imprisoned for two years and fined3,000 ringgit, or both, according to new rules that have been enforced sincethis week.

The new law was announced by the governing PAN-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) on Monday (18th Aug).

Muslims offer prayers at National Mosque for the Eidal-Fitr in Malaysia./ Photo: AP

Previously, those who missed three consecutiveFriday prayers were jailed for a maximum 6-month or fined 1,000 ringgit.

Worshippers would be reminded of the rules bymosque signage. While the law enforcement will rely on the public and religiouspatrols participating with Terengganu Islamic AffairsDepartment.

Critics have described the measure as"shocking."

“Laws like this give Islam a bad name”, PhilRobertson, director of Asian Human Rights and Labour Advocation.

He said, “Freedom of religion and belief meansfreedom to not believe and not attend. The Terengganu authorities are blatantlyabusing human rights with this draconian law.” He also urged Malaysian PrimeMinister Anwar Ibrahim to revoke these penalties.

Muslims pray during theFriday congregational prayers in Malaysia./ Photo: AFP via Getty Images

Malaysia, a muslim majority country, uses adual-track legal system, in which the Islam is an official religion, but ruleswith secular laws. However, the shariah law is directly used with personal andfamily who believe in Islam, who make up about two-thirds of the country’spopulation of 34 millions.

Copywriter: SiamAssociated Press (SAP) Editorial Department
Pictures: Some illustrations come from the Internet. If there is anyinfringement, please contact us to delete it.
Source of material: official media /online news