Skip prayers, face jail: This Muslim country introduces strict Sharia laws, skipping them can land you…, not Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Saudi, it is…
Religion is perhaps the most sensitive issue in our world today. Many will raise questions, have discussions, and express concerns about religion because faith and belief are different for different individuals. What may be considered sacred for one population may not be considered the same as for another population, and this always leads to disagreements or discussions, or quite intolerant discourse.
Which country has introduced strict punishments for skipping Friday prayers?
Following any religious practices is a matter of choice. Some people follow religious practices very carefully, others do not. However, this place is giving punishment for not following the religious practices. In Malaysia’s Terengganu state, a new and serious law has been adopted. Under this law, Muslim men who fail to attend Friday Prayers will be sentenced to jail time. This action is called a bold step towards implementing total Sharia law.
Are there any fines in addition to imprisonment?
According to the South China Morning Post report, the Terengganu state in Malaysia has announced that it will start enforcing Sharia law in which Muslim men who do not attend Friday prayers, without a valid reason, could serve a prison sentence for up to two years. The move is generally considered to be proof of the multicultural nation moving further toward religious conservatism.
Terengganu, which is governed by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), announced on Monday that first offenders could now face imprisonment, a fine of up to 3,000 ringgit (US$710), or both, if they fail to attend the weekly congregational Jummah prayer without a valid excuse. Taking 1 USD = Rs 86, therefore, US$710 ≈ Rs 61,060.
What percentage of Terengganu’s population is Muslim?
While speaking to local daily Berita Harian, Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, a member of the state’s executive council, stated, “This reminder is important because Friday prayers are not only a religious symbol but also an expression of obedience among Muslims,” as cited by SCMP.
Terengganu is a largely Islamic and conservative state in Malaysia, with a population of around 1.2 million, 99% of whom are Muslim. Terengganu is a stronghold for the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), and the party won a clean sweep of the state’s 32 assembly seats in the 2022 state assembly elections.
Story Highlights
- Terengganu state in Malaysia has announced that it will start enforcing Sharia law.
- Men who skip Friday prayers will face punishment if they don’t have valid reason.
- They will land in jail and have to pay a fine too.
- Penalties were applied only to those who missed three consecutive Friday prayers.
Notably, Terengganu is also the only state in Malaysia that has no opposition in the state assembly at all. Experts argue that all these measures have political underpinnings. At present, Malaysia is governed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose time in office has been marred by allegations of rising religious conservativeness. Earlier, penalties were applied only to those who missed three consecutive Friday prayers.
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