IPOH – Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has given his consent for Friday, obligatory and funeral prayers to be performed at mosques and surau with a maximum of 120 congregants, up from 40 previously, excluding committee members of the houses of worship, beginning tomorrow.
State Islamic Religion and Malay Customs Council president Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini, in a statement today, said the consent was given upon the advice of the Perak Fatwa Committee, as well as the Health Ministry and state National Security Council.
However, he said, all religious activities at mosques and surau in enhanced movement control order areas are still barred.
He said Sultan Idris Shah Mosque, which is the state mosque, Sultan Azlan Shah Mosque here and Ubudiah Mosque Kuala Kangsar, as well as the main mosques in each district, are allowed to have 250 people in a congregation.
“Mosques and surau in military and police camps, universities, colleges and polytechnics are also allowed to have 250 congregants, limited to personnel and campus residents.”
Those allowed to attend congregational prayers are Malaysian men aged from 16 to 70, he said, adding that they are advised to bring along bags to store their shoes, which are taken inside mosques and surau.
Education-based religious activities are allowed at these houses of worship only between Maghrib and Isyak prayers.
“Sultan Nazrin understands the wishes of Muslims to perform prayers at mosques and surau, but he needs to prioritise the health and safety of the people, and take into account the heavy responsibility shouldered by Health Ministry staff fighting Covid-19,” said Annuar.
“Sultan Nazrin also advises all mosques and surau to hold solat hajat daily, to pray for an end to the pandemic, and for life to return to normal.” – Bernama, February 9, 2021
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