BUKIT MERTAJAM: States across the country are encouraged to hold Friday prayers at shopping malls, following the positive response to the initiative at several locations in the Federal Territories, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan (pic).
He said the initiative was first introduced in the Federal Territories through a collaboration between the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), as it falls under the jurisdiction of both agencies.
“So far, Friday prayers have been held at several shopping malls, including IOI City Mall, Alamanda Shopping Centre and Suria KLCC, while discussions are underway to expand the initiative to several other locations.
“As for the states, we encourage and welcome any state to join us. Insya-Allah, I believe this good initiative will receive a positive response,” he told reporters after launching the Northern Zone Multaqa Madani Ulama Umara and the Madani Mushaf at Masjid Timah in Permatang Pauh here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Malaysia currently has more than 6,784 registered mosques, over 1,029 registered Friday surau, and more than 18,000 surau nationwide, served by a total of 11,000 imam who receive monthly allowances.
Zulkifli said he has also received enquiries from several shopping mall operators interested in establishing Friday surau after seeing the encouraging response to the initiative, adding that malls that have introduced such facilities have become more vibrant and gained more visitors.
He said several states have expressed interest in the initiative, particularly those with major urban centres, rapid development and high-rise commercial buildings, although discussions are still at an early stage.
“That is why more shopping mall managements are approaching us to explore the possibility of implementing the initiative at their premises. Beyond shopping malls, we also plan to expand Friday prayer facilities to other public locations such as transportation terminals, airports and highway rest and service areas to make it easier for Muslims to perform Friday prayers.”
Meanwhile, Zulkifli said the Rakan Muda Rakan Masjid programme will be expanded nationwide to encourage greater youth participation in enlivening mosques through a range of religious, community and recreational activities.
He said the programme, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is being rolled out in stages across the country, including Penang.
The initiative aims to bring young people closer to mosques through activities that match their interests, such as sports, recreational pursuits and social programmes.
“In the Federal Territories, we have brought together youth committees from more than 75 mosques, which are now actively organising various programmes for the community. The government will also continue to strengthen the role of mosques nationwide as part of its efforts to enhance the administration of Islamic affairs.”
