Malaysia’s Terengganu State to Jail Those Who Miss Friday Prayers

The Malaysian state of Terengganu has enacted a severe law targeting individuals who do not attend Friday prayers. Under the new legislation, men who miss the obligatory Friday prayers without a legitimate reason could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison. Besides imprisonment, the convicted may also be fined. This decision has ignited widespread international criticism, with many considering it a violation of human rights. This step presents Malaysia as stricter than Islamic nations like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The new rules prescribe that a first-time offender can be imprisoned for up to two years, fined 3,000 ringgit (around $635 USD), or both. Earlier, the penalty for skipping Friday prayers three times was a maximum of six months in jail or a fine of 1,000 ringgit (approximately $212 USD). Signboards will be put up in mosques. The state’s religious affairs department will assist in implementing the rules.