Sultan of Selangor Disallows Friday Prayers at Shopping Mall Surau

The Sultan of Selangor has refused permission for any surau or musolla located within shopping centers in the state to hold Friday prayers at this time. Datuk Salehuddin Saidin, Chairman of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), stated that this decision aligns with the Sultan of Selangor's prerogative as the head of Islam in the state. He explained that matters concerning mosques and suraus fall under the state's jurisdiction as per the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution. In Selangor, the establishment and use of buildings as mosques or suraus require written permission from MAIS under Section 97 of the Administration of the Islamic Religion (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003. Salehuddin argued that allowing Friday prayers in shopping center suraus would detract from efforts to develop and populate mosques as centers of worship for Muslims. He believes this could lead to a decrease in congregants at existing mosques and Friday prayer suraus, as Muslims might opt to pray at malls instead. Currently, Selangor has 448 mosques and 379 suraus authorized to conduct Friday prayers, a number deemed sufficient to accommodate the existing Muslim population. He also noted that some mosques and Friday prayer suraus are conveniently located near shopping centers. Salehuddin emphasized that Friday prayer is an important and noble act of worship, more fitting for dedicated mosques and suraus. He added that holding it in shopping center suraus, typically associated with commerce, entertainment, and recreation, requires careful consideration. MAIS must also consider aspects like the appointment of imams, bilals, and other staff, as well as the management and governance of these facilities to ensure compliance with established regulations and policies. The council highlighted potential difficulties in monitoring and control, including ensuring adherence to and uniformity of the Friday sermon provided by MAIS, if staff are not appointed by the council. MAIS did acknowledge that one surau in a Selangor shopping center had been granted temporary permission for Friday prayers due to the absence of a nearby mosque. However, this temporary permission will be revoked if a mosque is built in the vicinity in the future that can accommodate the local Muslim population. MAIS urges all Muslims in Selangor to continue supporting and frequenting mosques and suraus, reinforcing these institutions as centers of unity for the Muslim community.