Jail for missing Friday prayers in Malaysia

In Malaysia’s Terengganu state, the application of religious laws has taken an even stricter turn. According to a newly adopted rule, harsh punishments have been established for men who miss Friday prayers without reason. This was reported by The Guardian.

According to the new regulation, under Sharia law, men who for the first time fail to attend Friday prayers may be imprisoned for up to two years. In addition, they must pay a fine of 3,000 ringgit (approximately 8.7 million soums) or face both punishments simultaneously. Reports state that the rules came into effect this week, and supervision has been entrusted to special religious patrols and the Terengganu Department of Islamic Affairs.

Previously, those who missed three consecutive Friday prayers could face up to six months in prison or a fine of 1,000 ringgit. Now, however, the penalties have been toughened, sparking heated debate in society.

Critics assessed this decision as being contrary to human rights. One civil society activist stated:
“Such laws bring a bad name to Islam. Religious freedom is not only the right to believe or worship, but also the right not to believe or not to participate.”

Activists described these measures as an open violation of human rights and called on the authorities to abolish the punishment policy. At the same time, a member of the Terengganu State Legislative Assembly, Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, said that the law is applied only as a last resort. According to him, Friday prayers are not only a religious symbol for Muslims but also a vivid expression of obedience and unity.

Interestingly, this law is not new. It was originally adopted in 2001, and in 2016 it was expanded with harsher punishments for offenses such as disrespecting the month of Ramadan and harassing women in the street.

Although Islam is the state religion of Malaysia, the country operates under a dual legal system. On the one hand, general civil laws are applied, while on the other, Sharia courts govern Muslims in matters of family and personal life. The population of the country is 34 million, about two-thirds of whom are Muslims.

Undoubtedly, the new regulation in Terengganu will cause major controversy in society. Because on one hand, the importance of religious practices is emphasized, while on the other, issues of individual freedom and human rights are becoming more relevant.