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PETALING JAYA: Islamic authorities in two states have allowed mosques and Suraus to pray on Fridays starting tomorrow, but with strict guidelines that effectively prohibit attendance by the Muslim public.
Authorities in Perak and Johor said that only 12 people, including the imam of the mosque and employees, will be able to attend such prayers.
A similar condition also applies to Hari Raya prayers.
States said mosques will remain closed to the public.
It is understood that several other states will do the same with similar arrangements, about two months after the movement control order (MCO) declared on March 18 to close mosques and suraus across the country.
Mosques will also have to implement various Covid-19 containment measures, such as taking body temperature and ensuring social distancing during prayers.
In remarks by the Perak Islamic Religious Council and Malaysian Customs and the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ), mosques were also given permission to use external speakers to broadcast Friday sermons and Hari Raya to nearby residents.
JAINJ said the unprecedented rules were justified by Islamic jurisprudence, based on the principle of avoiding harm.
He also said that some scholars from the Shafi school of thought allow a minimum number of 12 congregants to lead the Friday prayer.
Last week, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said that Islamic authorities were adjusting SOPs for congregational prayers in mosques.
“The guidelines will be presented to rulers Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Malay as the heads of Islam for the federation and the respective states for approval.
“I think with POE, mosques will be ready to open. The same is the case with churches, Buddhist and Hindu temples and Gurdwaras, ”he said.
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