The state of Terengganu in Malaysia has implemented a sharia law that could imprison Muslim men for up to two years for skipping Friday prayers without valid reasons.
Announced by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS)-led state government, this strictly enforced law could subject first-time offenders to imprisonment, fines of up to 3,000 ringgit (approximately $710), or both.
This significant tightening of religious enforcement is occurring in Terengganu, home to 1.2 million people and Malaysia’s only state without opposition representation in its legislative assembly.
The PAS party secured all 32 seats in the 2022 elections, giving it substantial power to implement stricter punishments for religious offenses as Malaysia approaches its next general election due within two years.
The new law represents Malaysia’s shift toward religious conservatism. Previously, only those who missed three consecutive Friday prayers were penalized.
Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, a member of Terengganu’s executive council, emphasized that Friday prayers are “not only a religious symbol but also an expression of obedience among Muslims.
” While Malaysia’s constitution recognizes Islam as the state religion and allows states to legislate on Islamic matters, it also maintains a secular foundation supporting the country’s pluralistic society.
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