Friday prayers at shopping malls may soon expand nationwide, said Dr Zulkifli Hasan

 

STATES are being urged to consider introducing Friday prayers at shopping malls following the encouraging reception received by the initiative at several locations in the Federal Territories.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the programme has gained positive momentum, with efforts already underway to expand it to more shopping centres.

According to him, Friday prayers have been held at several shopping malls, including IOI City Mall, Alamanda Shopping Centre and Suria KLCC, while discussions are underway to expand the initiative to several other locations.

“As for the states, we encourage and welcome any state to join us. Insya-Allah, I believe this good initiative will receive a positive response,” he told reporters after launching the Northern Zone Multaqa Madani Ulama Umara and the Madani Mushaf at Masjid Timah in Permatang Pauh.

Malaysia has more than 6,784 registered mosques, over 1,029 Friday surau and upwards of 18,000 surau nationwide. These are served by around 11,000 imams who receive monthly allowances.

Zulkifli said interest in the initiative has also grown among shopping mall operators, with several managements making enquiries about setting up Friday surau after witnessing the favourable public response.

He added that malls offering the facility have experienced livelier surroundings and higher visitor numbers.

A number of states, particularly those with densely populated urban areas, rapid development and clusters of high-rise commercial buildings, have expressed interest in adopting the initiative, although discussions are still at the preliminary stage.

“That is why more shopping mall managements are approa­ching us to explore the possibility of implementing the initiative at their premises. Beyond shopping malls, we also plan to expand Friday prayer facilities to other public locations such as transportation terminals, airports and highway rest and service areas to make it easier for Muslims to perform Friday prayers,” he continued.

Separately, Zulkifli said the Rakan Muda Rakan Masjid programme will be expanded across the country as part of efforts to encourage greater youth involvement in mosque activities through religious, community and recreational programmes.

The initiative, introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is being implemented in phases nationwide, including in Penang.

The programme is designed to strengthen young people’s connection with mosques by offering activities that appeal to their interests, including sports, recreational events and community initiatives.

“In the Federal Territories, we have brought together youth committees from more than 75 mosques, which are now actively organising various programmes for the community. The government will also continue to strengthen the role of mosques nationwide as part of its efforts to enhance the administration of Islamic affairs,” Zulkifli said.— Focus Malaysia