Foreigners can eventually join Friday prayers - Islamic affairs minister

The government has no intentions of discriminating against foreigners and assured them that they can eventually join Friday prayers.

In a statement today, Islamic Affairs Minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri (photo, above) said all Muslims are regarded as brethren.

"For proof, look at how before the Covid-19 outbreak foreigners are free to use any mosque or surau.

"As I have stated before, the reopening of mosques and suraus will take place in stages beginning May 15.

"God willing, with a bit more time, we will congregate together again," he said.

Zulkifli also urged Malaysians not to mistreat foreigners as Islam was based on the principles of human rights, justice and tolerance.

Meanwhile, Zulkifli said the Special Muzakarah of the Islamic Affairs Council had met on June 9, and it was decided that any changes in the number of people allowed to congregate at mosques and suraus would be decided by the respective states.

For the Federal Territories, Zulkifli said all mosques and suraus in "green zones" would only be allowed to admit a third of their capacity beginning this Friday.

The committees of these houses of worship will have to organise volunteers for crowd control.

"Be it a rotation system or any other system deemed suitable by the committees can be implemented.

"The capacity will be increased in stages based on advice from the Health Ministry and National Security Council," he said.

He said only those below or are sick are not allowed in these premises.

Mosque and surau committees are also required to perform temperature checks at entrances, sanitise their premises and ensure that all visitors record their identities either on paper or through smartphone applications.

Zulkifli also reminded those visiting mosques and suraus to maintain social distancing, wear masks, perform ablution at home, avoid shaking hands and leave the premise in an orderly fashion.

As for kuliah subuh (subuh lectures), these sessions must end within 30 minutes while kuliah maghrib must end by ishak.

"However, I wish to remind mosques and surau committees that there they cannot organise feasts after the kuliah sessions for now," he said. - Mkini