Muslim men in Kelantan found to skip Friday prayers three weeks consecutively may find themselves imprisoned for a year.

Those who have reached the age of maturity and have no concrete reason for skipping Friday prayers can be charged, Kelantan Islamic development, dakwah (Islamic propagation), information and regional relations committee chairperson Mohd Nassuruddin Daud said.

They will be charged under Section 104 of the Council of Religion of Islam and Malay Customs (Kelantan) Enactment 1994, which states that an offender can be fined RM1,000 or face a one-year jail sentence, Berita Harian reported today.

“Friday is a noble day. There is no reason for men to skip Friday prayers, which are only held once a week,” Mohd Nassuruddin told the Kelantan state assembly yesterday.

The Meranti assemblyperson said only one man has thus far been charged with the offence.

Mohd Nassuruddin said anyone, including the imam (mosque leader) and the mosque’s committee members, can make a complaint on a person’s failure to perform Friday prayers so that he can be charged.

“Those who want to make a complaint should fill in a form and submit it to the Kelantan Department of Islamic Affairs (Jaheik),” he said.

The department’s enforcement division will then investigate and discuss with the imam, said Mohd Nassuruddin.

“A book will be given to the imam to ask the particular individual to perform prayers at the mosque for three consecutive times.

“The imam will take note of the person’s attendance. If he fails to do as directed, he will be charged.”

Berita Harian also quoted Kijang assemblyperson Wan Ubaidah Omar as recommending that a  committee consisting of women be established to monitor men who do not perform Friday prayers.


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