In the Malaysian state of Terengganu, skipping Friday prayers has been made a punishable offence for Muslim men.
According to authorities, skipping Friday prayers without a “valid reason” can lead to a two-year prison sentence, a 3,000 ringgit (about 200,000 Pakistani rupees) fine, or both.
According to the new law, skipping Friday prayers even once will now be considered a crime. Previously, only missing three consecutive Fridays was punishable.
The law has been implemented under the Sharia Criminal Offences Act, and enforcement will be possible through public complaints or patrols.
State Minister Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi clarified that the measure has been taken to highlight obedience and religious awareness among Muslims, and the government will also display awareness banners at mosques.
It should be noted that Terengganu is governed by the conservative Islamic Party, which is the largest party in Malaysia’s parliament and is in power in four states.
The party is in favor of making laws stricter, and has in the past proposed Hudud laws (cutting off hands for theft, stoning for adultery).
