Muslim men in the Malaysian state of Terengganu could face up to two years in prison or a fine of 3,000 ringgit (£525) for skipping Friday prayers without a valid reason, under a new enforcement of Shariah law announced on Monday.
The penalty, outlined in the Shariah Criminal Offences (Takzir) Enactment, applies to a single offence of missing the weekly prayer. Previously, only those who failed to attend three consecutive Friday prayers were penalised. Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, a member of the Terengganu State Executive Council, said that punishment would be a last resort after reminders were ignored.
The state government will display banners at mosques and use patrols to enforce the rule. “Friday prayers are not only a religious symbol but also an expression of obedience among Muslims,” Mr Khalil said, according to the Malaysian newspaper Berita Harian.
The move has sparked criticism on social media. Lawyer Aziz Azira wrote on X: “No one disagrees that Friday prayers are obligatory, I just think it's unnecessary to be codified as law as a crime/offence. Advocacy and awareness programs would have been sufficient.”
Terengganu is governed by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), which has long advocated stricter Islamic law. Malaysia operates a dual legal system, with Shariah covering personal and family matters for Muslims alongside civil laws. The announcement follows a February 2024 ruling by Malaysia's top court that struck down 16 Shariah-based laws in Kelantan state, prompting protests by Islamists.
