Malaysia’s New Law: Two Years in Prison for Missing Friday Prayers

The state of Terengganu in Malaysia has implemented strict laws for those who miss Friday prayers. Under the new regulations, any Muslim man absent from Friday prayers without a valid reason may face up to two years in prison. In addition to imprisonment, offenders may also be fined. This decision has drawn international criticism and has been denounced as a violation of human rights, presenting an image of Malaysia as more severe than even Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in its Islamic practices. First-time offenders may receive a jail sentence of up to two years, a fine of 3,000 ringgit (approximately $635 USD), or both. Previously, the penalty for missing Friday prayers three times in a row was a maximum of six months in prison or a fine of 1,000 ringgit (approximately $212 USD). Signboards will be placed in mosques to inform people about this rule. Action will be taken based on religious patrols and public complaints. The Terengganu Islamic Affairs Department will also be involved in these campaigns.