ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor's state government has finalised measures to facilitate Friday prayers in schools, particularly as the state transitions to a Saturday-Sunday weekend starting Jan 1 next year.
The move follows a directive from the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, for adjustments to accommodate Islamic practices, especially communal Friday prayers, for students and educators.
Earlier, Abdul Aziz Talib (PAS-Maharani) asked what steps and preparations were being taken by the state government to facilitate Friday prayers after the Jan 1 weekend shift, at the state legislative assembly, held at Bangunan Sultan Ismail here today.
In response, Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee Chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid (BN-Semerah) said key agencies, including the Johor Religious Department (JAINJ) and the Johor Mufti Department, had been involved in extensive discussions since October.
The meetings sought to address logistical challenges and ensure compliance with Islamic requirements.
Fifteen schools under the State Education Department and 11 under JAINJ reported difficulties due to a lack of nearby mosques or adequate prayer facilities.
To address this, a guideline was issued permitting the schools to apply for their surau to be designated as 'Surau Jumaat' or 'Musolla Jumaat'.
Under these guidelines, schools must meet strict criteria, including a location beyond a three-kilometre radius from the nearest mosque, a sufficient number of male Muslim congregants, and facilities that meet Islamic standards, such as proper ablution areas and prayer spaces.
Administrative measures also require establishing a management committee and appointing certified personnel to oversee prayer services.
"The approach aligns with Islamic principles of easing burdens while upholding the sanctity of worship.
"Decisions on applications will be made by the state Fatwa Committee, ensuring compliance with all stipulations.
"For approved schools, additional regulations mandate appropriate attire for imams and bilals, recitation of state-approved sermons, and other procedural obligations to maintain uniformity and respect for the practice," he said.
Mohd Fared later told a press conference outside the hall that a directive has been issued to all Muslim business owners in Johor to close their premises temporarily during Friday prayers starting Jan 1 next year.
He said the directive was to ensure that they could fulfil their religious obligation to perform Friday prayers at mosques.
"This directive applies to Muslim men. They must stop working or conducting business during Friday prayers. It's about respecting their responsibility to observe this religious duty," he said, adding that enforcement will be carried out to ensure compliance.
He also told Muslim employees facing discrimination for taking time off for Friday prayers to lodge complaints with the Johor Labour Department.
Employers who fail to grant sufficient time for Friday prayers or create unnecessary obstacles for workers will face action under the Employment Act, he added.