Mosques No Place For Dispute, Says Kedah Raja Muda

ALOR SETAR, May 5 (Bernama) -- The Raja Muda of Kedah, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin, has stressed that mosques must never be turned into arenas for conflict or platforms for sowing division, but should instead unite the community.

He said politics in any form must be kept entirely out of mosques, including speeches, religious talks, or even informal discussions that could lead to tension.

“Any political programmes, in whatever form, organised by any party at mosque and surau premises are not allowed.

“Remember, when mosques are kept free from discord, the wider community will also be more peaceful and united,” Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah said at the seminar on the empowerment of Kedah mosques, here today.

The Raja Muda, who is also the Kedah Islamic Religious Council (MAIK) president, emphasised that mosque committees must play an active and responsible role in planning and implementing activities that benefit locals.

His Royal Highness said financial management of the mosque must be transparent, well-organised and properly conducted, with no room for any abuse of power or negligence that could erode public confidence in the religious institution.

Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah also reminded all parties to comply at all times with the directives and guidelines set by MAIK and the State Department of Islamic Religious Affairs, including those governing the use of loudspeakers in mosques and surau.

“Imams and mosque committee members must ensure these guidelines are fully observed. For example, the call to prayer should be made using external loudspeakers, while talks, lectures and other programmes should use internal loudspeakers at a suitable volume.

“This may seem like a small matter, but it can have a big impact on local harmony. Make good use of the facilities with wisdom, be mindful of community sensitivities, and avoid any unnecessary disruption,” the Raja Muda added.

-- BERNAMA