By Norrasyidah Arshad
KLANG, March 2 — The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has decreed that mosques in the state must be free of both political influences and elements, so as to prevent divisions caused by religious differences.
His Royal Highness has expressed disagreement with places of worship being used as platforms for propaganda by political parties, as it destroys the fellowship between Muslims.
“Religious lectures in mosques should not be used as a platform to insult, slander, slander and insult any quarters.
“When this occurs, it causes long-term conflicts and damages to the bond of Muslim brotherhood,” said Sultan Sharafuddin during the ceremony to present credential letters to over 1,200 nazirs (overseers) and imams at Istana Alam Shah in Klang earlier today.
To this, His Royal Highness has instructed the chairman of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council and the Selangor Islamic Religious Department to prohibit political leaders from using mosques and suraus to deliver party speeches.
“As the head of Islam in Selangor, we are concerned about the importance of unity and brotherhood among Muslims in the state.
“Accordingly, we would like the mosque to be the main basis and medium for the Muslim community to come to an agreement, regardless of differences in rank, position, views and political beliefs,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
The nazirs and the management of mosques were also reminded to make decisions in accordance with the laws, regulations and orders of His Royal Highness.
“Failure to comply with our rules and orders will lead to legal action against those responsible.
“Mosque officials, especially nazirs and imams, must continue to preserve the glory of the mosque as an institution from taint by elements that damage the faith and unity of the Islamic ummah,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
