By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
KLANG, Dec 6 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, has called on the committee members of the new Klang Chinese Muslim Jamek Mosque (Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang) to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of deviant teachings within the mosque.
The Selangor Ruler expressed concern over the growing issue of deviant teachings, stating that it not only tarnishes the sanctity of Islam but also undermines the unity of the Muslim community.
“Deviations in faith are a serious threat that must not be taken lightly. Such issues are like a hidden fire that can flare up unnoticed.
“In these end times, slander and confusion among Muslims are rampant, making it easy for the community to stray and fall into misleading teachings,” said Sultan Sharafuddin in his speech at the mosque’s official opening, yesterday.
His Royal Highness also emphasised the role of mosques as unifying spaces for Muslims, regardless of their ethnicity or background.
The Selangor Sultan also encouraged the community to utilise mosques as centres for worship, education, and social activities, ensuring they remain safe and welcoming for all Muslims, irrespective of political affiliations or backgrounds.
Meanwhile, Sultan Sharafuddin urged Muslims to focus on the weekly Friday sermons, which serve as a vital platform for imparting knowledge and guidance.
“In the absence of a caliphate in this era, the Friday sermon represents the voice of the caliph, providing reminders and advice to Muslims.
“The sermon acts as a medium to call upon Muslims to be devoted to Allah and follow the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah teachings, including the Ashari and Maturidi schools of thought,” said His Royal Highness in reference to the two schools of theology generally regarded as representative of mainstream Sunni Islam.
“It is also a means to promote harmony, mutual respect, and the importance of unity among Muslims,” he said.
Earlier, His Royal Highness, accompanied by Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, graced the launch of the Klang Chinese Muslim Jamek Mosque in Bandar Botanik, here.
Constructed on a 2.98-acre site at a cost of RM19 million, the mosque reflects the Sultan’s vision of fostering understanding and mutual respect among people of various faiths.
“I believe that the establishment of the mosque, the first of its kind in Selangor, not only symbolises interfaith unity but also serves as a landmark and a major tourist attraction in the state.
Despite being named Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim, this mosque is not exclusive to Chinese Muslims. To preserve the unity of the Muslim community, it should remain open to all Muslims, regardless of ethnicity.
“This approach also helps prevent misunderstandings among the diverse communities of Muslims. The same principle applies to Indian Muslim mosques across the state,” he stated.
Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang was inspired by the design of a mosque in Xi’an, China, and was conceptualised by Sultan Sharafuddin himself.
Construction of the mosque began in May 2016 with the Sultan’s approval. However, progress was delayed due to the major floods that affected Shah Alam and Klang in 2021.
The mosque, which can accommodate 1,000 worshippers at a time, was completed on July 17 and became fully operational on August 20.
It features lecture rooms, a mortuary room, meeting rooms, administrative offices, imam and bilal quarters, a library, a souvenir shop, and a community dining area.
During its launch, Sultan Sharafuddin received a mock cheque for a hearse donation from Bank Islam (M) Bhd, presented by its chief executive officer Dato’ Muazzam Mohd.
The Selangor Ruler also presented the Selangor Best Mosque Award for the year to Masjid Al Hasanah in Bandar Baru Bangi, Hulu Langat.
The event was also attended by Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
