The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) today clarified that the standard operating procedure (SOP) which requires congregants to have completed two doses and booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccines in order to be able to perform Friday prayers only applies to mosques and suraus in Selangor. This is because SOPs regarding Islamic matters, including the SOPs for Friday prayers are under the purview of the respective state religious authorities.
Previously, a video of a man being denied entry to a mosque in Hulu Selangor went viral due to the individual not completing his booster dose.
As reported by national news agency Bernama, JAKIM deputy director-general (policy) Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff asserted that the SOP for congregational prayers at mosques and suraus in other states than Selangor remain the same and are subject to the decision of the respective state religious authorities.
The JAKIM deputy director-general elaborated,
“I wish to inform that the condition was set by the Selangor religious authorities and only applies to mosques and surau in the state. JAKIM respects the ruling made by the Selangor religious authorities and advises Muslims (in the state) to abide by the SOP set to ensure that efforts to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus achieve their objectives,”
Last Tuesday (22 February 2022), the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) released a circular letter dated 21 February 2022 announcing that two-dose and booster dose completion is required in order to be able to perform Friday prayers at mosques and suraus in the state, effective Friday (25 February 2022).
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Also read: Watch: M’sian Denied Entry Into A Mosque For Not Taking His Booster Shot
