The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has not granted consent for Friday prayers to be held at shopping malls in the state, reaffirming that such prayers should remain at mosques and suraus authorized by religious authorities [1, 2, 3].
The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) requires a written permit to establish places of worship or conduct Friday prayers in any building within Selangor. This policy aims to ensure oversight and uniformity in religious practices [1, 3]. Sultan Sharafuddin's decision aligns with Islamic teachings emphasizing mosques as the primary centers for worship and knowledge [1, 2, 3].
Selangor has 448 mosques and 379 suraus authorized to hold Friday prayers, numbers considered sufficient to serve the state's Muslim population. Senator Datuk Salehuddin Saidin, MAIS chairman, highlighted that these existing facilities are conveniently located, often near shopping malls, allowing easy access for worshippers [1, 2, 3].
He further explained that allowing Friday prayers at shopping malls could reduce attendance at mosques and suraus, undermining their role as key religious institutions. Additionally, non-MAIS appointed personnel serving suraus in malls would complicate governance and disrupt the uniformity of Friday sermons [1, 2, 3].
Currently, one shopping mall surau has a temporary permit to hold Friday prayers due to the absence of a nearby mosque, but this allowance will be revoked once a mosque is built in the vicinity [1, 2].
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan, encouraged other states to consider allowing Friday prayers in malls after positive feedback from the Federal Territories, but Selangor maintains a stricter stance [1, 4, 3]. The Sultan of Pahang also reaffirmed that Friday prayers should remain at mosques and suraus, citing sufficient existing facilities [4].
Selangor's stance was formally announced on July 8, 2026, by MAIS, and the Pahang Sultan reiterated similar principles the following day, July 9, 2026 [2, 4, 3].
MAIS continues to oversee the appointment of imams, bilals, and religious staff to preserve governance in the state’s mosques and suraus [1, 2]. The Sultan’s decision maintains the established religious framework as Selangor moves forward with its existing places of worship serving the community.
