YANG di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today decreed that mosques should never be used as a place to insult fellow Muslims, fight, or as a political arena.

Sultan Abdullah said the mosque should be used to lead the way of goodness, as a centre for Muslim activities, and even as a candle to illuminate the local community.

“I would like to send a message to mosque committees throughout Pahang, that they are the trustees of Allah’s house. Therefore, carry out the responsibility in managing this house of Allah with full sincerity, honesty, and trust.

“I do not allow any political party in the house of Allah. Let this be a reminder to all of us and I hope no one disputes this order. It is for the wellbeing and common good of us Muslims and Malays.

“If you want to be political, do it outside the mosque, not inside. I hope the committees will be responsible in this matter. Do not politicise what I said. It does not reflect the sanctity of Islam and the house of Allah. Don’t say I did not issue a reminder,” the king said.

Sultan Abdullah said this when officiating at the new mosque of Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka, Maran, in conjunction with the 63rd birthday of the sultan of Pahang.

The event was also attended by the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah and the Pahang royal family, as well as members of the state administration led by Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

At the ceremony, His Majesty, who is also the Pahang sultan, proclaimed the mosque as Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Mosque.

Sultan Abdullah also expressed his appreciation for the federal government’s RM9.5 million allocation for the construction of the mosque.

“Here, I wish to thank former prime minister Najib Razak, who approved the construction of this mosque. Thank you also to the Pahang government and all those involved from the initial planning until this magnificent mosque stands today as an iconic landmark,” he said.

Sultan Abdullah also said mosques are not only a centre for religious worship, but can be used for other functions including economic activities, sports, associations, learning and community.

“The mosque is a one-stop centre that can be beneficial to the local community. Based on that, the management of mosques must be more far-sighted and proactive to step out of the mosque by visiting parishioners.

“The mosque should be strengthened according to the times because it is the last bastion for the unity of Muslims,” the king said.

Sultan Abdullah also ordered mosque committees to engage those from non-Muslim communities, so as to foster closer ties and enable non-Muslims to better understand the religion of Islam.

The mosque in Maran sits on an area of approximately 4.04ha. – Bernama, September 2, 2022.