- VIVAnews/Nurcholis Anhari Lubis
Sarawak – English language will be used as medium for Friday prayer sermons at a new mosque being developed at Jalan Simpang Tiga, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
"This will be similar to the Al-Falah Mosque at Orchard Road in Singapore which has been using English in conducting sermons for its congregation," Johari Openg said when closing the state-level Marhaban competition organised by Sarawak Malay National Association (PKMS) at a local hotel, last night.
He said, "There is already a mosque there. We will redevelop the existing mosque; the land next to it has been acquired for the purpose of expanding the mosque,"
"We will request the Islamic Religious Department for the sermon during Friday prayers there to be conducted in English. This will enable more people to understand the sermon especially non-Malays who are Muslims and not fluent in Malay but more proficient in English. In Singapore, there is a mosque not far from Ascott Hotel where the sermon is in English,” He continued.
Masjid Istiqlal menggelar Salat Jumat berjarak dengan protokol kesehatan ketat
- VIVA/Willibrodus
Abang Johari also said the number of Muslims in Sarawak has increased, with 2020 statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) showing Muslims in Sarawak now comprise 34 per cent of the population.
"Previously, it was about 27 to 28 percent, now it is 34 percent which means the numbers have increased. Some converted to Islam due to marriage, some embraced Islam voluntarily because they had studied the religion," Johari explained.
"The Islamic Information Centre at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee has played an important role as those who want to learn more about the religion can do so there,”
Meanwhile, the Marhaban competition was won by Kumpulan Marhaban Persatuan Melayu Limbang, with Suara Kilauan Majma from Kuching in second and Kumpulan Alhamra B, also from Kuching, placing third.
A total 15 teams took part in the competition.
Abang Johari praised the effort by PKMS in preserving the Marhaban, or ‘berzikir’, which is synonymous with the Malay Muslim community in the state.
Morover, PKMS chairman Wan Ali Tuanku Mashi said the Marhaban is traditionally held when celebrating newborns, ‘potong jambul bayi’ events, circumcision ceremonies, and wedding receptions.
He added the Marhaban is also held during ceremonies commemorating the Prophet Muhammad birthday.
