KLANG, Jan 28 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj today said mosques and surau must remain institutions of ummah unity that are free from political influence.
The Ruler also forbade politicians from using Islamic houses of worship as platforms to garner support, spread their personal agendas, or hide behind religious speeches.
“Mosques are not political arenas, they are not a field to gain support and personal interests, and are far from a place to plant hate and disunity.
“I do not at all allow politicians who try to hide behind religious speeches and use surau and mosques for their own political agendas, and I do not want to hear that nazir and mosque or surau committee members are directly involved in party politics and hold political appointments.
“This could compromise harmony in the local congregation,” the Sultan said during a ceremony to present letters of appointment to Selangor mosque nazir and imam for the 2026-2027 term, at Istana Alam Shah here today.
“Let it not be that the wrongs of an individual cause the entire mosque institution to be looked down upon, as the Malay proverb goes: ‘Kerana seekor kerbau membawa lumpur, habis semuanya terpalit (Because of one buffalo covered in mud, everything gets tainted’.
“I’m sure that if everyone holds fast to true Islamic teachings centred on the Quran and sunnah, and practises the values of sincerity, Muslim unity would not crumble, but become stronger and able to face any challenge,” His Royal Highness said.
Sultan Sharafuddin also said nazir and imam roles are not political appointments over which to fight for personal interests, but a heavy responsibility answerable to God.
“I do not want to receive any complaints about fighting over appointments as nazir and mosque and surau committee members. Jockeying for roles will only lead to dissatisfaction, enmity and division among congregants, especially Muslims.
“I do not want Malays to be divided over mere greed for position and power, which would only disadvantage the Malay people,” the Ruler said.
Earlier, the Sultan expressed appreciation for the Selangor Islamic Religious Council’s (MAIS) Sermon Committee for its success in preparing Friday sermons that are of quality, thought-provoking, factual, and in line with current developments.
“I appreciate this excellent achievement, as a good Friday sermon text could stand in for a leader to deliver important addresses to shape thoughts, morality, and true Islamic religious practices,” the Sultan said.
Also present at the ceremony were Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, state executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Fahmi Ngah, and state executive councillor for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah.
