Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah warns against using mosques for politics, calls for transparent fund management and unity among Muslims.
SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor has decreed that mosques and suraus must remain completely free from partisan political influence.
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said these places of worship must not be used as platforms to advance personal or political agendas.
“I will not tolerate politicians who attempt to hide behind religious talks and use mosques and suraus to serve their respective political agendas,” he said.
His Royal Highness stated this at the presentation of appointment instruments to 850 nazirs and imams at Istana Alam Shah in Klang.
He emphasised that mosques are centres for worship, dakwah and unity, not political arenas for sowing division.
The Sultan also warned against mosque officials holding political positions, saying this could disrupt local harmony.
He stressed that the roles of nazir and imam are sacred trusts, not political posts to be contested for personal gain.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he does not want to hear of disputes over management positions breeding dissatisfaction among Muslims.
“I do not want the Malays to be divided due to greed for positions and power,” he added.
On financial management, he ordered mosque funds to be administered with full transparency and integrity.
All financial reports must be submitted every four months to the Selangor Islamic Religious Department and Council.
“I will not tolerate any form of misappropriation of mosque and surau funds,” the Sultan stated.
He noted these funds come from public donations and must be used responsibly for the benefit of the ummah.
The Sultan expressed concern over Islam being viewed negatively due to misconduct by some Muslims.
He referenced court cases involving corruption and misuse of funds by Malay Muslims.
“Enough is enough. The sanctity of Islam must not continue to be tarnished,” Sultan Sharafuddin concluded.
