The Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, regrets that incidents of two Friday prayers in a kariah (congregation) are still happening.

He said this happened as there was no understanding among Muslims in Terengganu so that a solution to the problem could be found.

“This has tainted Islam, violated Malay Muslim dignity and humiliated Muslims. As the head of religion and Muslims in the state, I feel very sad,” he said when opening Masjid Sultan Ismail in Chendering near Kuala Terengganu today.

Sultan Mizan urged Muslims in the state to work together towards peace so that the people could live in peace and to utilise the becautiful mosque.

Later, he joined more than 1,000 Muslims comprising local leaders and residents in Friday prayers.

Masjid Sultan Ismail, which was known to local residents as Masjid Raja, was rebuilt in 2008 with an allocation of RM7.5 million.

Meanwhile, Terengganu Religious Affairs Department Commissioner Mohd Rozali Salleh said 11 mosques in Marang, Setiu and Besut districts are still holding two Friday prayers.

The matter has been reported to the Terengganu Islamic and Malay Customs  Council, being the top Islamic institution in the state.

“However, the number is fewer than the 23 mosques previously,” he added.

Two Friday prayers in a kariah began many years ago follwing a ‘fatwa’ by a political party leader in Terengganu.

Rozali said despite various efforts, the problem remained unresolved and felt that it was difficult to resolve using ordinary means.

- Bernama