By Chris Bishop and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 27: Friday sermons at a new mosque on Jalan Simpang Tiga which is currently being constructed will be delivered in the English language.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that conducting Friday prayers in English will facilitate a broader understanding of the sermon, particularly among non-Malay Muslims who may not be fluent in Malay.
“The Sarawak government has acquired a significant plot of land adjacent to the existing Simpang Tiga mosque with the intention of expanding the mosque.
“Upon the mosque’s completion, Friday prayers will be conducted in English,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Sarawak-level Marhaban competition organised by Sarawak Malay National Association (PKMS) at a hotel here on Monday (Sept 25).
Abang Johari drew inspiration from Singapore’s Al-Falah Mosque on Orchard Road, which has been conducting sermons in English for its congregation.
Furthermore, he revealed plans to redevelop Masjid Darul Ittihad and Masjid Darul Barakah in Taman Satria Jaya, BDC, to better accommodate Muslims in those areas. — DayakDaily
