In December 2024, Malaysia made headlines with its decision to convert mosques into sites for corporal punishment, in line with Sharia law. A 42-year-old man was sentenced to six lashes in a mosque in the conservative state of Terengganu for spending time alone with a woman who was not his wife or a family member. The flogging was carried out in front of a large crowd, including residents, notables, and high-ranking religious officials.
The incident has raised concerns about the use of mosques as sites for punishment and the treatment of individuals in Malaysia's Islamic courts. The Malaysian Bar Council expressed "deep concern" over the sentencing, stating that such punishments deprive individuals of their dignity. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia also criticized the use of physical violence and public humiliation, saying it has no place in a modern judicial system.
Mosques in Malaysia have become sites of severe punishment, with some cities under Islamist leadership regularly carrying out floggings and other forms of corporal punishment. The practice of flogging is also used in other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei. Critics argue that such punishments are cruel and inhumane, and violate the absolute prohibition on torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
In addition to being used for punishment, mosques in Malaysia are also becoming mandatory for attendance. The state of Terengganu has introduced a new Sharia law that threatens two years in prison and a fine of 600 euros for Muslim men who miss Friday prayers without a valid excuse. The law, introduced by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), will be enforced through religious patrols and public reporting.
The new law has been justified as a way to promote obedience among Muslims. Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, a member of the Terengganu State Legislative Assembly, said that Friday prayers are not just a religious symbol, but also an expression of obedience among Muslims. The law will be enforced through signage in mosques and public reporting.
The emphasis on ritual and practice over spirituality and belief is a hallmark of contemporary Islam in some countries. In Malaysia and other Muslim-majority countries, Islam is often expressed through ritual and observance, rather than contemplation and spirituality. This has led to a focus on external displays of religiosity, such as dress and architecture, over internal devotion and personal faith.
The trend towards greater emphasis on ritual and practice has also led to concerns about the treatment of individuals who do not conform to societal expectations. Those who choose to practice their faith in private, rather than publicly, may be marginalized or ostracized. The prioritization of practice over belief has also raised concerns about the role of the state in promoting and enforcing religious observance.
Key points
- Malaysia's use of mosques for corporal punishment has sparked concerns about human rights and dignity.
- The country's Islamic courts have also introduced laws making mosque attendance mandatory, with punishments for those who fail to comply.
- The emphasis on ritual and practice over spirituality and belief is a growing trend in some Muslim-majority countries.
