Jakim to hold special prayers tonight as haze blankets Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR — The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) will conduct a Solat Hajat (special prayer of needs) at three mosques under its jurisdiction tonight due to the haze currently affecting Malaysia. Jakim's director-general, Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, announced that these prayers will be held after Maghrib prayers at the National Mosque, Putra Mosque and Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque in Putrajaya.

Dr Suhaimee appealed for Muslims to join the prayers to seek Allah SWT's protection, health, safety and peace during this trying period. He stated in a statement, "May Allah SWT protect all Malaysians from any harm, safeguard our health and safety and restore conditions in affected areas." The Solat Hajat is in accordance with a decree issued by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, urging all Malaysians to pray and ask Allah SWT for assistance in the well-being of those impacted.

Additionally, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan also urged the public to participate in these prayers. As of 8 am today, 17 locations in six states - Sarawak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Melaka and Perak, along with Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya - recorded hazardous Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.