A SIMPLE JACKET, A MORE FOCUSED PRAYER

By Afifitri Muhammad

KUANTAN, March 11 (Bernama) -- Simple and practical. 

At first glance, the row of neatly hung jackets at Masjid Al Mujahirin Indera Mahkota may look like an ordinary convenience. But for many worshippers, the simple garment has become a quiet solution to an unexpected distraction during congregational prayers.

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Chairman of the mosque, Datuk Idros Yahya, said the idea came from his observation of congregants, particularly those arriving from outside the area or coming directly from work or recreational activities.

He noted that many wore uniforms, sports jerseys or casual clothing printed with bold slogans and images across the back, which could easily draw the eye of those praying in the rows behind.

Rather than discouraging worshippers from coming as they were, Idros and the mosque committee chose a gentler approach - to provide something simple to cover the distractions.

“We do not want anyone to feel unwelcome at the mosque. So we offer jackets that they can slip on before prayers to cover any writing or pictures on their clothing,” he told Bernama.

Idros said the mosque spent about RM800 to purchase around 20 jackets, which are placed near the entrances for easy access before prayers.

“The mosque has also put up explanatory posters and made announcements to ensure congregants understand the purpose of the facility,” he said.

Idros, a former director of Pahang Tourism, Arts and Culture Department, said the initiative was partly inspired by his experience in the tourism sector, including efforts to promote mosque tourism to foreign visitors.

He noted that visitors at many state mosques and even the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur are typically provided with robes to ensure modest attire within mosque premises.

“The concept is similar. Instead of reprimanding anyone, we simply offer an extra layer of clothing so they can pray more comfortably and respectfully,” he said, adding the initiative has been well received, with some congregants even using the jackets to keep warm in the mosque’s cool indoor environment.

The initiative has also drawn praise from the Pahang Islamic Religious Department.

Its deputy director, Abdul Zaki Md Zain, described the effort as thoughtful and worthy of adoption by other mosques across the state.

He noted that the practice indirectly helps preserve concentration during prayer, especially for worshippers standing in the back rows, by preventing distractions from images or text on clothing.

“In the Shafi‘i school of thought, wearing clothing with prominent images or text during prayer is considered makruh because it may distract other congregants and affect their concentration,” he said.

The jackets, therefore, do more than cover a shirt.

In a quiet way, they help restore what many worshippers seek most in prayer: calm, focus and a moment of undisturbed devotion.

-- BERNAMA