ISKANDAR PUTERI: In a bid to promote inclusivity, the Johor state government plans to introduce sign language interpreters during Friday prayers at mosques across the state starting this Ramadan.
This initiative aims to ensure that individuals with speech and hearing disabilities are not marginalised and can understand the sermons while fulfilling the obligatory Friday prayers for Muslim men.
Johor Islamic Religious Council chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid announced that one mosque in each district will be selected to provide sign language interpreters beginning this Ramadan.
He said several other methods were also being considered if the direct placement of sign language interpreters during Friday prayers was not feasible.
"We are also considering the possibility of a pre-recorded sermon in sign language versions to be broadcasted in mosques equipped with white screens and smart televisions," he said, at the 13th Johor Religious Kindergarten Quran Recitation Ceremony held in Iskandar Puteri, today.
Farid added that prayer areas for those with speech and hearing disabilities within the mosques are also being planned, besides enhancing facilities including providing designated parking spaces and restrooms for the disabled.
"A majority of the Muslim jurists agreed that Friday sermon is obligatory and that it is a condition for the validity of Friday prayer, thus it is the government's responsibility to ensure the needs of all segments of the society are met," he said.
The council will hold sign language interpretation trial runs during Friday prayers at several identified mosques, with the cooperation extended by speech and hearing disabilities associations, and non-governmental organisations.
