Perak: Mosques and suraus in Perak intending to invite foreign imams for Tarawih prayers during Ramadan must apply for accreditation but are strongly encouraged to prioritise local imams.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak Islamic Religion and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini stated that foreign imams, including those from Saudi Arabia, must obtain accreditation approval from the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing local resources, stating, ‘Much like how we prioritise local goods; we have many tahfiz students, yet during Ramadan, we bring in foreign imams,’ during a press conference held to announce Perak’s zakat fitrah rate for 1446H/2025M and the launch of the MAIPk Bestari application.

Earlier reports indicated that mosques and suraus in Terengganu are prohibited from using foreign imams for Tarawih prayers, encouraging the use of local tahfiz students instead. Similarly, Selangor has maintained its ban on foreign imams leading Tarawih prayers.

Meanwhile, Annuar mentioned that Perak does not impose any specific number of rak’ah for Tarawih. Previously, it was reported that Pahang had set a ruling for 20 rak’ah to be performed for Tarawih prayers during the upcoming Ramadan month.