Have lockers in mosques
I REFER to a report on the New Straits Times portal where it was reported that a woman was robbed of RM20,000 in cash and valuables while praying at a mosque in Kelantan.
The money and valuables were in her handbag, which the woman had placed beside her.
This must have aggrieved the woman. But, her only resolution appeared to be that she would continue going to the mosque, but would leave her handbag at home.
That is one solution, but probably not the best one.
A woman and her handbag are inseparable. Beside being a fashion article that defines a woman’s personality, a handbag serves the practical purpose of storing money, toiletries, identification papers and other items that a woman needs when she leaves her home.
It would be better for the mosque to install lockers for worshippers to store their belongings.
Indeed, there are mosques that have these lockers.
This will help put the mind of the faithful at ease while praying.
Additionally, the imam should address the Friday congregation and inform them of what has happened.
He should remind the assembly that stealing is a serious offence in Islam and God speaks in no soft language about it.
The thief, be it male or female, would have his hands cut off, to stop him from committing such a despicable act.
While the most erudite among us would hope that God was merely using a figure of speech to illustrate the severity of the offence, the imam should inform the faithful of the far-reaching consequences of stealing.
Next, it would be wise for the imam to ask the thief to return the stolen property without delay, and show contrition for what he has done, together with an apology to the victim.
If the thief returns the stolen property and apologises, then no further means of reproach should be sought against him or her.