A time zone is an area on the Earth globe that observes a uniform or standard time in its area, better known as local time. The time zones worldwide differ according to the longitude of a country and ASEAN countries have four time zones, namely, GMT+6.5, GMT+7, GMT+8 and GMT+9. Time zones result in different environments in the aspects of socio-ibadah (religious worship), working hours and timings for other purposes. Indeed, there have been many suggestions to standardize the time zones of ASEAN countries in order to facilitate the ideal directness of economic activity, however a thorough study needs to be conducted so that any decision taken will harmonize all parties. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to assess the Muslim prayer time schedule in Malaysia by analyzing the Muslim prayer times for ASEAN countries compared to if the time zones were converted to a standard or uniform time zone, namely GMT+7. This is qualitative research using the methods of document analysis, interview and observation. This research focused on the prayer schedule of the easternmost state time zone and westernmost state time zone in Malaysia. Research results finds that a change in the time zone of Malaysia to GMT+7 would delay prayer timings in Malaysia by one hour. This would more or less change social activity and working hours for society in Malaysia. This research indirectly gives an early picture of the effect of applying a uniform time zone, GMT+7, so that ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, may be prepared.
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-Text Citation: (Safiai et al., 2022)
To Cite this Article: Safiai, M. H., Ibrahim, I. A., Hasan, S. A., Jamsari, E. A., & Kashim, M. I. A. M. (2022). Implications of Uniform Time Zone for ASEAN Countries on Muslim Prayer (Solah) Timings in Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 12(8), 495– 503.
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