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Dear Nit-Picking Auntie At Masjid…

Dear Nit-Picking Auntie at the Masjid,

You look so polished and put together in your simple, neutral-colored abaya, huge beige hijab, and thick socks, with your makeup-free fresh face. You are a perfect Muslim woman, I get it. What I don’t get is how you nit-pick and shame Muslim girls, your sisters.

I saw you telling Joanna how her prayer wasn’t accepted because she was wearing skinny jeans. Mind you, she just reverted last month, and your comment made her cry, and wonder if this was the religion for her.

I overheard you telling Halimah how God will not accept her supplications because she had nail polish on. Did you ever think that maybe today was the day Halimah decided she would start praying again, and that comment would discourage her from her prayers again?

I saw you eyeing Kareema’s turban hijab, and giving her a nasty look. Did you perhaps know that Kareema has been struggling to keep the hijab on and decided she will not de-veil, but rather wear a turban style instead?

I saw you giggling with your other perfect auntie best friend about how Kawthar always wears second-hand clothing, often with holes in her socks and stains on her pants. Did you know Kawthar is a single mother struggling to make ends meet and care for her three kids?

I overheard you telling Suha how it’s absolutely haraam (forbidden) to show her feet, and how she should wear socks not only while praying, but also when going out. You probably didn’t know that for Suha, keeping her prayers is a daily struggle, and she has been skipping prayers often.

THAT TYPE OF NEGATIVITY DOESN’T HELP HER–OR ANYONE ELSE–BECOME A BETTER MUSLIM.

I heard you scolding at Tanya about how she must pray her sunnah, and how it’s incorrect to place her elbows on the ground while making sujood. Tanya grew up in a non-practicing Muslim household, and all she needs is a kind, gentle Muslim mentor to help her rediscover her religion.

THE QURAN EVEN SAYS, “GOD DESIRES EASE FOR YOU, AND DESIRES NOT HARDSHIP.” (2:185) IN THE QURAN, THE PROPHET HIMSELF (PBUH) WAS ADVISED BY GOD TO MAKE THINGS EASY FOR PEOPLE: “IT IS PART OF THE MERCY OF ALLAH THAT YOU DEAL GENTLY WITH THEM IF YOU WERE SEVERE OR HARDHEARTED, THEY WOULD HAVE BROKEN AWAY FROM YOU.” (3: 159) MANY TIMES, THE PROPHET HAS COMMENTED ON THE FACT RELIGION SHOULD BE EASY, SAYING “FACILITATE [RELIGIOUS MATTERS TO PEOPLE] AND DO NOT MAKE [THINGS] DIFFICULT. OBEY EACH OTHER AND DO NOT DIFFER [AMONGST YOURSELVES],” AND “RELIGION IS EASY.”

Dear Auntie, maybe your intentions are good sometimes. Maybe you feel obliged to correct something you see that’s wrong, or maybe you think that since you have studied Islam for for a while that you are above some people, or have more knowledge than them. And maybe you do! But what you don’t know are the struggles these ladies face on a daily basis. You don’t know what’s going on in their lives, spiritually or personally. Maybe that one negative comment will make that sweet girl not want to come to the masjid again. Maybe it will make her think “Wow this religion has way too many rules, and I can’t keep up.”

I’m all for giving well-intentioned advice, but it helps if:

1) You know the person, and you have actually talked with her before.

2) Nobody else is around you two when you give the advice, so that you don’t embarrass her.

3) That it’s actually correct advice, and not just a cultural interpretation of religion.

4) That you have given that sister 70 excuses. As one of the great early Muslims, Hamdun al-Qassar said, “If a friend among your friends errs, make seventy excuses for them. If your hearts are unable to do this, then know that the shortcoming is in your own selves.” [Imam Bayhaqi, Shu`ab al-Iman, 7.522]

5) You are being kind and gentle; not condescending with your tone.

6) You understand that the masjid should be an inclusive place for all people, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds, spiritual level, culture, and race.

Dear Auntie, instead of all the nit-picking, why not focus on your own relationship with God, and make duaa for yourself and for others around you?

Thank you for understanding, Auntie.

Love and peace,

a Muslim Girl

Source: http://muslimgirl.com

May 4, 2016
Bangladeshi Workers Here Condemn Countrymen, Fear For Future

Bangladeshi migrant workers who spoke to TODAY condemned the actions of their countrymen who are suspected terrorists, with some worrying that this may affect their standing here in Singapore.

Eight Bangladeshi nationals were detained last month under the Internal Security Act after they were found to have been planning to return to their home country to carry out terror attacks and establish an Islamic state branch, while working here in Singapore. This is the second reported incident in five months involving Bangladeshis — last November to December, 27 Bangladeshi workers were detained and repatriated on similar charges.

When TODAY approached the Bangladeshi community here, some expressed their concerns, or said they would flag suspicious activities.

Construction worker Robel Miah, 27, is “scared” that it would not be so easy to re-enter Singapore for work if this keeps up. “If people come here to make problems, then the next time, it’ll be difficult for me to come back here and work,” he said.

Another view is that with these developments, the community has to be more pro-active to protect their livelihoods. Mr Majedur Kamrul Hasan, 21, an office administrator at a construction firm, said: “If (the suspects) had managed to do what they wanted to do, it would have harmed so many people. If I see something like this happen… I will definitely inform the police… If not, the police may think that I am one of them… and I will also be punished.”

Construction worker Ali Mohd Yasin, 44, who has worked in Singapore for more than seven years, said those who align themselves with terror groups make Bangladesh “look bad”.

“We are lucky to be here in Singapore … You should just work, makan (eat), sleep and sembahyang (pray) … Terrorism is no good. Islam also doesn’t support any terrorism,” he said, adding that he would inform the police if he knows of any suspicious acts.

Construction worker Mohammad Assad, who arrived here just a week ago, was surprised by the news. “They have already caused some trouble in Bangladesh and now they are here, too,” the 25-year-old said.

Mr Majedur, who stays at a temporary dormitory in Tai Seng, believes that integration will be a challenge. “I don’t know how Singaporeans see us, since we work all the time and don’t meet them. There is no time to go out. I will only go to the market (here in Little India), and even if we go out, we will be with our Bangladeshi friends,” he said.

Source: www.todayonline.com

May 4, 2016
MUIS: Ideologi ISIS Masih Terus Jadi Ancaman Serious

PENANGKAPAN terkini satu lagi kumpulan pekerja Bangladesh menunjukkan ISIS dan ideologi pengganas terus menimbulkan ancaman serius.

Demikian menurut satu kenyataan Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (Muis), semalam.

Meskipun adanya penangkapan ini, Muis berkata pengalaman pihaknya dengan pekerja Bangladesh selalunya positif.

Ramai pekerja Bangladesh menyumbang masa dan tenaga sebagai relawan di masjid bersama-sama dengan relawan setempat yang lain.

“Misalnya semasa bulan Ramadan, mereka membantu menyiapkan makanan dan buka bersama para jemaah yang lain,” kata Muis.

Ia menambah bahawa masjid akan terus menyambut kedatangan Muslim daripada pelbagai latar belakang dan kerakyatan bagi program keagamaan dan kelas yang dijalankan guru agama bertauliah di bawah Skim Pengiktirafan Asatizah (ARS).

Muis telah bekerjasama dengan Persatuan Bangladesh Singapura untuk meneroka lebih banyak inisiatif bagi menyokong pekerja Bangladesh dalam kehidupan sosio-agama mereka dan berintegrasi dengan masyarakat setempat.

Muis juga menekankan pentingnya masyarakat Muslim Singapura terus berwaspada dan tidak membenarkan sebarang ajaran yang menggalak keganasan dan ekstremis berlaku dalam masyarakat.

Source: www.beritaharian.sg

May 4, 2016
Former Chee Soon Juan Sceptic: Dr Chee Made Genuine Sacrifices For Politics In Singapore

Dr. Chee Soon Juan

Those who talk bad or have ill feeling toward Dr. Chee Soon Juan should relook and rethink again and ask yourselves what has he really done to Singapore in general that cannot be forgiven and forget forever.

Ask ourselves have we ever know him closely or just rashly demonize him believing whatever the Government control medias has always like to portray him.

He was very young technocrat, NUS lecturer when he first entered politic in 1992 with SDP which was then headed by Mr. Chiam See Tong as its Secretary General.

I remembered how proud Mr. Chiam was when he introduced his good catch to the mass media and warned the PAP Government not to underestimate his party credibility and potential.

Sadly just after a year in 1993 there was leadership crisis and Mr. Chiam parted and joined a new party SPP which was formed by his supporters earlier and from that onwards the SDP party was headed by Dr Chee as its Secretary General.

Being young and charismatic leader of a political party with liberal views followed by his dismissal from NUS hardened him to confront the PAP Government ferociously.

PAP Government which have hard time with Mr. JB Jeyaretnam in parliament on that time was determined not to make it easy for Dr. Chee who see him as another threat a potential JB.

The rest is history when the PAP Goverment managed to subdue him into political wildernesses couple with his bad bloods with Mr. Chiam has made his reputation even worse.

I’m sorry to say that I’m one of them who has the same thinking as most Singaporeans who never think highly of him even though I was quite critical toward the PAP Government then.

Tonight for the very first time I came to his SDP rally in Bukit Gombak Stadium and observe him closely. I’m very impress with his composure and manner despites all the foul words hurling at him about his past.

He indeed a changed man more dignified and what impressed me the most was his humility and his sincerity to serve the people and his despise of materialism and monetary reward which was prevalent with PAP ideology.

He has proven with deeds when everyone know he and his PH.D. wife and his three children can easily live comfortably if he abandons politic altogether and start new life afresh abroad

I just shake my head in disbelief of his grit and perseverance who is still steady in facing the humiliation and difficulty to shoulder the responsibility as an opposition politician.

His eloquent language speaking in English and Chinese never fail to captivate his attentive audience who seem started to acknowledge him as a most formidable opposition that can give the Government a hard time.

His charisma, aura and persona clearly surpass Mr. Murali Pillai his challenger in this Bukit Batok By Election by a wide margin.

Just look at the long lines people queuing up to get his signature for his books selfies or whatsoever bewildered me how easy he connect and touch the ordinary peoples heart.

Although I’m not from Bukit Batok, I hope my fellow citizens from that area can see his genuine sacrifice and vote for him into parliament.

The time is now.

Sincerely,
Ismail L. A.

Source: Mohamed Ismail Ismail

May 4, 2016
Bangladeshi Group’s Hit List Includes Military, Government Officials And Unbelievers

The eight Bangladeshi workers arrested for forming the Islamic State in Bangladesh (ISB) had drawn up a list to target at least 13 categories of people and agencies in their homeland, including the police, senior government leaders, and “disbelievers” who did not share their religious faith.

The list of targets was found in a document titled “We Need for Jihad Fight”, and recovered from alleged ringleader Rahman Mizanur who wanted to bring Bangladesh under the caliphate of the Islamic State (IS).

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the group had no specific plans to target Singapore. But the ministry added that Rahman had said he would launch an attack anywhere if he was instructed by the IS to do so. They were also planning to raise funds to buy firearms.

The group’s plans were foiled last month when they were detained under the Internal Security Act. Rahman had been recruiting members for his group since January, and set up the ISB in March.

The Border Guard of Bangladesh, the Rapid Action Battalion and the police topped the list of what the group called “Target of Enimies (sic) Forces Need to Kill”. Military targets also included the Civil Information Defence, the air force and the navy.

Government officials such as MPs, government officials at general or secretary level, and government leaders were also on the list.

The eight also listed media professionals and “disbelievers”, which they identified as Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, “Nastiks” and “Munafiks”, on their hit list. “Nastiks” and “Munafiks” are derogatory terms used respectively to describe atheists and Muslims deemed to be working to undermine their own faith.

Apart from the hit list, material on weapons and bomb making was also found. The cover of the bomb making material had the text “How to make explosives through action and reaction?” A manual for the AX50 sniper rifle was also recovered.

Five other Bangladeshis were found with jihadi-related material or supporting the use of armed violence for a religious cause, and have been repatriated.

In January, it was revealed that 27 Bangladeshi construction workers had been arrested for planning to wage jihad overseas. In March, four Singaporeans were dealt with under the ISA for taking part in violence, or planning to take part in armed conflict abroad.

Source: TODAY Online

May 3, 2016