Tag: conservatism

Walid J. Abdullah: Religious Conservatism Does Not Equate Extremism

Do not conflate religious conservatism with extremism.

As is always the case, once a terrorist attack occurs (which again seems to be the exclusive domain of Muslims, as the media has shown from its reluctance to use the word ‘terrorist’ to describe the murderer of Jo Cox), experts rush to dissect what is wrong with Islam.

Almost inevitably, there will be a group of analysts who suggest that Islam itself is the problem, and that Islam needs a ‘reformation’. They would then proceed to conflate expressions of religious conservatism with extremism.

Which is not only mistaken, in my opinion, but extremely dangerous. Suddenly, conservative Muslims are viewed with much suspicion. How many times have we heard – whether in jest or otherwise – people making remarks such as ‘eh why your beard so long? Like terrorist/osama/al-qaeda/isis.’

What these people do is essentially equate conservatism with extremism.

Personally, i do shake hands with members of the opposite gender, i do wish non-Muslims on their festive occasions, and so on, but i know many Muslims who do not, but utterly despise extremism and extremists.

And if we start saying that conservative expressions are signs of extremism, as was recently done when it was suggested that not wishing ‘Merry Christmas’ was a step toward/an indication of extremism, where do we draw the line? What about those who do not shake hands with those of the opposite gender? What about someone who dons the hijab? Or someone who only eats halal? Or someone with a beard?

We must be more careful in using terms such as ‘moderate Muslim’, ‘extremist’, ‘radical’ inter alia, as words do have meanings, and they may shape perceptions. Otherwise, we may end up creating unnecessary frontiers in the fight against extremism.

Source: Walid J. Abdullah

June 17, 2016
Mufti: Teachings That Promote ‘Exclusivity And Isolationism’ A Cause For Worry

Teachings on the Internet that promote “exclusivity and isolationist” inclinations are a “serious cause for worry” because they can go as far as to deny the rights of others to exist, said the Mufti of Singapore, Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram.

It is not unfounded for some to be sceptical about the role of religion in enriching the “common space” in society, if religion preaches isolation, said Dr Fatris, who was delivering a speech at the SRP Distinguished Lecture and Symposium today (Jan 20) on Islam and developing the common space.

In extreme cases, Dr Fatris noted, isolationist tendencies with the potential to fragment societies are not limited to rejecting certain thoughts, cultural practices or beliefs, but go on to deny the right of others to exist. This has been the case with perpetrators of terrorist activities, who have “cloaked their crimes with twisted religious arguments”, he said, calling such beliefs “extremely dangerous and totally unacceptable.”

Despite the existence of clear and constructive religious resources and narratives on the “common space”, these will be rejected by those who spread isolationist teachings. As such, it will not help to increase the number of “pro-common-space narratives”, said Dr Fatris.

“We then end up with a meaningless debate and endlessly quibble over whose evidence is stronger, which will only lead to more confusion. The prejudicial approach of some groups will only bolster their resolve to reject the notion of a ‘common space’,” he said.

Dr Fatris was speaking a day after Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, outlining the threats of terrorism and radicalisation Singapore faces, said community leaders have to help lead the “fight for hearts and minds” for a united Singapore.

A resource that could be tapped are religious institutions like mosques and madrasahs, which can promote deeper interfaith understanding and offering activities for others to participate in, said Dr Fatris.

“In our respective institutions, we ought to foster a sense of bonding with other communities, to nurture respect and love for humanity and fellow citizens, to deepen what one may refer to as, the “emotional common space” between us. This ought to be a key component of our religious curricula,” he said.

Speaking to the media after his speech, Dr Fatris noted interfaith dialogues have been going on for years, and while there is still some “sense of discomfort and lack of confidence among minorities” who question the need for interfaith dialogues, this attitude has changed over the years.

“If we do not start now with a serious and constructive interfaith dialogue, I think it will be a waste for Singapore as a nation. It is something that is, for me, crucial for the next 50 years, that we have a deeper understanding of racial differences and religious diversity,” he said.

He also said there must be eagerness and willingness to come together to discuss aspects of differences in faith, adding: “Socially, we are strong enough to embark on this.”

The symposium was organised by the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

Source: www.todayonline.com

January 21, 2016
Mohd Khair: Singaporean Muslims Have Contributed To Singapore, Why Are We Still Viewed With Suspicion?

I DISAGREE with this view.

Muslims in Singapore have been very active in inter-religious dialogues and other related activities.

I must say that at times some quarters of our community even say that we are even “overdoing” those things because we seem to have to keep on proving to others that we are indeed Singaporeans.

It seems, time and again Muslims in Singapore must always prove themselves to be okay.

Muslims in Singapore have contributed so much in ensuring racial and religious harmony, over and above the contributions we’ve made in other aspects of nation building.

And yet now, we are being accused of having grown more distant.

Why must the authorities cast aspersions on Muslims in Singapore?

Source: Mohd Khair

January 21, 2016