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Tag: Darul Arqam

  • NLB To Immediately Remove Series Of Malay Language Books From Junior Non-Fiction Section For Carrying Offensive Content

    NLB To Immediately Remove Series Of Malay Language Books From Junior Non-Fiction Section For Carrying Offensive Content

    The National Library Board (NLB) will be withdrawing a series of Malay language books from its libraries “immediately”, after concerns about their contents were raised.

    The books belong to a series published in Malaysia in 2013 called Agama, Tamadun Dan Arkeologi (Religion, Civilisation And Archeology). They focus on different civilisations and religions.

    There are eight books in the series, and a check of NLB’s online catalogue showed that there were about 30 copies of each book in the libraries. At press time, six copies were on loan.

    One of the books has, on its cover, children wearing yarmulkes, smiling as they hold machine guns.

    In it, there are declarations of how the third world war will “start in the Middle East between Israel and the neighbouring countries, which are the Arab states”.

    The books were first discovered by a local Twitter user, who posted photos of the books on Sunday. The account has since been deleted, after criticism from other users.

    The New Paper found these books in the junior non-fiction section of the Bishan Public Library on Tuesday.

    Some of the statements indicated that in one religion, people used to view their daughters on the same level as servants, and that their fathers held the right to sell them.

    Another volume describes how one religion believes that “plague, hell, poison, snakes and fire are all better than women”.

    In response to TNP’s queries, an NLB spokesman said: “While NLB will do our best to ensure that our collection does not cause offence, we are unable to vet every single title before putting the books on the shelves.

    “We take the feedback on the Agama, Tamadun Dan Arkeologi seriously and will withdraw the books immediately.

    “NLB will call upon the Library Consultative Panel (LCP) to review the series.”

    The LCP is an independent panel set up to provide recommendations to NLB on its review of library materials, including those submitted by members of the public.

    After parts of the series were read to him, Mr Muhammed Faiz, president of the Muslim Converts’ Association of Singapore (Darul Arqam), said the contents are “worrying”.

    Mr Faiz told TNP: “I think it is careless to have such things available, especially if it was found in the junior section.

    “If (youth) don’t seek clarification, then it will form a certain mindset. It could create dangerous impressions.”

    The books have also been reported to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Moha) in Malaysia by a Malaysian, Mr Inbaraj Suppiah.

    Speaking to TNP, he said he made the report as he felt the books promoted prejudice.

    He said: “The content looks shady.

    “They should investigate, because usually Moha is very strict with such publications.”

    In a Twitter reply to Mr Inbaraj, Moha said the complaint had been forwarded “to the relevant division for further action”.

    Venerable Seck Kwang Phing, president of Singapore Buddhist Federation and a council member of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), said easy access to the books is “dangerous”.

    He said: “We can’t upset our racial and religious harmony. If anybody can just use it or spread it, we may find that people can be misinformed with this dangerous content.”

    Ven Seck called for stricter vetting of such books by experts from different religions to verify the facts and make sure there is no misunderstanding.

    The NLB spokesman said its collection caters to readers “of diverse interests and age groups”.

    “NLB excludes materials that denigrate any racial or religious groups, or which promote intolerance or violence,” he added.

     

    Source: www.tnp.sg

  • Cute Grandpa is 85 Years Old, And He Just Reverted To Islam

    Cute Grandpa is 85 Years Old, And He Just Reverted To Islam

    Meet Mr Ghazali Chua, 85 years young, who is one of our newest Converts. After spending much quality time with his Malay friends around the neighbourhood, Alhamdulillah, his heart and soul were touched by the light of Islam. Yesterday, he started a new journey. He embraced Islam, witnessed by friends at MCAS.

    Next to him is MCAS employee, Mr Yusuf Ali @ Muralitharan, 25 years young, who embraced Islam at the age of 18 after learning about it from his Muslim friends.

    Alhamdulillah, the two of them are now the best of buddies. May Allah continue to bless them, and all our Converts, with His Mercy, Love, and Guidance. Ameen.

    Once a person embraces Islam, all sins prior to you becoming a Muslim are forgiven. In Islam, we are encouraged to better ourselves. It should matter not who you were yesterday, but who you want to be.

    #newmuslim#converts#youngandold#mcas#muslimconvert#nevertoolate#neverjudge#wearemuslim#wearemuslimtoo#becomingmuslim#islamforall#muslimconvertsingapore#darularqam#darularqamsingapore

    Share this story if it moves you.

     

    Source: Muslim Converts’ Association of Singapore – Darul Arqam Singapore

  • Nadiah M Din Sah Bergelar Isteri Kepada Bilal Jeanpierre

    Nadiah M Din Sah Bergelar Isteri Kepada Bilal Jeanpierre

    Pelakon dan pengacara popular tempatan, Nadiah M Din sah bergelar isteri, hari ini (14 Ogos).

    Majlis akad nikah tertutup Nadiah dan Guillaume Jeanpierre, atau nama Muslimnya, Bilal, berlangsung sekitar 5.50 petang tadi di The Colonial @ Scotts.

    Dengan sekali lafaz, Bilal, jejaka asal Perancis, secara rasmi menjadi suami Nadiah. Majlis persandingan mereka pula akan diadakan pada Disember nanti.

    Nadiah pertama kali bertemu suaminya itu di satu majlis “housewarming” anjuran seorang teman beliau.

    Bilal memeluk agama Islam pada 24 Oktober 2015 di Darul Arqam di Onan Road. Beliau menyuarakan hasrat untuk memeluk agama Islam hanya setelah 6 bulan mereka bersama sebagai sepasang kekasih.

    Source: http://berita.mediacorp.sg

  • Musings Of A Chinese Muslim Convert: Muslims Must Reach Out

    Musings Of A Chinese Muslim Convert: Muslims Must Reach Out

    I consider myself well-educated, well-read and well-travelled. But that all don’t mean anything when I drive to the mosque in my luxury car, my $28,000 Rolex on my wrist with my tattoos showing. Some would wonder why a contractor is here – is there any work to be done?

    The stares don’t stop when I perform my wudu and walk into the prayer hall. And yes, I’ve been shouted at and talked down to, a few times as well. As much as born-Muslims hate to admit it, they judge on physical appearance. They don’t care if I’ve donated thousands of dollars to the mosque or other charities, or if I’ve helped some hard-up  people get a job. They only wish to see what they want to see.

    If this is how I am being perceived, what about the other born-Muslim brothers who have more tattoos than me, who dress more lavishly or are publicly recognised in the papers for any crimes that they may have committed? What then? Would the stares stop? Or would the tongues stop wagging? Will people like us, who have chosen a different lifestyle be shown the same welcome?

    The 2015 Central Narcotics Bureau statistics on drug abuse (http://www.cnb.gov.sg/Libraries/CNB_Newsroom_Files/CNB_2015_full_year_stats_final.sflb.ashx) show that there is an increase of Malay drug abusers of 7% from 2104 to 2105. Although that 7% translate to 114 persons, it’s still 1 person too many.

    How many good Muslims have we lost to drugs, to anger, to violence, to arrogance? No doubt, for the most part is our own DNA. But we have been saying that their weak family ties, poor morals, or be it their social or economic structure is to blamed. But as a community, how often do WE blame ourselves? At some point or another in time, we would’ve passed judgement – leading to disrespect, not giving them the charity of a kind word or action. ALL of us are guilty of that. Instead of expecting them to change, why can’t we see that change needs to come from us?

    I remember the very first time I visited Masjid Salim Mattar – 2 elderly men  – the Imam and the Bilai, welcomed me with their warm smiles!!! Subahan Allah! The Bilai speaks good Hokkien too! How wonderful is that? I’ve not been there for a long time now because parking can be quite challenging, and I also prefer to go to the Masjid nearer my place. I still get calls and text messages saying that they miss me over there. Such is the community in Salim Mattar! May Allah bless all of them for their kindness and sincerity!

    On the other hand, I got told off by one elderly man in a Masjid in Bukit Merah (I’m not too good with roads – so I may be mistaken), so unless I’m in a hurry and I know I won’t be able to perform my solat on time, I’ll not go there. Even if I may be closer geographically, I’ll skip that Masjid and drive further down. Not because I’m afraid of confrontations – oh no, not that. My close friends will tell you otherwise. But I see no need to have ill-feelings, especially when I want to perform my solat.

    I used to give salam to the person on my left and on my right during congregational prayers. But I’ve been met with indifference and annoyance that I stopped. Not because I gave up – but I just don’t wish to disturb anyone. Maybe it’s just the culture. But I read somewhere that we should greet one another with at least a smile.  In Malaysia, it is very different. Most people with give or return salams with both hands.

    We, as a community need to do more. Opening our doors is not good enough. We don’t need to drag those who lost faith and hope in the religion to the Masjid. We can go to them. We can reach them through how we display our faith. If social or mainstream education on the evils of drug abuse, on hate and arrogance fails – as it has on them, then surely our faith must follow-up.

    Do not gossip or back-talk on someone who has messed up. Instead, offer a prayer.

     

    Source: http://chineseconvert.com/straying-from-religion

  • Mohd Khair: Learn About Islam From The Correct And Credible Sources

    Mohd Khair: Learn About Islam From The Correct And Credible Sources

    My Dear Non-Muslim Friends,

    For any non-Muslim interested to know more about Islam, the Quran and its text, please seek assistance from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) or any nearby mosque or the Singapore Muslim Converts Association or the Singapore Islamic Teachers and Scholars Association (PERGAS).

    Do not rely on online sources, especially those sites used by extremist or terrorist groups which subvert Islam by claiming to be Islamic or an authority in Islam whereas they are NOT.

    Those online sites do not represent Islam nor the Muslim World.

    And please remember that ISIS and its predecessor Al Qaeda are unIslamic groups. The entire Muslim World and entire Islamic Scholars have condemned all the terrorist acts by such groups.

    And as far as suicide bombers and their actions are concerned, they are neither Islamic nor sanctioned in Islam and by its Scholars.

    So, please do yourselves a favour. If you need more information about Islam. Muslims and interpretations of the Quranic texts, seek help from MUIS, Mosques or PERGAS or other Recognised Muslim Organisations like the Singapore Muslim Converts Association.

    Do not ask Google Sheikh for it will only lead you astray and make you an extremist in your views about Islam and Muslims

     

    Source: Mohd Khair