Tag: Imam Nalla

  • Allah, The Most Gracious And Most Merciful, Can Forgive Your Sins With Him But Not The Sins You Commit To Others: Zainal Bin Sapari

    Allah, The Most Gracious And Most Merciful, Can Forgive Your Sins With Him But Not The Sins You Commit To Others: Zainal Bin Sapari

    I am glad the investigation over this issue is over and MHA had sought the views of MUIS and PERGAS. It is not an easy issue to find an outcome that satisfies everyone. I feel sad that the Imam of mosque, where I do my Friday prayers regularly, is being send back but, as a multiracial community, a strong signal must be given that there is no place for any statement (intended or otherwise) that can sow seeds of doubt in other communities. No doubt this case had evoked strong emotive reaction from many fellow muslims because the complainant is a muslim convert that many disagree (or even hate?) for his controversial views of Islam in the past and there are calls for stronger action to be taken against him for being ‘kurang ajar’ at our revered and beloved Mufti. Despite what he said about the Mufti or MUIS, personally I do not think it is necessary for further action against that person because in this age of social media, anyone can be condemned or ridiculed (just ask any politicians). I think we all can distinguish the truth and let Allah be the judge for his actions and thoughts. I recalled what I was taught that Allah, the Most Gracious and Most Merciful, can forgive your sins with him but not the sins you commit to others. We also have a well-meaning professor who expresses his unhappiness with the convert but unfortunately, not knowing the full context, made some postings which can also be intrepreted as supporting the iman’s view. All involved have apologised and I wish there is closure for all especially for their families that may have been under a lot of stress and for our community that has been partly torn apart. Let’s us heal from this episode.

     

    Source: Zainal Bin Sapari

  • Yaacob Ibrahim: There Cannot Be Double Standards When Dealing With Issues That Touch On Race And Religious Harmony

    Yaacob Ibrahim: There Cannot Be Double Standards When Dealing With Issues That Touch On Race And Religious Harmony

    This incident involving Imam Nalla of Jamae Chulia mosque has been a trying one for the community. Imam Nalla has realised that he is in the wrong and that his words have caused tension and disquiet. His apology over the weekend was a meaningful gesture to reconcile with friends from other faiths. I thank our non-Muslim friends for accepting the apology. Their willingness to forgive reflects the Singapore way, where we uphold mutual respect and harmony for our common good.

    Earlier, I mentioned that there cannot be double standards when we deal with issues that touch on race and religious harmony. Our laws preserve the freedom to practise one’s faith, and protect all communities, regardless of race or religion, from being denigrated. The authorities have done the right thing by applying the law firmly and fairly, as this is in the best interest of all communities.

    As Muslims, we are called to radiate rahmah (compassion) and spread peace. Words matter and words that cause mistrust and apprehension among the various communities have no place in Singapore. Similarly, a case such as this should always be directed to the relevant authorities as and when they arise. It would be irresponsible and reckless to sensationalise such issues on social media.

    This has been a difficult episode. But it is also a timely reminder of how words uttered insensitively can undermine our social cohesion. Let us learn and reflect from this episode, unite as one people and focus on the future we hope to build as a society. Wherever we are, including spaces like our places of worship, we must safeguard the values we hold and cherish as Singaporeans – mutual respect, unity and social harmony. The unity of our nation depends on this.

    #yaacobibrahim

     

    Source: Yaacob Ibrahim

  • Imam Nalla Mohamed Abdul Jameel: Additional Supplication From Text Originating From Indian Village, Not From Quran

    Imam Nalla Mohamed Abdul Jameel: Additional Supplication From Text Originating From Indian Village, Not From Quran

    Imam Nalla Mohamed Abdul Jameel, an Indian national who is facing police investigations for his remarks that had allegedly insulted Christians and Jews during his Friday sermons at a mosque, on Friday apologised for his “act of indiscretion”, which he acknowledged has no place in Singapore’s multireligious and multicultural society.

    Early last month, a police report was lodged against an unnamed imam who had supposedly quoted a verse from the Quran along the lines of “God grant us victory over Jews and Christians”, among other things. His comments were captured in a video and shared online.

    In his apology on Friday (March 31), Mr Nalla said he was “filled with great remorse for the inconvenience, tension and trauma that I have caused to this peaceful country”.

    His actions were also “not complementary to the ethos and essence of this young yet great nation”, he added.

    Mr Nalla noted that he had recited an additional supplication in Arabic, which was taken from an old text that originated from his village in India. It was not an extract from the Quran, he added.

    “As a resident here from a foreign land, I should have practised my faith in accordance with, and appropriate to, the social norms and laws of this country. I fully admit that my said actions have no place, wheresoever, in this extremely multi-religious and multi-cultural society,” he said.

    Mr Nalla, who said he is “very relieved that the society has remained calm” amid this episode, added that he fully respects Singapore’s laws and appreciates the concerns of Singaporeans. “I am truly sorry that I had offended you, and I must bear full responsibility for my actions, as part of my duty to all Singaporeans and residents,” he said.

     

    Source: www.todayonline.com