Tag: Islam

Buruh Cina Peluk Islam Selepas Kagum Tingkah Laku Imam, Penduduk

JEDDAH, Selasa – Sembilan buruh rakyat China membuat keputusan memeluk Islam selepas kagum dengan tingkah laku baik ditunjukkan seorang imam sebuah masjid serta penduduk setempat di sini, ketika mereka berdepan masalah.

Imam berkenaan, Dr Walid Ajaji berkata, penduduk setempat menjumpai pekerja China berkenaan tidur beralaskan kotak berhampiran masjid itu.

Beliau bersama penduduk kemudian menyediakan tempat tinggal yang lebih selesa di taman masjid berkenaan selain menguruskan makan minum mereka.

Sebagai bukan Islam, buruh warga China itu pada mulanya takut. Mereka menyangka umat Islam akan melayan mereka dengan buruk, tetapi jauh daripada sangkaan itu, mereka sebaliknya dilayan dengan begitu baik.

Dr Walid juga berusaha menghubungi Kedutaan China bagi menguruskan kepulangan pekerja berkenaan ke negara mereka dengan selamat.

Katanya, warga China terbabit meninggalkan syarikat tempat mereka bekerja kerana tidak dibayar gaji sejak sembilan bulan lalu dan mereka dilayan dengan buruk.

“Perbuatan itu jelas sekali memberi gambaran buruk mengenai negara ini dan rakyatnya,” katanya.

Bagaimanapun, tanggapan itu berubah apabila Dr Walid dan penduduk Islam setempat memberi bantuan kepada mereka.

Beliau berkata, pekerja China berkenaan juga memahami maksud sebenar Islam dan perwatakan seorang muslim apabila melihat kebaikan penduduk dan mereka akhirnya menerima Islam.

Seorang pekerja berkenaan berkata, mereka akan pulang ke China dengan identiti baru seorang Islam.

“Kami akan meninggalkan negara ini tak lama lagi, tetapi akan membawa bersama kami agama baru serta kenangan indah terhadap kebaikan penduduk di sini yang memberi layanan yang baik sertakan menunjukkan cahaya agama baru ini,” katanya.

Source: www.ismaweb.net

June 29, 2016
US Special Rep To Muslim Communities: Important To Give Singapore Minorities Equal Entrepreneur Opportunities

PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA – For Singapore’s entrepreneurship landscape to reflect the diversity of its society, business owners and youths from minority groups must have equal access to funding and opportunities, a United States official said.

This is important because entrepreneurship can act as a powerful counter to violent extremism, while also exposing young people to new ideas and opportunities, noted Mr Shaarik Zafar, the US Department of State’s Special Representative to Muslim Communities.

Mr Shaarik was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which is being held over three days on the Stanford University campus in California.

More than 700 entrepreneurs and 300 investors from around the world are taking part in the summit, including at least seven representatives from Singapore.

Mr Shaarik has made three visits to Singapore, most recently in May this year when he met with Singapore’s Minister for Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli.

“Singapore’s diversity, just like diversity in other countries, is its strength,” he said in response to questions from The Straits Times at the Summit.

“Singapore has strong rule of law, and access to capital. But the challenge is, as in many parts of the world, sometimes minority youth don’t have access to this,” he noted.

“I think the key is mentorship, and often that means people mentoring young people outside their community.”

Mr Shaarik added that Singapore can be an “important role model” when it comes to helping minorities access entrepreneurship opportunities.

“The next step is engaging Muslim youth, and other minority youth, and making sure they have access to the same training, the same mentorship, and the same capital…It’s important that all aspects of Singaporean society are able to access (these).”

Mr Shaarik also said promoting entrepreneurship is a “fundamental part”of US President Barack Obama’s foreign policy, “because we recognise entrepreneurship is directly linked to stability, economic growth and connectivity with the world”.

His comments echoed remarks made by US Secretary of State John Kerry earlier the same day, during the official opening of the Summit.

Entrepreneurship can create jobs and opportunities for young people all over the world who might otherwise be vulnerable to violent extremist ideas, Mr Kerry told the audience.

“Think of the peril if we leave those minds, which have the same desires that many of you do here, if we leave them to the pickings of extremists and exploiters and demagogues,” he added.

“(Entrepreneurs) provide a highly visible and very effective rebuttal to the propaganda of violent extremist groups. Because your optimism provides an alternative to their nihilism. Because you’re trying to build the brighter future that in fact these folks are determined to prevent.”

Source: www.straitstimes.com

June 27, 2016
What If You Are Not Forced To Fast?

In a country where fasting during Ramadan is a given among Muslims, many forget that the ritual is not as universal among adherents worldwide.

After all, 99 per cent of Malaysian Muslims observe fasting, according to a Pew Research Center Forum on Religion and Public Life survey of more than 38,000 Muslims in 39 countries, released in 2012.

The survey found that fasting is generally observed by most Muslims in Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. In such countries, observance is 85 per cent and above, except for an outlier — the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where only 69 per cent Muslims fast.

But it is a different story in Central Asia and Southern-Eastern Europe.

While more than 84 per cent fast in Turkey and Tajikistan, just half of the Muslims fast in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Just 43 per cent observe it in Azerbaijan, and a mere 30 per cent of Muslims fast in Kazakhstan.

While most Muslims in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina fast (76 per cent and 75 per cent respectively), it is not so in Russia (56 per cent) and Albania (44 per cent).

There is a sizeable portion of Muslim populations in the latter area. Seven in 10 of Kazakhstan citizens are Muslims. More than half of Albanians are too, compared to the second biggest religion there (Christianity, at 10 per cent).

Despite that, Muslims elsewhere are always ignored in conversations about Islam — either by Muslims themselves, or in critical discourse from the West. Although the cradle of Islam is in the Middle East, we take for granted the diversity of Muslims and how the religion is practised differently by different groups of people.

Despite that, it might seem surprising that fasting is actually the second most observed ritual in the five pillars of Islam. Around 93 per cent of Muslims worldwide fast, following 97 per cent who declare their faith in the oneness of Allah and Prophet Muhammad being the last messenger.

(The fact that three per cent of Muslims do not even believe in the Declaration of Faith might shock some; while some might argue those are not even technically Muslims.)

Compared to that, only 77 per cent give zakat, or alms; just 63 per cent perform the five daily prayers; and a mere nine per cent perform the hajj to Mecca — which is itself only mandated for those who can afford it.

It should be noted here that Muslims in Central Asia and Southern-Eastern Europe also find religion less important in their lives. Only 15 per cent of Albanian Muslims believe religion is “very important”, and just 18 per cent in Kazakhstan. Except in Turkey, Muslims in those countries who place such importance in religion do not reach even half of the population.

What does this really say about fasting? That perhaps compelling Muslims to fast does not correlate with Muslims voluntarily doing so.

There were two countries where 100 per cent of Muslims surveyed observe fasting. Guess where?

It was in Thailand, where Muslims are minorities concentrated in the southern provinces. And Cameroon, a Christian-majority country.

Would making fasting mandatory for Muslims in Central Asia and Southern-Eastern Europe by decree of the state increase the level of observance there? Unlikely, considering the minor role religion plays there.

Whereas in Malaysia, fasting is enforced by state religious authorities. Skipping it is considered a punishable crime.

In the Federal Territories, Muslims caught openly eating, drinking, or smoking during Ramadan can be fined not more than RM1,000 or jailed not more than six months or both for first offence, under Section 15 regarding “not respecting Ramadan”, in its Shariah Criminal Offences Act 1997.

Other states also have almost the same provisions in their respective Shariah Criminal Offences Acts.

In some states, the offence also covers those who sell food, drinks etc. for immediate consumption by Muslims during Ramadan. The seller is also liable to face the same punishment.

In theory, this would be impossible to implement fairly, considering that the Shariah laws are supposed to apply only to Muslims. In theory, of course.

However, with Islam as entrenched here, this practically means that a restaurant — although itself has no religion — would usually refuse service to Muslims outright during fasting hours, completely ignoring that there are many valid reasons for skipping fast: illness, menstruation, travelling, just for instance.

It has been years since fasting was made mandatory for Muslims here. And still, not 100 per cent of Muslims observe it.

And yet, considerable resource is being devoted to this exercise that some may even consider almost impossible (Thailand and Cameroon, notwithstanding). Add to that, skipping fasting is yet another “crime” in the Shariah laws where nobody is a victim.

Malaysia is already pandering to Muslims during Ramadan — office hours end an hour early so Muslims can afford to return home for breaking fast, only for most of them in the Klang Valley to be stuck in unusually bad traffic jams during the daily evening commute.

If not observing fasting is no longer a crime, would the level of those fasting tumble from 99 per cent? Perhaps it would. But then again, perhaps it would not, as 93 per cent of Muslims here already consider religion to be very dear to their lives.

This summer, some Muslims would be subjected to long hours of fasting in certain countries, especially in the West. There are tales of those who only have five hours between breaking fast and resuming fasting. Some of those Muslims still steadfastly observe their fast.

Canadian MP Mark Holland’s vow to fast in solidarity with Muslims was applauded by many Muslims. Some even prayed for Holland to one day see the light and embrace Islam.

Just like Holland, and many more who choose to fast despite gruelling conditions, they do so not out of coercion, not because they are afraid of getting caught.

It is only then that one can witness a Muslim who is sincere with his/her faith. As long as fasting is forced, ending up a burden on Muslims nationwide, such a thing is rarely possible.

* This is the personal opinion of the columnist, Zurairi AR.

Source: www.themalaymailonline.com

June 27, 2016
MUIS Agih Bantuan Ramadan Hampir S$2 Juta Tahun Ini, Naik 16%

Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) membelanjakan S$1.94 juta tahun ini bagi membantu golongan memerlukan dalam bulan Ramadan.

Ia kenaikan sekitar 16 peratus berbanding tahun lalu dan memberi manfaat kepada lebih 12,900 penerima.

Selain itu, jumlah Bonus Ramadan yang diagihkan kepada setiap penerima juga bertambah dan dimanfaatkan lebih ramai penghuni di rumah-rumah kebajikan. Demikian didedahkan di Majlis Pengagihan Bonus Ramadan MUIS petang tadi (24 Jun).

Tahun lalu, MUIS menerima sumbangan zakat sebanyak S$35.3 juta. Daripada jumlah itu, hampir separuh atau S$17.2 juta diagihkan kepada beberapa golongan memerlukan.

Ini termasuk golongan fakir miskin menerusi bantuan kewangan bulanan dan Program Pengupayaan Bersepadu (EPS) serta para pelajar madrasah yang memerlukan, menerusi Skim Bantuan Kewangan Madrasah di bawah Dana Kemajuan (PROMAS).

Seperti tahun-tahun sebelumnya, sebahagian daripada wang zakat juga diagihkan semasa bulan Ramadan bagi membantu golongan memerlukan.

Menteri Bertanggungjawab bagi Ehwal Masyarakat Islam, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, berkata: “Untuk Ramadan kali ini, MUIS akan membelanjakan hampir S$2 juta untuk sekitar 12,900 penerima bantuan kewangan MUIS serta keluarga mereka, penerima bantuan jangka panjang Comcare dan penghuni Islam di rumah-rumah kebajikan.

“Perbelanjaan ini merupakan kenaikan sekitar 16 peratus jika dibandingkan dengan tahun lalu. Jumlah ini juga merangkumi pembiayaan program-program sokongan yang dijalankan di merata kelompok masjid sepanjang Ramadan.”

Daripada jumlah itu, S$235,000 akan digunakan bagi membiayai program-program Ramadan serta pemberian hamper raya kepada para penerima zakat.

Baki S$1.66 juta pula diagihkan dalam bentuk Bonus Ramadan kepada para penerima bantuan, termasuk para penghuni di 50 rumah tumpangan – hampir separuh daripada rumah-rumah itu, penerima kali pertama.

Ketua Unit Pembangunan Sosial MUIS, Muzaiyanah Hamzah berkata: “Alhamdulillah, tahun ini, kami telah dapat menambah jumlah rumah kebajikan yang menerima Bonus Ramadan MUIS daripada 27 tahun lepas, naik hampir dua kali ganda tahun ini kepada 50.

“Dan hampir 2,000 penghuni dari rumah kebajikan warga emas dan kanak-kanak menerima Bonus Ramadan. Kami harap sumbangan kecil ini akan memberikan sedikit keceriaan untuk mereka dalam menyambut Ramadan dan juga Syawal yang akan tiba.”

JUMLAH WANG BONUS TAHUN INI LEBIH TINGGI

Setelah disemak semula, jumlah wang bonus yang diterima setiap orang tahun ini juga lebih tinggi.

Para penerima yang tinggal sendirian serta penghuni di rumah-rumah kebajikan menerima S$150 setiap orang, tambahan S$30 daripada sebelumnya.

Golongan berkeluarga pula menerima S$120 bagi setiap anggotanya, S$20 lebih tinggi berbanding tahun lepas.

Dengan kenaikan itu, keluarga Cik Faridah Abdullah seramai lapan orang menerima Bonus Ramadan berjumlah S$960 – tambahan S$160 daripada tahun sebelumnya.

“Selain saya menggunakan (wang itu) untuk persiapan raya, saya menggunakan untuk keperluan anak-anak untuk membawa mereka membuat pemeriksaan kesihatan seperti terapi dan berjumpa doktor,” kata Cik Faridah.

Selain Bonus Ramadan, MUIS juga memberikan bantuan zakat kepada golongan yang memerlukan sokongan jangka panjang, seperti warga emas, orang kurang upaya serta mereka yang menghidap penyakit kronik.

Bantuan jangka pendek juga dihulurkan seperti melunaskan bil api air serta pembiayaan untuk keperluan pembelajaran.

Source: Berita MediaCorp

June 26, 2016
Religious Tensions Bristle In Myanmar Village After Mosque Destroyed

Scores of police have been deployed to guard a village in central Myanmar where religious tensions are running high after a Buddhist mob destroyed a mosque, authorities said Saturday (Jun 25).

It is the latest flare-up of anti-Muslim violence in Myanmar, which has seen sporadic bouts of religious bloodshed since 2012, with a surge of Buddhist nationalism presenting a key challenge for Aung San Suu Kyi’s new government.

The most recent violence erupted this week when an angry mob of around 200 Buddhists rampaged through a Muslim area of a village in Bago province following an argument between neighbours over the building of a Muslim school.

Own Lwin, the local police chief, said the atmosphere remained tense Saturday with around 100 police officers deployed to keep the peace.

“Last night, 50 police guarded the village to prepare for rumours that there might be more unrest. Now we have arranged a police force of up to 100 officers,” he told AFP, adding that no arrests have been made over the destruction of the mosque.

Win Shwe, the mosque’s secretary, told AFP that Muslim residents fear for their safety and are planning to move to a nearby town until the tension cools.

“Our situation is not safe and now we are planning to leave the village…We still feel afraid,” he told AFP.

Strident anti-Muslim sentiment has fomented across Myanmar in recent years, with outbreaks of violence threatening to unravel democratic gains since the former junta stepped down in 2011.

The worst religious violence struck central Myanmar and western Rakhine State, which is home to the stateless Rohingya Muslim minority, tens of thousands of whom still languish in displacement camps after rioting.

Hardline monks and Buddhist nationalists fiercely oppose moves to recognise the Rohingya as an official minority and insist on calling them “Bengalis” – shorthand for illegal migrants from the border with Bangladesh.

Suu Kyi, a vocal champion for human rights, has been criticised for not taking a stronger stance on the Rohingya or the abuse they face.

This month the UN warned that violations against the group could amount to “crimes against humanity”.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, now leading Myanmar’s first civilian government in decades, has asked for “space” while her administration seeks to build trust between religious communities.

Source: ChannelNewsAsia

June 26, 2016