Tag: Islam

I Pray Secretly In Fear Of My Family

I am a Muslim revert from the Philippines. I was almost 17 when I reverted to Islam last year during the last day of Ramadan, alhamdullilah. Before I became a Muslim, I had faith issues. I stopped believing in Christianity due to many questions that popped up in my head that nobody could answer. I eventually gave up the idea of religion. I was almost at the edge of being an atheist until I found Islam, Alhamdullilah.

My family is devout Christian. I can say that my father is really against Islam, so I really have to hide it from them or else something might happen. Eventually, my family (except for my father) confronted me if I became a Muslim because they caught me praying at some occasions while wearing the hijab. I told them that I became a Muslim. They were so upset and told me so many bad things. They threatened me that they will tell my father if I don’t leave Islam. I was very afraid of that time so I told them that I will stop practicing Islam, but it is only to avoid any danger inshaAllah. Alhamdullilah, after what had happened, Allah has helped me to get through it. I only pray secretly as much as I can so they wouldn’t find out that I’m still a Muslim.

I’ve never been this happy and complete during my jahaliyyah (days of ignorance). Alhamdullilah Islam answered all of my questions. Knowing Allah is such a great honor to me and I couldn’t be more grateful to be one of His servants.

I am planning to wear the hijab in my university, insha’Allah. I know that this won’t be easy for me as it is my first time to wear it in front of everyone. I will be removing it when I go home, so my family won’t know it. Please keep me in your dua’a (prayer) that I can do it for Allah’s sake.

May Allah guide my family and the other non-Muslims as well to Islam, Ameen.

Source: http://worldhijabday.com

August 3, 2015
Proud To Be Among Rare Breed Of Malay Commandos In Singapore

Dear Sir,

What you may not understand is the history of Malays serving in the army especially in the Commandos. I served my NS in 1st Commando Bn and during that time (mid90s), I was the only Malay in my batch.

I had to overcome many challenges then, e.g. no Muslim cookhouse in Hendon camp then, restrictions placed on me, etc. But I managed to survive my NS days with the help of all my Commando buddies, regardless of race. We were a band of brothers.

Even now, Malays in Commandos are few and far in between. So you can understand my pride when I see a fellow Malay Commando who have managed to become an officer, doing the unit proud.

Thank you.

Zullkarnain Aziz

Source: Ng Eng Hen

August 1, 2015
Yaacob Ibrahim: Progress Of Malay Community Nothing Short Of Spectacular

Despite transiting from a majority community in Malaysia to a minority community in Singapore on Aug 9, 1965, the Malay community in Singapore has “developed and matured in ways we never imagined”, said Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim today (July 31).

Speaking at the annual Hari Raya gathering he hosted together with other Malay-Muslim Members of Parliament, Dr Yaacob noted that today, the Malay community includes active leaders and volunteers, is highly skilled and qualified, sought after both at home and abroad, and whose children excel in both the academic and non-academic spheres, he said.

“We are what we are today – with higher household incomes, high home ownership, talents in many fields, movers and leaders in our own right – not because of privileges, not because of subsidies, but because we persevered and gave our best,” added Dr Yaacob, who is also Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs.

The community is proud of its history, customs and traditions and its heritage has never been at risk even as a minority community in a multi-racial country, he said.

The National Heritage Board will be gazetting the Istana Kampong Gelam as a national monument on Aug 6, making it the 70th site to be gazetted alongside other historical landmarks.

Gazetting the Istana Kampong Gelam – which houses the Malay Heritage Centre today – just before Singapore’s 50th birthday is a “firm recognition of the Malay community’s continued contribution to the diverse and vibrant social tapestry of Singapore”, said Dr Yaacob.

He also said the Al-Istighfar Mosque in Pasir Ris will also be upgraded. Upgrading works will be done in two phases, starting with the construction of a temporary prayer facility next to the mosque in the first half of next year, followed by plans to build an extension to the existing mosque to cater for a permanent increase in prayer spaces.

The dinner was also attended by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Source: www.todayonline.com

August 1, 2015
Istana Kampong Gelam To Be Designated As National Monument

Istana Kampong Gelam, a former royal residence which serves as a reminder of the Republic’s historic links to the Malay world, will be gazetted as a national monument on Aug 6.

This will make it the 70th site to be gazetted by the National Heritage Board.

Gazetting the Istana Kampong Gelam — which houses the Malay Heritage Centre today — just before Singapore’s 50th birthday is a “firm recognition of the Malay community’s continued contribution to the diverse and vibrant social tapestry of Singapore”, said Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, at the annual Hari Raya gathering he hosted today (July 31).

Dr Yaacob, who is Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, also announced that the Al-Istighfar Mosque in Pasir Ris will be upgraded. Upgrading works will be done in two phases, starting with the construction of a temporary prayer facility next to the mosque in the first half of next year. This will be followed by plans to build an extension to the existing mosque to cater for a permanent increase in prayer spaces.

Separately, Madam Zuraidah Abdullah, chairman of the Malay Heritage Foundation’s board of directors, said: “Gazetting Istana Kampong Gelam as a national monument also recognises the integral role that our Malay communities and culture have played in shaping Singapore’s history and development as a progressive and prosperous nation.”

Source: www.todayonline.com

August 1, 2015
Kahar Hassan Pulled Out Of Kaki Bukit, May Be Redeployed

Dear Friends & Residents of Kaki Bukit,

It is with a heavy heart that I have to bid you farewell as today will be my last day in Kaki Bukit. The Party leaders have made the decision last Saturday, for me to step down as Chairman of PAP Kaki Bukit Branch.

I am indeed blessed to have so many residents who appreciated my presence and efforts in Kaki Bukit for the past 16 months. You have showered me with so much warmth, love (and hugs!), I feel like you are family to me now. It is you, who have given me a rare and memorable experience to this tight-knitted Kampung Spirit of Kaki Bukit!

In addition, I would also like to thank our grassroots leaders and community organisations for their kind support these past months. It has been enriching working alongside all of you.

I will also miss all my Kaki Bukit PCF principals and teachers who have displayed such deep dedication and passion for the children under their care. Children of PCF Kaki Bukit, I know I have promised you that I will see you at the Sports Day and your Graduation Concert, but it looks like I can no longer fulfill that promise anymore. I hope that you can continue to grow up healthy and strong, and one day achieve all the dreams that you have shared with me.

Last but not least, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team of dedicated Branch activists who have spent so much time with me in helping the residents here. Without you, my efforts would be limited. I was a lone stranger when I came into our PAP Branch on the first day. It is very sad to have to leave you after forging such tight camaraderie.

To everyone in Kaki Bukit, thank you for the great memories!!

I will miss you!

May our paths cross again in future.

Source: Kahar Hassan

August 1, 2015