Rilek1Corner

Tag: Singaporeans

  • Commentary: Supplication Has Been Commonly Recited In Mosques Here For Many Many Years

    Commentary: Supplication Has Been Commonly Recited In Mosques Here For Many Many Years

    Someone shared this on Facebook:

     

    “Dear Sir.

    I spent 10 years in a local madrasah system where I studied Arabic as a language and learnt Islamic religious subjects also in Arabic. Following that, I went on to do a part-time diploma in Qur’an and Sunnah (DPQS) at a local private institution.

    I read with shock and distress the accusations against the imam and I also watched the video that was put up as evidence. In my opinion, nowhere in the video did the imam curse at Jews or Christians (or anyone else for that matter) and at no point did he say anything offensive to incite or encourage violence against Jews or Christians. In my opinion, the accusation being made against the imam is wrong because the accuser has not captured the true meaning and usage of the key action word used in the supplication. The key action word (nasara) used in Arabic actually means ‘to help’. Some (though not so common) may translate it as ‘to grant victory’. If we look at most of the different places in which the word or a derivative of it appears in the Qur’an, it is usually translated as ‘to help’. But there is a specific nuance to it. It is to help/grant victory in a situation where the person asking for that help is in dire need of it due to being oppressed or harmed. So in this instance, the imam was asking Allah for help ONLY from those Christians or Jews who were oppressing or harming Muslims, and not ALL Christians and Jews. What the accuser did not highlight, was that the imam also asked Allah for help from bad Muslims too (those who declare that they believe in Allah but in their hearts they do not believe and they do things to harm Muslims).

    So, at no point did the imam curse Christians or Jews at all. In my opinion, there was nothing offensive. The imam was just asking Allah for help from ANY bad people who are harming any Muslims, regardless of the religion of those bad people.

    Sir, this accusation was particularly shocking to me because this supplication (or those similar to it) has been commonly recited in the different mosques here for many many years and it has never made us think that it demands us to be violent towards people of other religions. We have never been taught by our religious teachers that it should mean that Muslims need to seek victory (implying use of violence) over Jews, Christians or any other groups of people. It has always been taught to us in the manner I have explained above. Also, the idea of help or victory, does not necessarily and immediately imply violence (the accuser unfairly linked the word victory to war and crusades in his original facebook post, however, as Muslims, we believe that Allah can grant victory in many ways and it can be as simple as giving a person a better opportunity at a different area and removing him from the situation or position in which he was being oppressed or harmed).

    Having said all of this, I fully agree that encouraging violence against other religions is something that should not be tolerated or condoned at all in Singapore. We have a rare, precious, peaceful environment here where people of all races and religions have been living harmoniously, and as a Singaporean, it is something I really appreciate and value. If the imam was truly trying to encourage violence against Jews and Christians, then I hope appropriate action will be taken against him. However, I hope that in the future, if there were to be such cases, proper measures or steps could be put in place to prevent the accuser from spreading his unverified accusations on social media causing unwarranted fear or panic from people especially because this accusation is a sensitive issue in multi-religious Singapore.”

    <by Dinah Aziz* to Minister K Shanmugam taken from his FB page>

    Edit: *She’s a daughter of a good friend and is working her way to be a hafiz of the Quran. She has completed her hafazan but has yet to be tested in one sitting and certified as a Hafiz. But to me, certified or not, she’s already a hafiz. She has not posted this on her own FB page but I’m sharing what she’s posted because it’s useful for everyone to know the details of the video.

     

    Source:Effendi Basri

  • Shanmugam: I Find That Very Saddening – Kurang Ajar

    Shanmugam: I Find That Very Saddening – Kurang Ajar

    I gave the following statement to Berita Harian, in response to questions from them:

    ======================
    I am very heartened that MUIS and Muslim leaders have come out clearly to state their position. The statements show clearly that the Muslim community strongly values our commitment to religious harmony in Singapore. This shows the spirit of multi-racial, multi-religious harmony in Singapore. It is a very heart-warming move, and majority of Singaporeans will both be reassured, and also welcome these statements.

    MUIS and the office of the Mufti are important institutions, which play a critical role in contributing to the maintenance of religious harmony, as well as building inter-faith relations with other religious groups. Regrettably some people have been attacking them – both now and previously .

    The Mufti himself has been attacked, in rude and unacceptable language.

    Just because these people may not agree with the Mufti, or the Islamic authorities, does not mean they should use rude and abusive language against them. I find that very saddening – kurang ajar. We are keeping a close watch on people who do these things. If the conduct crosses over and becomes criminal, action will be taken.

    On the matter relating to the Imam, police will investigate the case thoroughly and interview all parties involved. This includes the persons who filmed and publicised the video. Whether there is a case for further action against any of the parties, will depend on the outcome of investigations. I made this clear in Parliament.

    The Government does not take sides in this issue – if anyone is found to have committed an offence, action will be taken.

    I have been specifically asked whether it was alright for the video of the Imam’s preaching to have been uploaded on social media. I know today many take it as a norm to post – the more sensational, the more it’s likely to multiply its reach.

    The right thing to do though, is that when a matter like this is encountered, it should be reported to the Police, and not put out on social media. That will allow police to focus their investigations on the subject of the complaint.

    If instead, the matter is publicly posted, it could lead to a ground swell of feelings, in this case, both from Muslims as well as non-Muslims. It could cause confusion about religion, and increase tensions and so on. We don’t want that in Singapore.

     

    Source: K Shanmugam Sc

  • Commentary: There Is No Reason At All For Us To Triumph Over You (Non-Muslims)

    Commentary: There Is No Reason At All For Us To Triumph Over You (Non-Muslims)

    Our brother, Ustaz Ahmad Muzzammil Shukri, came out with a pretty good explanation about the context of the imam’s sermon the other day.  He also agreed that when problem arises, MUIS should play a part in resolving or clarifying the religious aspects such as hadiths, fatwas and ideologies when needed. Alhamdullilah may Allah SWT help the imam and us all.

    He said:

    “An explanation which may help us understand better of the recent issue of the prayer recitation by the Imam.

    In the Quran there are verses that have a similar pattern like in Chapter of al-Baqarah verse 286,
    فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ (286)

    Nasr means help…but when the word is used with the preposition a’laa..it means help to triumph over..But lets now focus on the word “kafir” which means disbeliever.

    Even though the word “kafir” is used, it is NOT referred to all disbelievers.
    But instead, only referred to disbelievers that attack and oppress Islam and the muslims because of difference in faith.

    And in any community in the whole wide world, if one is being attacked and oppressed, the victim will cry for help and victory, So That The Oppression Will Stop.

    Now, how is this interpretation proven correct?

    Look at the history of our beloved prophet Muhammad saw. As soon as he reached Madinah during the hijrah, the first few things he did were to build good ties with the non-Muslims in Madinah, particularly the Jews.

    Even though the Muslims were the majority at that moment, he made a peace treaty with the Jews. He promoted peace and love and allowed Muslims and Jews to live peacefully on the same land. Why?

    Because the Jews at that particular time caused no harm or oppression towards the Muslims.

    So this proves that the verse above that was conveyed by Prophet Muhammad saw himself refers to non-Muslims who were causing harm and oppression to Muslims just because they were muslims.

    Therefore, my non-Muslim friends in Singapore, there is nothing to worry about. You cause NO harm in any way to us Muslims. So there is no reason at all for us to triumph over you.

    And I believe the prayers recited by the imam also refers to non-muslims at other parts of the world who are oppressing Islam and muslims. Again, So That The Oppression Will Stop.

    But sadly, wrong interpretation of a convert has just caused chaos and disturbance within the community. Shouldn’t the government take action against this person who caused the chaos and disturbance?”

    Syukran ustaz.

     

    Source: Ahmad Muzzammil Shukri

  • 5 Things To Do During March School Holidays

    5 Things To Do During March School Holidays

    Ah, the March school holidays – a time for students to play or catch up with homework.

    The week-long break is a tad too short to head overseas for a vacation, yet not too long that parents start to wonder when they will get a break from their children (that is the June holidays).

    For those who cannot wait to make plans to savour the precious break, here are five activities you can enjoy together with your family. And even if you do not have school-going children, there is plenty going on to indulge the child in you.

    1. Check out i Light Marina Bay

    The Body of the Sea by Danny Rose Collective from France. (Photo: i Light Marina Bay 2017)

    Singapore’s central business district (fondly known to some as “Englishtown”) will turn up its razzle-dazzle factor from Mar 3 to 26 with the return of the i Light Marina Bay sustainable light art festival.

    This year’s theme is “Light and Nature”, aimed at getting the public to reconsider the relationship of light with nature and the city. The installations also look extremely Instagrammable, so bring a fully charged phone with you, or a battery pack.

    2. Visit the Land Before Time

    Tricey the yellow Triceratops. (Photo: Gardens by the Bay) 

    From now until Apr 2, Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove will be home to 11 dinosaur sculptures. They have been installed as part of the Children’s Festival, which kicks off on Mar 10. And if that you want to do a bit more running around, there is a dinosaur egg hunt that promises dino-might action.

    3. Not kidding – watch goats being milked 

    Goats at Hay Dairies. (Photo: Hay Dairies/Facebook)

    While it is better known for being a concrete jungle, Singapore does house a few farms. Among them is Hay Dairies – a goat farm located at Lim Chu Kang. Visitors who turn up between 9am and 10.30am have the opportunity to watch a goat-milking session, while those who can only make it later can still watch the goats laze around, or even buy hay to feed them. Here is a tip – goats’ milk is amazingly creamy.

    Admission is free, and tours around the farm are free as well for groups below 20 people. Do not turn up on a Tuesday though – that is when the farm is closed.

    4. Do your grocery run at the Kranji Countryside Farmers’ Market

    (Photo: Kranji Countryside Farmers’ Market)

    Farmer’s markets – where one can find the best of local food and produce – are not just available overseas. There is at least one in Singapore too, held every quarter. Visitors can purchase fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, fish and milk, as well as locally made artisanal food and products there. Look out for community workshops and family activities as well.

    P.S. A little bird tells us that Singapore’s best roast pork – complete with incredibly crispy crackling – will be available at the Mar 11-12 edition of the market.

    5. Camp by the beach, enjoy night walks or a zipline ride on Sentosa 

    The Sentosa Express. (Photo: Sentosa Development Corporation)

    For the entire month of March, all students holding valid TransitLink concession cards can gain free entry into Sentosa via the Sentosa Express when they tap their EZ-Link cards at the turnstiles.

    The island’s management is rolling out one-for-one deals and discounts of up to 50 per cent specially for students at attractions such as Wave House Sentosa, iFly Singapore, Mega Adventure and Skyline Luge Sentosa.

    There are also several night-time activities, with Mega Adventure’s first Night Zip on Mar 11, and an inaugural free night tour of the historic Fort Siloso, where you can step into the shoes of World War II soldiers and try to find your way out of tunnels.

    On selected weekends, guests can camp out on Palawan Beach – just note that it is BYOT (bring your own tent). Or they can enjoy free movie nights at the beach. Among the movies being screened are Taken, the X-Men movies, Ip Man and Pitch Perfect.

     

    Source: CNA

  • Religion Problem Should Be Settled By Religious Bodies: MUIS Can Do It

    Religion Problem Should Be Settled By Religious Bodies: MUIS Can Do It

    Assalamualaikum,

    Because of a video footage that was shared around Facebook, an imam at Masjid Jamae and Khairudin Aljunied become involved in a police investigation. The imam was alleged to have promoted ill will or violence against the Jews and Christians in our country. And Mr Khairudin is being investigated for encouraging vilification. All because of one busybody who take video and spread around, a small matter that can be peacefully resolved jadi besar. Since the thing already happened, our Muslim community have to look forward and work together to settle the problem.

    But how can a religion problem be investigated by police or secular body? It was a good thing that some MPs suggested that MUIS and PERGAS help in the case and assist along the police. Isn’t this a problem in the muslim community, so we muslims people should have a say and right to the way the matter is settled. Right?

    As for the imam, clearly something is wrong until someone decide to take a video of his sermon. But what the Imam say is from the Quran. We cannot challenge what is written and said in the Quran. MUIS should look into it as nowadays mosque sermons is handled by them, so MUIS is relevant in the investigation.

    It is not saying without MUIS we cannot have racial harmony or peace with other religion. Let me esplain, the case is posted on the internet meaning everyone can reply to this. But until today, did anybody comment help to slow down tension and settle the problem? Saya rasa tidak kan. Thats why we need MUIS assistance to coordinate and help make all our voices become one.

    I might not know much but I hope that this religion issue can be settled by our own muslim community and not involve others or government. It is a small issue, it can be solved. Banyak masalah akan timbul jikalau terlalu banyak tangan terlibat.

    Terima kasih dan salam sejahtera.

     

    Contributor

    Mohd Noh

     

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