For all issues concerning
Islam and the Muslim community, MUIS rises to the occasion as the highest
Islamic authority in Singapore and takes an unequivocal stand on Islamic
beliefs. MUIS makes its presence felt through religious rulings (fatwas)
and the dispensing of appropriate advice on the pressing issues of the
day. Religious values that guide individuals (and, in turn, benefit
the community) such as faith, self-help, tolerance and hard work are
strongly advocated as well. In the year past, MUIS’ presence was strongly
felt in all these areas.
Office Of MUFTI (OOM) In this
year, MUIS asserted its religious authority further through the inception
of the Office Of Mufti (OOM). In its inaugural year, the OOM, with
the support of the Public Affairs Department, dealt with the media
on several religious issues affecting the Muslim community.
The main activities included giving advice to the Muslim community to observe
the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan. Also, OOM and the Young Muslim
Secretariat co-ordinated, for the first time, the Respect Ramadan campaign,
which ran from 11 to 25 December. As part of the campaign, more than 250 youth
volunteers distributed special Ramadan cards and pin badges to Muslim youths
to remind them of the need to preserve the sanctity of Ramadan.
In addition, a special Ramadan website in both the English and Malay languages
was set up. The website featured a guide to fasting, zakat fitrah, imsakiah
Ramadan and Ramadan activities at mosques as well as links to other related
websites.