Reclaiming Islam in the public space: Between Islamic theology, extremism and Muslim opinion

1. The closed-door discussion on Reclaiming Islam in the public space was held on 26 February 2016. It was attended by about 85 participants from faith communities, academic institutions, public agencies, local NGOs and students.

2. Reclaiming Islam was an affirmative session that explored the following questions – what is the success rate, if any, and the impact of counterterrorism efforts?; what are possible roles that religion/Islam can contribute to and navigate the secular, plural, modern world?; and what are possible parameters for a forward-looking, solution-centric understanding of Islam’s possible contributions to the contemporary world?

3. The main take away impressed that while Muslims have a role to play in counter-terrorism efforts, nonetheless, they have wider and a more significant role to play in other facets of the plural modern world.

4. Firstly, the role of Islam and Muslims is not confined to countering ideological extremism manifested in groups such as ISIS, because, they are not the sole factor responsible for it. Dr Hellyer asserted that there are multiple causes for the proliferation of extremism including misguided religious legitimacy, socio-economics, foreign policy and the media. The process that perpetuates violent extremism is a complex, personal and powerful process.

5. Therefore, Dr Hellyer suggests that the current strategies to counter and prevent radicalization thus far have had limited success as they were not holistic and integrated in nature and had instead over-emphasised religious and security measures (which may be argued, sustains a strategy of war). Alternatively, moving forward, a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach ought to be considered and implemented.

6. Due to the current global extremism phenomenon, the contribution of Islamic thought in the public space is hijacked and restricted. Dr Hellyer argues that Islamic thought has the potential to contribute widely to the contemporary world. Thus, one of the key questions of the session, and indeed of MA’s Islamic Discourse Framework is how religion and the faithful can effectively navigate the secular, plural, modern public space, achieve their potential and be valued citizens?

7. The parameters for religion to contribute is two-pronged – it has to be thriving in an open, inclusive, nurturing, appreciative and rigorous public space; and it has to develop its internal capacities and make itself relevant.

8. In times of heightened Islamophobia, sectarian strife, political unrest and social upheaval and economic downturns, Singapore remains a safe and inclusive society, where religions are not only tolerated but appreciated and their contributions encouraged and valued as integral building stones of the country.

9. Internal capacity building undertaken by the Muslim community in Singapore includes strengthening general religious literacy for a more discerning public; revitalising specialised Islamic sciences for more contemporary relevance and application; developing a schema that recognises pluralistic, authentic and credible Islamic scholars and thinkers; and finally, fostering a culture of diversity, discourse and development.

10. Furthermore, Dr Hellyer stressed the need for a more progressive idea of citizenship and urged Singaporean Muslims to elevate their pre-occupation with their status as an ethnic minority to their status as equal citizens. Such an empowering mind-shift would lead to better participation, networking and engagement in public discourse on the future direction of the nation.

11. Moving forward, there is a need to reflect on the role of religion in society. For instance, what are the key concepts that can harness religion’s contribution towards achieving the common good? What are the creative tools available for the religious to navigate the public space? How do we increase religious literacy, intra/inter religious collaboration as well as deeper and critical engagement with developments in Islamic thinking?

Reclaiming Islam in the public space: Between Islamic theology, extremisim and Muslim opinion [PDF, 273 KB]