திடமான இறை நம்பிக்கையையும் ஒற்றுமையையும் வளர்க்கும் ரமதான்

We are urged to contemplate and appreciate the good deeds that we have done throughout Ramadan. Ramadan has taught us the importance to be just in dealing with non-fundamental issues, and to avoid arrogance – even if we feel that we hold the correct opinion on the matter. In fact, we should also be fair and honest in discussing the merits and strengths of differing opinions. Being fair and just will lead to greater understanding and love, help to extinguish any flames of fitnah, and being just will definitely unite the ummah. The comprehensiveness of practising Islam is not dependent on the establishment of a Caliphate or an Islamic State. Muslims in Singapore are not of lesser iman because of the country they live in. This has been supported by early Islamic history where the companions of the Prophet s.a.w. chose to stay on in Habsyah, which was not an Islamic state. And this is the kind of religiosity that we want to nurture in ensuring that Muslims generation will continue to prosper for generations to come, no matter where they are. Although the Muslim community in Singapore is a minority community, the community has successfully contributed to the prosperity of the larger society. Some of our contributions include strengthening the peace and understanding between the different faith groups, as pioneered by Maulana Abdul Aleem Siddique who set up the Inter Religious Organisation (IRO) in 1949. Such laudable initiatives must be continued, but at the same time, our community today would need to ride the current waves and define our own realities and future. It is our duty to strongly reject this ideology of violence, and also to reject all teachings that sow the seeds of hatred towards others, whether they share our faith or are from a different faith.