Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.

Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Media releases

MUIS establishes Women's Desk, launches Ustazaat Network

15 October 2026

New initiatives to coordinate research on women and family issues and foster collaboration among female religious educators

  1. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), through the Office of the Mufti, has established a dedicated Women’s Desk and launched the Ustazaat Network at the Seminar on Women and Family in Islam on Thursday, 15 October 2026. The two initiatives build on MUIS's longstanding work on issues affecting Muslim women and families, with the Women's Desk coordinating religious research and engagement, while the Ustazaat Network brings female religious educators together for scholarly exchange and collaboration.

Women’s Desk to coordinate research on women and family issues  

  1. The Women's Desk comprises four female officers and brings together work previously undertaken across different units within the Office of the Mufti. This provides a more coordinated approach to research and engagement on religious issues affecting Muslim women and families, building on MUIS's existing work in this area.

  2. The Desk will conduct Islamic jurisprudential research, review relevant religious guidance and work with Muslim organisations and other partners to examine contemporary issues affecting women and families. Its research and engagement will help inform religious guidance that remains grounded in Islamic principles while taking into account the experiences and circumstances of Muslim women and families.

Ustazaat Network to foster scholarly exchange and collaboration

  1. The Ustazaat Network brings together female religious educators from various mosques, madrasah, organisation and religious institutions. Recognising the longstanding contributions of Ustazaat to Islamic education, scholarship and community life, the Network provides a platform for members to exchange expertise, discuss contemporary religious issues and pursue collaborative scholarly and educational initiatives.

  2. The Network will meet quarterly to discuss contemporary issues affecting Muslim women and families, exchange research findings and explore opportunities for collaboration. Its planned activities include focus group discussions, joint research projects, consultations on religious guidance, knowledge-sharing sessions and seminars. Through these engagements, the Network aims to draw on the collective expertise of Ustazaat to inform relevant religious research and guidance, while facilitating the sharing of knowledge and resources across the religious education sector.

Seminar brings together religious scholars and community partners

  1. The Seminar on Women and Family in Islam was organised by the Office of the Mufti, with research and content support from PPIS, led by its Research and Engagement Department (RED). Held on Thursday, 15 October 2026, the seminar brought together more than 50 religious scholars, community leaders, policymakers and civil society partners to discuss contemporary issues affecting Muslim women and families.

  2. The seminar was opened with an address by the Mufti of Singapore, Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir. Discussions focused on preparing Muslim women and families for the future, applying Syariah principles to contemporary family life, and recognising Muslim women's contributions to scholarship and thought leadership across different sectors. The discussions will also inform preparations for the Symposium on Women and Family in Islam, planned for 2027.