Over 200 youth joined Mufti in open dialogue to address tomorrow’s challenges together

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) organised a dialogue with Ustaz Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, Mufti of Singapore, on Saturday, 1 November 2025. Over 200 youth engaged Mufti on how faith can address contemporary pressures, from social media misinformation to environmental concerns.

The dialogue brought together mosque youth, students from Institutes of Higher Learning, community and M³ partners for meaningful discussions on issues affecting Muslim youth today.

Responding to questions raised at the dialogue, Mufti acknowledged the unique pressures facing today’s generation. “Youth today face unique challenges that previous generations did not encounter. They deal with information overload, from global conflicts to local social pressures, all amplified through social media. Faith must serve as a practical compass for critical thinking and to find meaningful ways to contribute to the society,” shared Dr Nazirudin.

When asked about how she felt about the event, Ms Dian Firzanah Binte Monammad Azlan, 21, Year 3 Landscape Architecture Undergraduate of National University of Singapore (NUS) and member of NUS Muslim Society shared, “I find it extremely beneficial and heartening to be able to discuss such topics in a safe environment. I truly appreciate on the topic of how to be a Muslim navigating in a secular modern city because I feel that it is one of the most relevant concerns as a youth”.

Another participant, Mr Muhammad Nurhakim Bin Ghazali, 22, Year 2 Economics Undergraduate of NUS, shared, “Beyond the concerns that were identified amongst youths, Mufti has undoubtedly enlightened the perspective of conflicting dimensions that we youths are challenged by. Undeniably, we as youths are most concerned about our future - career and education, and how we can balance these with our spirituality. Based on his sharing, instead of viewing them as conflicting needs and dimensions, taking a step back would make us realise that these dimensions are correlated and are one. This really makes me realise how my spirituality can coexist with my worldly needs.” Mr Muhammad Nurhakim hopes for more collaborative efforts and platforms between youth organisations to form a culture of interconnectedness in the journey to strengthen the community.

The dialogue explored specific concerns raised by participants, including balancing family expectations with personal aspirations, developing cultural identity in Singapore’s multicultural context, and finding authentic community in an increasingly digital world.

The constructive exchanges provided MUIS with valuable insights into youth perspectives on societal changes and their aspirations for Singapore’s future. This feedback will inform how religious guidance remains relevant and accessible to younger generations.

This initiative reinforces MUIS’s role in fostering meaningful connections between religious leadership and the youth community, while promoting social cohesion and understanding in Singapore’s multicultural and multireligious society.