Tag Archives: Religious Harmony

If we are indeed serious about combating religious extremism and “nurturing” a multi cultural society, we should begin by allowing people to practice their religion freely, all the while keeping in mind our non religious neighbours instead of suppression that will give rise to all sorts of doubts and conspiracy theories. It will also compel religious minorities into the arms of religious extremists, seeking to convince them on the “evils” of a secular society.

He does not, however, say why the Singapore government in the first place allowed the band to perform here with a Restricted 18 (R18) rating. This means the band have been told to abide with other “stringent requirements” put in place, including the removal of religiously offensive songs, references to religion or using religious symbols, and ritualistic acts on stage. But they then the last minute ban? If the government had known all along that the band represents a danger to our social and religious harmony, why were they allowed to come in to SG in the first place? And only ban them last minute, on the day of the concert itself? Is it because of pressure from some entity that the government must kowtow to?

In the wake of the detention of a self-radicalized female Singaporean Muslim, the National Council of Churches Singapore (NCCS) has written a letter of solidarity addressed to the Mufti of Singapore, Mr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, and the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS).

With regards to the case of a Muslim imam making comments which called for the domination of Christians and Jews, if he is found to be making such insensitive comments which could be misunderstood by the majority of Singaporeans, I hope the authorities will take firm and fair action as a warning to all. In 2010, 2 Christian pastors were hauled by the ISD for mocking Taoists and Christians during their private sermons in Church. Both sermons were uploaded onto YouTube and Singaporeans at large were upset that these religious leaders make a mockery of other religions and were disrespectful to Singapore's religious harmony. If the Christian pastors were taken to task in 2010 for putting other religions down, all religious leaders need to be held against the same standards to preserve our religious harmony.

I have a 'solat buddy'. A prayer buddy. She's not muslim, we are not of the same race and we don't even speak the same language! World's apart, this elderly aunty and I share this set of newspapers. Her to rest, me to perform my maghrib prayers. Every friday i need a corner to perform my maghrib prayers in a shopping mall between my lessons. My usual spot is taken away due to construction so one friday, this lady saw me pacing back n forth for a place to pray and so willingly did she get up from her newspapers, spread it out to me and gestured for me to do my prayers beside her. Ever since then, every Friday she does the same for me.