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Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| Muslims "urged not to set themselves apart" |
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| WhatDFish |
| 01/23/03 at 14:31:59 |
| Straits Times (Singapore) Jan 23, 2003 ISLAM EXAMINED Muslims urged not to set themselves apart LIKE others elsewhere, Muslims in Singapore are swept up by the tide of Islamic fundamentalism and some are retreating into their own comfort zones. They are adhering to a certain interpretation of Islam that also gives rise to Islamic militancy. This was the thrust of Mr Sin Boon Ann's (Tampines GRC) speech in Parliament yesterday. Describing Islamic fundamentalism as the potent 'political and religious mix of Islam', he noted that while it had its origins in the Middle East, the phenomenon had taken hold in South-east Asia to such an extent that no serious political contender in Malaysia or Indonesia, for example, could afford to ignore the Muslim ground. Not mincing his words, he said that in Singapore, increasing Islamic fundamentalism has translated into more and more Muslim women donning the tudung, and more parents sending their children to madrasahs. This has in turn led to more Muslims 'retreating into the comfort zones of the mosques for their religious and other needs', he added. For the sake of strengthening social cohesion, he called upon Muslims not to set themselves apart from the rest of Singapore, but step up their low participation rate in community and grassroots events. While Mr Sin stressed that he was not against fundamentalism or conservatism, he objected against 'the insistence on one's right to practise and observe his beliefs, even if it means the others may feel that their personal or common public spaces may be encroached or imposed upon'. Some Muslims here, he noted, have been 'pushing their bounds' by insisting on their religious dress code in schools, referring to cases of parents who have sent their daughters to national schools, wearing the tudung. He was not the only MP to focus on Islam. Associate Professor Chin Tet Yung (Sembawang GRC), was another MP who warned against mixing religion and politics, which would be as explosive as mixing Molotov cocktails. 'We need to take steps to develop a strong belief in the people that a secular state is not just good but necessary for Singapore to survive,' he said. Meanwhile, Mr Ahmad Khalis Abdul Ghani (Hong Kah GRC), took issue with the negative attention Islam has received lately - not from his MP colleagues but a journalist. Referring to Straits Times features editor Chua Lee Hoong's recent column in which she quoted English philosopher Roger Scruton, who said Islam was not a religion of peace, Mr Ahmad cited other authoritative sources who say otherwise. 'By knowing the meaning of the word 'Islam', a person would know that it is a religion of peace.' While it is undeniable that there are many different interpretations of Islam, as is the case with other religions, 'it is not for Parliament to determine which is the true version', he said. tudung - hijab tampines/sembawang/hong kah - different residential areas in singapore |
| Re: Muslims "urged not to set themselves apart" |
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| BroHanif |
| 01/24/03 at 13:14:36 |
| So Sis Barr is now an Islamic militant or fundamentalist since she wears a hijaab ? When will these people get it that Islaam and politics does mix. Salaams Hanif |
| NS |
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