Fatwa Committee Receives International Recognition in Dealing with Contemporary Issues

17 November 2022

1. For the first time ever, Singapore has been conferred the Imam Al-Qarafi Award for Distinction in Fatwa from the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, led by Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta (fatwa authority). The award is given in recognition of the Mufti of Singapore and the Fatwa Committee’s outstanding contributions in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and other contemporary issues.

2. In conferring the award, Dar al-Ifta commended the Fatwa Committee’s efforts in providing reliable and practical solutions to new issues and challenges, and in its use of digital technologies in connecting with the public. The Fatwa Committee not only preserves the authenticity of the Islamic tradition but also effectively engages with contemporary issues in various fields, such as in sociology, economics and health. This has allowed the Singapore Muslim community to continue to practise its religious life and deal with contemporary challenges with confidence.

3. Dar al-Ifta recognises that the religious guidance and positions issued by the Fatwa Committee in Singapore placed emphasis on peaceful coexistence and social cohesion. It also believes that the Muslim community in Singapore is a model for others to emulate in how communities can co-exist peacefully and harmoniously whilst preserving their religious identities and teachings.

4. In his thank you speech, Mufti Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir highlighted the importance of religious leadership in our current context and called on global fatwa authorities to enhance efforts in providing effective solutions for the challenges of the day. He said:

“The role of fatwa is crucial in shaping a Muslim community of excellence which is confident and able to co-exist peacefully with others even when faced with difficult challenges. Indeed, the pandemic is one of the most difficult and grueling challenges we have faced. Fatwas today requires an accurate understanding of our context and challenges, as well as a progressive and forward-thinking approach.”

5. Singapore is the second recipient of the award since its introduction in 2019 and the first from a minority Muslim community.

MAJLIS UGAMA ISLAM SINGAPURA