Being a Muslim in Singapore Series 1 (Siri Muslim Warga Singapura 1)

Module Description

It is innate in nature that human beings are diversely created thus making them different from each other in many aspects. They are different physically and intellectually, have different tastes, thoughts and many others. These diversity and differences are a matter of fact and could not be disputed.

With and due to the existing differences that human beings have from way back, they have become accustomed to leading and living an open and interactive life with others which in turn make them realise on the necessity of tolerance for communal survival.

This diversity also occurs in the faith that one chooses to hold on and believe in. The Quran has also clearly described this with regards to this matter.

Additionally, the Prophet (PBUH) who served as the messenger of peace sent by Allah to this world had also emulated positive behaviour in dealing with people who did not believe in his message or have the same belief as him

Today, diversity in faith continues to exist and becoming widespread. Does this diversity need to be constrained and that only Islam should be regarded as the only religion that can be accepted and practiced? What are the consequences from such assumptions?

With the existence of diversity and differences of faiths, human beings are strongly encouraged to interact among themselves in order to understand the differences that they have which in turn will lead to understanding and respecting each other’s faiths.

In Islam, the existence of diversity empowers Muslims with a sense of responsibility to share with others about Islam and to exhibit kindness and good virtues that Islam advocates so that the non- Muslims can have a good understanding about Islam.

To spread the message of Islam or better known as preaching (dakwah) is one of the natural behaviour that Allah has created for mankind and via that, they can get to know and understand each other. The Almighty Allah’s saying in the Quran “The is no coercion in religion” is the basis whereby no single individual has the right to force other people to embrace Islam. Even the Prophet (PBUH) himself did not shoulder the responsibility to make everyone during his time embraced Islam.

Hence, this module emphasises on the importance of understanding the fundamentals in living with each other, especially on the need to practice tolerance when addressing the issue of differences of faith.

The fundamentals whereby its basis is derived from the divine sources will be included in order to further explain on the extreme need to understand the relationship dynamics between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Singapore as a country with diverse society –be it race or religion- has to create and cultivate receptiveness towards the existing different faiths because it can result in greater acceptance in the society as well as instilling harmony in the community.

With the existing harmonious state that the society currently possesses, religious activities can be easily organised and executed without any feelings of fear or fear of being threatened.

Module Objectives

This module aims to achieve the following learning objectives:

• To understand the true religious stance on the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims in Singapore’s context.

• To be able to explain the fundamentals of religion in order to produce a positive attitude in addressing the relationship issue between Muslims and non-Muslims.

• To instil positive values in fostering good relationship between non-Muslims.

Module Outline (4 hours)

In this 4-credit hours' course, students will be covering the following topics:

1. Diversity of religions/faiths/cultures is God’s will and provision

   • Religions/faiths/cultures other than Islam will definitely exist

   • Not all people will be Muslims

   • The reason for diversity

   • Examples of diversity

2. Relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims

   • The fundamental element in the relationship between Muslim and non-Muslim is peace

   • Not all non-Muslims are the same, i.e malicious, evil

   • Preaching does not necessarily mean making every single human being a Muslim

3. Understanding the concept of Wala’ and Bara’

4. The Mardin’s Declaration

5. Issues regarding the relationship of Muslims and non-Muslims in Singapore’s context

Payment should be made directly to the mosque.