In SIngapore, did MUIS and the Muslim community do enough to counter misconceptions other races had of Islam?

Question

After 9-11, there seemed to be increased tension between Muslims and the other races, even here in Singapore which has enjoyed racial harmony for a long time.

Should MUIS and Muslims in Singapore do more to enable the other races to understand the very nature of Islam, and how the teachings affect the lives of our fellow Muslim friends?

any recommendations (books, etc) for a non-Muslim to know more abt his fellow Muslims and their way of life?

Answer 1

pardon me but muslims are followers of Islam, it's not the race or origin of it's followers. you should have replaced "other races" with "non muslims" in your question. i do believe sensible and faithful muslims not only in singapore but in many parts of the world felt for the family of the 9-11 victims. Islam is a religion of peace( many non muslims know that too). The mosques are trying their best to inculcate true teachings of Islam. The harmony in Singapore between muslims and non muslims before and even after sept 11 affirms what i said earlier . I think the two groups should be sensitive over these matters because it's the very fabric that holds this society together and we should never take that for granted. I think not only muslims but non muslims should also do their part to understand the truth about Islam and not to take it as it is potrayed by socially irresponsible and ignorant sources. I was in school the other day and our school was located next to a mosque. During a prayer call, the teacher, a non muslim rolled her eyes back and said something negative in the way that the prayer call was just a noise to her and that it distracted her from teaching her class. In another incident she jokingly mentioned the exports of a neighbouring muslim country as something that is inferior. That sent out those sitting at the back of the class laughing out loud. She was giggling herself too. I think those who are socially irresponsible towards another circle, be it muslims and non muslims are tinkering with a delicate time bomb that can bring Singapore back to those rioting days of the 60s and disharmony. I think it's not right to just point out that muslims are not doing enough because acts by irresponsible people like my teacher are just stifling muslims who may felt negatively overwhelmed by such remarks from working together with others from other groups. I think all religious bodies in singapore and must educate their followers to respect all religions and be thankful, grateful for the peace and harmony the country has. I like to add that we should all learn that like all religions , there are it's good followers and bad followers and we should not take the acts of the bad sort and apply it to the rest of the group. I think this shallow and cycnical way of judgement must be curbed starting from home because gives the snowball effect which spells disaster

Answer 2

I think it doesn't matter where in the world you live if the misconceptions of faiths and religions are not openly talked upon.

My take on the 9-11 and Islamic issues is that EVERYONE, and not only Muslims needs to play a part in understanding the true nature of Islam and the way it is lived upon. Terrorism accounts for in everyday life, no matter what color or faith you are. Everyone has a part to play. If efforts are made say by the governing body of faiths, e.g: Muslims, but NONE other faiths or races wanna listen or understand, there's no point to it isn't there?

Skin racism, faith and gender discrimination is a worldwide pandemic. Not one faith is greater than the other and no one can make you understand if you do not make your own efforts.

Peace!

Answer 3

Your question assumes a necessity borne out of the expression of misconceptions which, in reality, have not taken place.

Religion is generally taboo, and any opinions that we have of the Muslim community are not expressed if they can be deemed to be "divisive". This attitude makes it possible to produce an external harmony.

9-11 happened very far away from Singapore. The general attitude of many here is that we don't really know what's driving religious-related conflicts elsewhere, and we certainly don't try very hard to talk about it.

We have taken the "polite" route. It may not satisfy you, but diplomacy isn't for everyone's appetite.

Answer 4

as far as i have been and reached out to people, no one was ever harsh to me or my family or my community. some do bad mouthing but its their choice. i think any reasonable person can understand that all 5 fingers are not the same and all muslims are not terrorists.

singapore is a perfect example for unity in diversity and i guess that is why we are always saved by God even when we are almost hitting close to natural disasters, be it the tsunami 2004 or latest indonesian earth quake. i think that it is the love of people for each other that has made God to protect us.

and i just hope that singaporeans will remain united as before. i dont want it like the west where they do not respect each other. and i dont want singapore to be stained. i love my country and i'm proud of its rich and varied heritage. peace be to all.

Answer 5

Hey, smart guy, ask yourself this:
Where do these misconceptions come from?
Are you even aware of the bias in your question?
Why does the religion matter only when the perpetrators are Muslim?
What was the religion of the Serbians who slaughtered 200,000 Bosnians? Were any misconceptions created about their religion? Were there any idiots asking what that community had dome to counter misconceptions other "races" had of their religion?
What is the religion of the people who killed 800,000 people in Rwanda?
Where does your bias come from?
Who is putting this bias on your TV, on your radio, in your newspapers? What is their real agenda?
Why are none of the world's five biggest manufacturers of weapons and armaments (tanks, bombers, jet fighters, missiles, etc) Muslim countries? (USA, China, France, UK, Russia)
If you can be honest with yourself for a moment, try to reconfigure your misconceptions by visiting www.jesusthemuslim.com

Answer 6

Singaporean Chinese - You are saying thank you to the local Muslims population for letting you live in their land with harmony.

I like to see you extend your level of understanding by reading the local history and Islam religion - READ the KORAN and other Islamic books.

Ain't Chinese very poor in racial harmony? See San Fransisco, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.

Answer 7

No he did not.
By "enable" to you mean convert or die?.
And I believe most unbelievers will find the intolerant nature of Islam unplatable.

Answer 8

While not ALL moslims are terrorists, ALL the terrorists of 9/11 were moslims

Answer 9

I feel that when a particular religious group has so many radical terrorists, they should join the fight to eliminate those radical terrorists. Otherwise, if your not against them, your with them. Just like radical Christians...who blow up huge buildings in the name of God in foriegn countries. Wait...that hasn't happened...but when it does....I'll be there to fight them!