Islam
in Singapore (18%)
In Singapore, Muslims is
consisted of 18% of the total population. The largest proportion
of the Muslims in Singapore is the Malays, followed by the
Indians. Nearly all the Malays were born Muslims, but there is
as well a sizable proportion of Indians and other communities.
The influence of Islamic matters overshadows Muslims' lives
through the way they dress, cook, and live.
The religion of Islam is very
ancient, portraying the complete teaching and guidance of Allah
(God). Moreover, Islam is a very strict religion, proven by
Muslims totally believe and trust in their God.
According to the social
concern, the Singapore Muslim Community has been helping its
people to improve the quality of Muslim lives. For instance,
Muslims manage monthly deductions from their Central Provident
Fund (CPF) contributions towards two funds:
1) The Mosque Building Fund, which sponsors the construction of
new mosques.
2) MENDAKI Fund, established for a Muslim educational foundation.
As of the ruling authority in
Islamic society, the most powerful jurisdiction belongs to
Islamic Religious Council of Singapore or Majlis Ugama Islam
Singapura (MUIS), established in 1968 to deal with the
government on Islamic matters. MUIS is responsible to look after
social, religious, and welfare needs of the Muslims in
Singapore. Its functions and processes are set out in the
Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA). Its responsibilities
include building mosques, madrasahs and wakaf properties,
arranging family development programmes, tithing zakat, issuing
halal certificates, providing the annual sacred pilgrimage to
Mecca and supporting financial help or bursaries to destitute
Muslims. In 2000, the Haj Pilgrimage consisted of 4,413 pilgrims
appointed by MUIS. Their welfare and medical aids were taken by
doctors, nurses, and Haj officers.
Another important organization
belonged to Muslims is The Mosque Building and MENDAKI fund, an
organization administered by MUIS, which strongly focuses on the
social and educational development of the Muslim community.
Working Muslims are required to
give contributions towards the Mosque Building Programme and
MENDAKI as a remit to MUIS through the Central Provident Fund
Board. The minimum required rates for monthly contribution are
shown below:
$2.00 for those earnings $1,000
or less
$3.00 for those earnings between $1,001 and $3,000
$5.00 for those earnings $3,001 up
An Appeal Board is also placed
within MUIS as a hearing for appeals made by the Syariah Court
or from the Registry of Muslim Marriages concerning the divorce
and marriage. In March 2000, the Syariah Court displayed video
conferencing for mediation sessions and hearings for those caged
in jails or drug rehabilitation centers. The Family Development
Department in MUIS helps build warm families, keeping an eye on
and evaluating the potency of family development programmes.
Related Articles about
Religion in Singapore:
This article is authored and
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