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The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has apologised for a poorly worded circular about Muslim transient workers which "generated a lot of disappointment and even anger" among Singaporeans.

What was written on the circular?

The circular was posted online on Sunday (Apr. 16) by the Singapore Bangladesh Society (SBS), on behalf of Muis, to the Bangladeshi Muslim transient worker (MTW) community.

SBS has since taken down the circular from its social media page, but screenshots of it have circulated online.

Requested migrant workers to perform Hari Raya Puasa prayers in their dorms

In the circular, SBS said that it has been "advised to convey a message from Muis", requesting that the Muslim migrant workers perform their Hari Raya Puasa prayers at their respective dormitories, instead of doing so at a mosque with other members of the community.

"This will help to avoid overcrowding and road blockages and ensure the health, and safety of everyone," the circular added.

The circular was met with backlash from Singaporeans.

Muis apologises and says it "will do better"

Comments flooded Muis' Instagram posts on Sunday (Apr. 16) night, demanding an explanation for the contents of the circular.

Muis replied to a number of these comments, apologising for "the phrasing of the notice".

"It is never our intention to discriminate against our Muslim migrant brothers. They are valued members of the congregation. These are simply efforts due to limited spaces in our mosques. We have tried to address this by organising multiple sessions, thus doubling or tripling capacity, and trying to make more convenient places like dorms available for prayer.

We would like our Muslim migrant brothers to be comfortable when doing their ibadah (prayers). Once again, apologies for the insensitive language. We will do better."

"A fuller picture" of prayer arrangements this Hari Raya

On Monday (Apr. 17), Muis posted a longer clarification that "provides a fuller picture" of arrangements that Muis have been making to provide all congregants with a comfortable and safe prayer experience.

"Our Muslim transient worker brothers have always been welcome in our mosques," said Muis.

It added that the MTW is a "valued member of the Muslim community in Singapore" and have "never been segregated from our community or our mosques".

Muis explained that members of the MTW are regular mosque-goers and volunteers who have volunteered at mosques during Ramadan over the years by distributing porridge and breaking their fast there.

"Their support as volunteers is regarded as crucial by many mosques. This relationship can undoubtedly be improved further but it is generally positive.

It is also isn't a recent thing. Many of our mosques have classes in Bengali and will organise Hari Raya prayers with a Bengali sermon this week to cater to our MTWs. Muis and our mosques will continue to plan for and accommodate their needs."

Migrant workers are allowed access to mosques

Muis said that it has planned additional capacity, on top of the 230,000 spaces offered in the mosques, to ensure that congregants do not miss out on their Hari Raya prayers.

More spaces are provided in dorms, which "the SBS letter was highlighting to the MTWs", said Muis. Spaces are also provided in housing estates islandwide.

"In short, we are providing these additional spaces to both local residents and MTWs alike, and each will have an imam (prayer leader) who will deliver the sermon and lead the prayers."

Muis clarified that migrant workers will have access to mosques, as well as the additional congregations in the dorms and recreational centres.

"As with everyone else, we encourage them to make their prayer plans early and take advantage of lower-demand locations and sessions."

Muis added:

"We truly appreciate that our community shares our appreciation and concern for our MTW brothers, and are grateful for the community's feedback and suggestions, many of which are already in place.

We regret that the wording of the SBS circular did not provide the full scope of arrangements made for our MTWs and hope that this note clarifies."

Here is the full statement by Muis:

Top image from Muis/Facebook.