S'pore Muslim leaders key to 'progressive, modern' Muslim community here: PM Wong

Singapore's Islamic leaders and teachers are key to the "progressive, modern" Muslim community here, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

He was speaking, in both Malay and English, at the Oct. 4 launch of the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association's (Pergas) Asatizah Professionals and Volunteer Network.

In his speech, PM Wong commended the Asatizah (Islamic teachers) as "respected leaders" who provide "sound and practical guidance for the community".

"We are heartened that our Asatizah in Singapore continue to demonstrate progressive and effective thought leadership," he said.

Guiding Muslims, guiding the young

He pointed out that the Asatizah in Singapore bear the responsibility of guiding Muslims on how to practise their faith freely, in a multi-religious community.

They also instruct Muslims on how to live a good life as a Muslim — "not just as a Muslim anywhere in the world, but as a Muslim in Singapore — understanding our context, living in harmony with other communities, and keeping in step with an ever-changing world", he said.

PM Wong said that in an increasingly complex world, ridden with conflict and violence, Singaporeans can be easily influenced.

Misinformation and extremist views continue to spread, he said, and young people in particular "can get radicalised".

"They can do things without thinking too much, with consequences that can easily divide and polarise our society," he warned.

Modern society

Apart from geopolitical tensions, there are also new aspects of modern living in which Muslim leaders must show the way.

With the emergence of lab-cultivated meat, Singapore was one of the first countries to issue clear religious guidance permitting its consumption, PM Wong highlighted as an example.

"This not only supports our food security, but also shows how faith and modern science can go hand in hand," he added.

Outside religious education, Singapore's Asatizah also contributes in areas like counselling, social work, even entrepreneurship and innovation.

He cited MUIS's postgraduate certificate in Islam in contemporary societies as an example of how religious leaders here keep up with modern developments.

"Together, we want to ensure that we have a progressive, modern Muslim community in Singapore," he said.

Islamic college

Emphasising the importance of building a new generation of Islamic leaders, PM Wong said the government has and will continue to work with the community to support their aspirations.

At the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) for instance, a lot of work is being done to prepare for the school and the curriculum, he said.

"I am sure when it is in place, it will help take things forward in nurturing the next generation of Asatizah right here in Singapore," he said.

But he warned that as the generations go, "life gets more and more comfortable" and people may retreat into their own "comfort zones".

Different groups, untested by fire, lose their cohesion and that is how civilisations fall, he said.

"That is why we must all work hard together, to put ‘we’ before ‘me’, to embrace that spirit of solidarity and to look out for one another," he said, alluding to Singapore's vision for a "We-First" society.

Top image from PMO/Youtube