'All communities, regardless of race or religion, must feel safe in S'pore': Faishal Ibrahim on concerns over Israel-Hamas conflict

"All communities, regardless of race or religion, must feel safe in Singapore", said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Faishal Ibrahim on Nov. 7.

He shared his reflections in a Facebook post on his first day in Madinah, highlighting how communities in Singapore have expressed concerns amid global tensions arising from the Israel-Hamas war.

He is currently in the city as part of his first official visits to Saudi Arabia and Jordan from Nov. 6 to 11.

Singapore remains "steadfast" in upholding peace "even as emotions run high globally"

Faishal, who is also there to meet with Singaporean students studying at the city's institutes of higher learning, said that he had taken time to reflect on Prophet Muhammad's teachings, which emphasised on "compassion, respect, and kindness towards all, regardless of creed or faith."

In his post, he acknowledged the concerns expressed by some Singaporeans amid global tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict and the "reactions that followed".

"These feelings come from a place of deep conviction and empathy for those who are suffering, yet they also reflect the unease that some in our society are experiencing as global tensions continue to rise," he wrote.

He also shared a picture of himself in Masjid Nabawi, or The Prophet's Mosque, and said that he had made "doa", or prayers, for "those suffering around the world", and for the "safety and harmony" of Singapore.

Faishal added: "Even as emotions run high globally, we remain steadfast in upholding our values of peace, mutual respect, and unity. That our discourse, both online and offline, remains measured and anchored in compassion, not anger."

He said that all communities, regardless of race or religion, must feel safe in Singapore as it is the foundation of the country's social fabric, which has been painstakingly built over generations.

"Our strength as a nation lies in our ability to care deeply, while also responding thoughtfully. May we always uphold that balance, and may our shared commitment to unity and goodwill across communities remain strong."

Top photos via Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim/Facebook