ARS Newsletter May 2020 | Issue 21

ARS NEWSLETTER I S S U E

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M A Y

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IN THIS ISSUE Masagos minta Muis tubuh Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura

~ Mosques to reopen for Friday prayers

Visionary Asatizah, Resilient Community Mufti Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir commends asatizah for demonstrating visionary religious leadership amid COVID-19.

~ IECP may resume operations

~ Ustaz Nor Razak beri penjelasan mengenai nikah secara dalam talian

~ PCICS asatizah adapting to the new norm

~ Aidilfitri Sermon

- Success

within Sacrifice

~ Singapura Bertakbir di malam Raya

CONTENT ARS Office ARS Secretariat Office of Mufti

GUEST WRITER Ustazah Lina Sakina Salim

EDITOR Ustaz Muhammad Haniff Hassan Ustazah Sukarti Asmoin Ustaz Fauzan A Roslee

He expressed this sentiment as he delivered his address to over 650 asatizah in Malay, English and Arabic at the E-Hari Raya with Mufti event held on Tuesday, 16 June 2020.

With the theme "Visionary Asatizah, Resilient Community", this is Dr Nazirudin's first annual asatizah Hari Raya gathering as the Mufti of Singapore.

The Muslim community in Singapore has faced several unique challenges that have arisen due to COVID-19.

Nevertheless, Dr Nazirudin highlighted how our religious leaders have been proactive and forward-looking in managing these unprecedented circumstances.

He expressed his gratitude to the asatizah for their full support and dedication in providing meaningful solutions to meet the community's socio-religious needs.

Mufti Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir delivered his address in Malay, English and Arabic to 650 asatizah who tuned in to the E-Hari Raya with Mufti livestream event held on 16 June 2020. This is Dr Nazirudin's first annual asatizah Hari Raya gathering as the Mufti of Singapore.

Dr Nazirudin called for asatizah to continue upgrading their knowledge and skills to preserve this religious resilience beyond COVID-19.

- Mufti Dr Nazirudin Nasir

The Muslim community has also demonstrated great religious resilience during this challenging period. Dr Nazirudin noted that he was heartened to witness how they adapt to new norms, and turn to alternative means to fulfill their religious duties, and enjoin in acts of service and compassion.

To prepare for the challenges ahead, Dr Nazirudin called for asatizah to continue upgrading their knowledge and skills to preserve this religious resilience beyond COVID-19.

This year's E-Hari Raya event was also graced by Deputy Mufti Ustaz Murat Mohd Aris, Asatizah Recognition Board (ARB) Vice-Chairman Ustaz Pasuni Maulan and ARB member Ustazah Sukarti Asmoin, who were among the panelists during the event.

To read Mufti's address in https://go.gov.sg/muftiraya20-mal

Malay,

English

and

Arabic

do

visit

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Mufti Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir was joined by Asatizah Recognition Board (ARB) Vice-Chairman Ustaz Pasuni Maulan during the engagement session.

Deputy Mufti Ustaz Murat Mohd Aris and ARB Member Ustazah Sukarti Asmoin also answered questions submitted by fellow asatizah.

The livestream event was hosted by Ustazah Shameem Sultanah and Ustaz Syazwan Elrani.

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Mosques to reopen for Friday prayers As part of phase two of Singapore's reopening, our mosques will now be able to resume more services including congregational worship. From 26 June 2020, 66 mosques will now be open for individual private prayer with limit of up to 50 worshippers at any one time. In addition, the mosques will offer two Friday prayer sessions, with 50 congregants per session.

As the risk of transmission at mosques remains high, mosques will implement a comprehensive safe management plan for the safety of our congregants.

Sermons and prayers will not go beyond 20 minutes, and congregants will need to adhere to safe distancing measures including when performing prayers.

Congregants are strongly encouraged to take their wudhu before coming to the mosque. They should also adhere to necessary measures such as wearing their masks at all times, bringing their own personal prayer items and bags for their footwear, and avoiding physical contact with other congregants.

Other than Fridays, the mosques will also offer daily congregational prayers, with 50 slots for each of the five daily prayers.

To manage the demand for these congregational prayer slots, Muis has developed an online booking system. We will offer slots for the first three weeks, on 26 June, 3 July and 10 July. For these three Fridays, individuals are allowed only one slot for now, to allow more members of the community the opportunity to perform Friday prayers.

Booking for daily congregational and Friday prayers can be done via https://ourmosques.commonspaces.sg/ and will open from Wednesday, 24 June at 9 a.m. You may refer to our media release at https://bit.ly/37LEsjj on how to book slots for daily congregational prayers and Friday prayers.

The Fatwa Committee has also provided guidance on how to maximise the number of people able to perform the Friday prayers, as well as the continued

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concessions given to vulnerable groups and those who are unable to obtain slots due to the limited numbers slots available. You may read the fatwa here in English (https://bit.ly/2BuMcK8)Â and in Malay (https://bit.ly/2V1Mjnw) Thus, children and vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with chronic respiratory ailments are also strongly advised to continue to pray at home for their own safety.

Each and every one of us is responsible to protect the safety and well-being of fellow congregants and the general public. Let us all do our part. InshaAllah, more spaces will progressively be made available when the situation allows.

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IECP (Islamic Education Centres and Providers) refers to a provider offering religious instruction to non-family members on a habitual basis. This section will feature IECP updates and new registered IECPs. Visit

IECP

https://go.gov.sg/whatisiecp for more

IECP may resume operations On June 17, the ARS Office released an advisory for all Islamic Education Centres and Providers (IECP) to facilitate the resumption of operations. This is in line with the Ministry of Education (MOE)’s advisory following the Phase 2 after the circuit breaker period.

To protect students, teachers and staff, Safe Management Measures must be carried out. IECP have been reminded to observe the following: Screening o Daily temperature-taking and visual screening for all students and staff. Students and staff who are unwell, or who have household members on Home Quarantine Order/Stay Home Notice or have adult household members with flu-like symptoms such as fever and cough, are required to stay away from IECP. Hygiene o Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces and disinfection of the premises to be done daily. o Students will continue to practise frequent handwashing through out the school day and wipe down of tables and shared equipment after use.

Cohorting o Intermingling across classes and levels must be reduced.

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Safe distancing o Fixed exam-styles eating in classrooms with small group discussions is allowed o Students are to continue sitting in spaced seating arrangements in canteens or eating areas, where applicable. Otherwise, fixed groups of up to five from the same class will be allowed. o Staggered arrival, dismissal and recess timings to reduce congestion. o Students and staff are required to wear masks. In situations where wearing of masks may not be practical (e.g. students with health conditions), they may wear face shields instead.

For more details on the advisory, visit www.muis.gov.sg/ars and select COVID-19 Advisory under IECP tab.

New registered IECP Name of IECP An Noura Academy The Nun's Production Khalis Academy Muhammadiyah Learning Centre Sevmek Singapore Ibn Izhar Institute

Own an IECP? REGISTER NOW

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Klik untuk menonton

Masagos minta Muis Masyarakat Singapura

tubuh

Wakaf

Kemeriahan Hari Raya disalurkan secara dalam talian bersama Menteri Hal Ehwal Masyarakat Islam, Encik Masagos Zulkifli dalam perjumpaan Hari Raya tahunannya.

Encik Masagos melahirkan rasa bangga atas ciri-ciri Masyarakat Gemilang yang dipaparkan masyarakat sepanjang perjuangan menempuhi ujian-ujian yang dilanda, termasuk COVID-19.

Menurut beliau, "Saya terharu memikirkan sumbangan para asatizah kita yang gigih memberi masyarakat sokongan dan bimbingan rohani. Oleh itu, saya mengalu-alukan usaha Muis untuk memperkukuhkan institusi agama kita dan membangunkan keupayaan asatizah kita."

Encik Masagos juga mengajak masyarakat mengatur langkah jangka panjang untuk memastikan pendapatan asatizah kita setimpal dengan kemahiran dan sumbangan mereka.

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Menurutnya, ini boleh tercapai sekiranya kita menabung bersama untuk kebaikan masyarakat di masa depan. Beliau juga telah meminta Muis untuk menubuhkan Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura, demi menyokong institusi keagamaan kita, pembangunan asatizah serta usaha-usaha kemasyarakatan.

Bezanya wakaf ini ialah ia berbentuk hartanah yang diwasiatkan.

Lantaran itu, beliau mengajak masyarakat untuk menghidupkan kembali budaya wakaf sebagai amal yang pahalanya berterusan untuk menabur jasa kepada generasi mendatang. Beliau juga berharap semua yang berkeupayaan agar tampil ke hadapan membina masa depan bersama sebagai sebuah Masyarakat Gemilang.

Ustaz Nor Razak beri penjelasan mengenai nikah secara dalam talian Pendaftar di Pejabat Pernikahan Muslim (ROMM) Ustaz Nor Razak Bakar bersama Penolong Pengarah Pejabat Mufti, Ustaz Izal Mustafa telah membincangkan berkenaan pernikahan secara dalam talian.

Ustaz Nor Razak juga berkongsi cara pelaksanaan pernikahan dalam talian itu, sementara Ustaz Izal pula menyentuh aspek pemikiran fatwa yang membenarkan pelaksanaan pernikahan sedemikian.

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Irsyad Advisory on online marriage solemnization

The Office of the Mufti has received a question from the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) on 8 April 2020, whether marriage solemnizations (nikah) can be conducted online/virtually where circumstances do not permit physical solemnizations, such as during a pandemic outbreak.

The religious view in Islamic law is that virtual marriage solemnization is permitted as long as the conditions for a nikah can be fulfilled. In principle, the use of video-conference for marriage and divorce proceedings is an administrative arrangement that does not affect the validity or otherwise of such proceedings. The Fatwa Committee issued a fatwa in 1999 which permits the use of video-conferencing methods to discuss the wife’s divorce application and to verify the husband’s pronouncement of divorce in prison, without the need for the husband to appear in court.

In view of current circumstances where safe distancing must be observed to contain the spread of COVID-19, the Office of the Mufti is of the opinion that solemnizers at the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM) may solemnize marriages via video conference if the need arises, as long as they can ensure that all the conditions set out under Islamic law on the validity of the nikah are fulfilled. These include ascertaining the identities of all parties involved and that there are no objections and/or impediments to the nikah as recognised under Islamic law.

Continue Reading

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Understanding the Protests against Structural Racism in America

By Ustazah Lina Sakina Salim

Protests and riots have erupted across the United States, demanding justice for the death of George Floyd, an African American, in the hands of a White policeman. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case, acted on by a few bad apples within the American law enforcement. The very system that is supposed to offer security and protection to the people, has used its power, time and time again, to subjugate and oppress the innocent, many of whom are among the people of colour in the US. Just this year, we have been shocked by the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and Brionna Taylor, two African American youths, whose deaths were seen to be a result of racial profiling and race-based discrimination. Added on to this are many individuals who were wrongly convicted for crimes they did not commit. These events were factors that eventually triggered people from all walks of life to protest against police brutality and structural racism within American society through the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, a human rights campaign against state-sanctioned violence and anti-Black racism by empowering the Black community in the US and abroad.

The term “race” has no scientific, biological basis. In fact, it is a social construct used to classify and divide people based on their physical appearances – most notably their skin colour and ancestral heritage – while racial categories subsume ethnic groups.

Racism is the belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities, and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race and the subjugation of others. Racism is not merely individual acts of discrimination based on prejudice and bias. Racism, when expressed collectively by the majority and/or within those in power, becomes the tool of oppression and injustice that is manifested through discriminatory laws and policies aiming to control and weaken the minority. A quick look into modern

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world history could give numerous examples of conflicts and wars that were deeply rooted in racism, such as the apartheid in South Africa, the Nazi manifesto in Germany during World War Two, and the War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan by the US. The problem of anti-Black racism in the US is entrenched within its bloody history of land imperialism, trans-Atlantic slavery and genocide of the native population.

The terms “White”, “Black”, and “Colour” depict a hierarchy of power expressed through racial difference. Understanding this painful history will provide a better insight and understanding of their plight. Since the discovery of the Americas in the 16th century and the subsequent imperialism of the lands by European nations, hundreds of thousands from the African continent were sold into slavery and brought to the “New World”. A great many of them were from Muslim areas in Africa, and were in fact practising Muslims. As slaves, they were not seen as equals by their owners, deprived of their basic human rights, and by virtue of their black skin, were seen as uncultured, barbaric and uncivilised. These erroneous claims were supported by the scientific study of biological racism in the 19th century – a grievous attempt at misusing science to justify racial discrimination.

Despite going through decades of struggle to gain equality through abolishment of slavery and the civil rights movement, Coloured communities, specifically the Blacks, still endure racial discrimination, both individually and institutionally, in their social and political lives. The protests are a manifestation of intergenerational pain and trauma of a community that has endured centuries of oppression and injustice for the mere colour of their skin. As Desmond Tutu said, ‘If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.’

This is a three-part series on the theme of Islam and racism. The next article in this series entitled “The Role of Muslims in Combating Racism” will be published in the upcoming issue of the ARS Newsletter. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the ARS Office. Any content provided by independent authors are of their opinion and is not intended to malign any person, group, or entity.

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PCICS asatizah adapting to the new normal The PCICS asatizah had a special guest appearance during their third Islam in Singapore lecture.

Minister Masagos Zulkifli dropped by to address our asatizah during these difficult times.

Minister Masagos highlighted the importance of adapting to the new normal, teaching Islam in the Singapore's context, and contributing beyond the conventional ways such as through business management, leadership, counselling, and social work. He also expressed his hopes for the aspiring next generation asatizah to find their unique strengths. This could lead them to various career paths and eventually help address the contemporary challenges in Singapore's socio-religious life together.

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CPE

CPE courses schedule Date

Title

CPE

Medium

Pengenalan Kewangan Islam

2

Malay

2, Thursday

Isu Khilafiah Siri 1 dan 2

3

Malay

4, Saturday

Metodologi Pengajaran Al-Quran dan Aplikasinya Mengikut Konteks Kontemporari

3

Malay

7, Tuesday

Pengenalan Kepada Cryptocurrency

2

Malay

13, Monday

Methods in Teaching Al-Quran and its Application in Contemporary Context

3

English

21, Tuesday

Seeing Red Feeling Blue

2

English

JULY 1, Wednesday

Click below to find out more on updated CPE Programmes

REGISTER NOW

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Friday Prayers to resume: 6 things you should know before visiting the mosque in Phase 2 Mosques across the world are starting to ease restrictions and open up in phases.

In Saudi, most mosques have reopened since early June. However, the elderly, children below 15 and people with chronic diseases are not permitted to attend prayers at the mosques. Worshippers are also required to perform the ablution at home.

However, as eager as we are to return to perform our prayers at the mosque, we are still fighting against COVID-19. Safety measures will be introduced to protect our mosques from being a potential COVID-19 cluster and to minimise the risk of exposure to all congregants. As such, adjustments and sacrifices will be needed in ensuring we will be able to keep the doors of our mosques open in this unprecedented period of COVID-19.

In Turkey, Friday prayers have started with social distancing observed. In Malaysia, mosques and suraus located in Covid-19 green zones within the Federal Territories are now allowed to fill one-third of their congregational capacity for Friday and obligatory prayers.

In Singapore, limited prayer spaces have already been provided for private worship since the beginning of Phase 1 in early June. Here are 6Â important things to take note of before your next visit to the mosque: 1. Stay at home if you are unwell or on Quarantine Order, LOA or SHN 2. Vulnerable groups are advised to pray at home 3. Safe visit with essential items 4. Individual prayer (Non-congregational) 5. Daily congregational prayer (Solat Jemaah) 6. Friday congregational prayer (Solat Jumaat) Continue Reading

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https://blog.pergas.org.sg/wasat/

Hukum bukan muslim memasuki tanah haram Ustaz Mustazah Bin Bahari

Isu ini timbul apabila kerajaan Arab Saudi mengeluarkan visa pelancong kepada negara-negara yang terpilih, ramai orang termasuk yang bukan Muslim, mengambil kesempatan untuk melawat dan meninjau keunikan negara di bawah pemerintahan keluarga Al-Saud itu.

Visa tersebut bersifat izin bagi lawatan berganda (multiple entry) dan sah digunakan selama setahun.

Pemegang visa dibenarkan untuk menetap selama sembilan puluh hari pada setiap kemasukan. Mereka juga dibenarkan untuk pergi ke mana sahaja dalam negara tersebut. Hal yang tidak pernah berlaku sebelum ini dalam sejarah negara Arab Saudi. Apatah lagi untuk membayangkan kemasukan orang bukan Muslim ke kawasan Tanah Haram seperti Madinah dan Mekah. Jika dahulu sesiapa yang bukan Muslim dilarang sama sekali untuk memasuki Tanah Haram, tiada sekatan yang dilakukan dengan visa pelancong yang dikeluarkan pada hari ini. Mereka bebas berwisata di kawasan Tanah Haram Madinah. Namun mereka dilarang masuk ke dalam masjid. Hal ini telah menimbulkan rasa tidak senang di kalangan umat Islam dan mengundang kritikan terhadap polisi terbaru kerajaan Arab Saudi.

In collaboration with

Bacaan Lanjut

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The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted many workers, particularly the freelancers and the self-employed among our asatizah.

The ARS Office has reached out to affected asatizah and encouraged them to apply for the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS). To date, more than 500 asatizah have been contacted to apply for the scheme.

To provide guidance in the application process, the ARS Office with close collaboration with Pergas, have conducted an e-briefing on the SIRS application and tax filing process on May 15. More than 70 asatizah had attended the briefing online. The ARS Office plans to conduct more briefings in the following weeks, Insya Allah.

Menyingkap Syawal

yang luar biasa MAY 2020, ISSUE 21

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Klik untuk menonton

Watch the video of the Singapore Mufti, Sohibus Samahah Ustaz Dr Nazirudin Nasir delivering a Hari Raya sermon at the Muhajirin Mosque on the first Sunday morning, 24 May 2020

Aidilfitri Sermon - Success within Sacrifice This year, and in these unique times, Aidulfitri symbolises much more than just victory. It reminds us of our continued struggle and sacrifice as we play our part to protect lives and keep everyone safe. We struggle with all the swift adjustments we have had to make - to stay at home and worship with our families.

As we live through this crisis, we have learnt a lot about ourselves and our community. Our homes have been transformed into a work place, a classroom or many classrooms for some families, a place of worship and a place to rest. We therefore learnt that we have it in us to be that bit more patient and resilient to overcome the most challenging circumstances in life.

So for the time being, we have to adapt in the ways we maintain our good relations (silaturrahmi) with our families. This does not end nor weaken because we cannot visit them. Pick up our phones or use video calls through Skype or Zoom or Whatsapp, wish them well on this day and seek their forgiveness. And when you put down the phone or end your call, recite a prayer for them.

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Petikan gambar dari video semasa siaran langsung rancangan Singapura Bertakbir bersama Mufti, Mantan Mufti dan asatizah tempatan

Singapura Bertakbir di malam Raya Takbir Hari Raya yang menjadi syiar agama biasanya menjadi laungan di masjidmasjid tempatan. Namun, semasa penutupan masjid-masjid Singapura dalam tempoh pemutus rantaian jangkitan, syiar ini beralih ke dalam talian. Takbir Hari Raya telah diadakan secara langsung pada malam 1 Syawal. Acara itu melibatkan asatizah muda dan mapan dan dijalankan menerusi studio dan aplikasi Zoom. Program Singapura Bertakbir itu telah dijayakan oleh Mufti Singapura, Ustaz Dr Nazirudin Nasir, Mantan Mufti, Ustaz Dr Fatris Bakaram, dan beberapa asatizah lain termasuk pegawai-pegawai masjid dan wakil-wakil organisasi. Lebih menarik lagi, takbir ini turut dijayakan oleh Ustazah Izzah Khamsani, Ustazah Rohana Ithnin, termasuk juga Imam Azeezullah sebagai wakil bagi masyarakat Muslim India di Singapura. Program ini mendapat sambutan baik dari masyarakat dan mendapat lebih 30,000 tontonan.

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ARS NEWSLETTER IS Â A PUBLICATION OF

Singapore Islamic Hub 273 Braddell Rd Singapore 579702

+65 6359 1199

info@muis.gov.sg