Br. Siddiqui InterviewThe Government Gives Extensive Support
to the Muslim Community to Progress
The Muslim Community in Singapore is very lucky in that their government extensively assists it to develop and progress. This opinion was expressed by the Chairman of As-Sunnah Foundation of America (ASFA), Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani.
"The government of Singapore helps the Muslims in need by implementing a special arrangement by which a small amount of money is deducted from their salaries for the construction of Mosques. This system is quite unique and we must consider how this arrangement could also be applied in the United States," Shaykh Hisham Kabbani said.
Furthermore, Shaykh added, the authorizing the Islamic Board of Singapore (MUIS) to organize the zakat has been a good sign of Islam’s development in Singapore.
Shaykh Kabbani was able to express this view after he met with the Minister of Social Development who is also the Minister of Muslim Society, Mr. Abdullah Tarmugi. The shaykh also met the former President of MUIS (Islamic Board of Singapore) who is now a Member of Parliament (AP) GRC, Mr. Cheng San and Mr. Zainul Abidin Rasheed. Shaykh Kabbani met with them all during his recent visit to Singapore.
It is also his opinion that the people of Singapore are similar to the people of the US, in that they have the freedom to choose their own religion and belief.
"Therefore the Muslims of this country should be able to strengthen their belief," he said.
The shaykh also said that the Muslims in Southeast Asia have always shown their strong commitment to Islam.
He said: "Muslim society is Southeast Asia is more confident in showing their commitment to Islam compared to the Muslims in the Middle-East. Muslims in the Middle East are still competing with each other to follow the people of the West, so their situation is difficult to control."
Br. Siddiqui Interview