2024 (1 Shawal 1445H) Eid ul-Fitr prayer sermon

Towards fostering a confident, resilient and righteous life

On the first day of Shawal (the 10th month of the Hijri (H) or Muslim calendar Muslims throughout the world cerebrate Eid ul-Fitr, commonly referred in Singapore as Aidilfitri. It’s the day after Ramadan, when Muslims fast every day of the month from before-sunrise to after-sunset.

The first activity of this celebratory day is the Aidilfitri morning prayer in the mosque.   

In Singapore, from after 7 am of 10 April 2024 (that coincided with 1 Shawal 1445H), Muslims from all parts of the island nation began to head towards mosques in their area.  There are some 70 mosques (each having two or three levels) with most of them conducting two sessions, some even three sessions, of the Aidilfitri prayer because of the large turnout of worshippers on this special public holiday.

The Aidilfitri prayer sermon this year, entitled “Fostering a confident and resilient religious life”, prepared by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), was read out by the Imam (prayer leader) of the congregational prayer.

The laudable sermon reproduced here, taken from the website of Muis, has been shortened a bit with a few paragraphs together with the Qur’anic verses in Arabic text removed for easy understanding, especially by non-Muslim readers. 

The sermon goes:  

“My beloved brothers and sisters,

Ramadan has taught us the value of mercy in life. It has nurtured within us the meaning of goodness, and instilled in us timeless wisdom. It served as a catalyst to build a community of success that is confident, resilient, and empowered.

This is even more crucial in today’s fractured world which is filled with challenges, conflicts, and unrest. Such conditions, however, will not weaken those who are pious, faithful, and knowledgeable. Instead, these conditions reaffirm our commitment to further improve ourselves and our society. The greater the challenges, the more we intensify our efforts to strengthen ourselves and our community. As Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him [PBUH]) said: “…Hold your ground. If others do good, then you should strive to do even better. However, if they do evil, do not respond with injustice.” [Hadith narrated by Imam Tirmizi].

We also need efforts to improve our condition. Allah (Glory to Him, the Exalted) reminds us in the Qur’an: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves…” (Chapter 13, verse 11).

The Imam (prayer leader) of the congregation reading the sermon in the second session of the Aidilfitri prayer at Al-Ansar Mosque in Bedok in the Chai Chee area.

A confident, resilient, and empowered community is built upon three pillars.

Firstly, deepening knowledge and understanding of religion; secondly, nurturing noble morals and values, and thirdly, fostering a culture of contributing towards goodness.

Let us contemplate over these three pillars.

First: Deepening knowledge and understanding of religion

A Muslim community diligently seeks knowledge and contributes to its advancement. After all, the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the command for humanity to read. Allah says:  “Read! In the name of your Lord who created.” (Chapter 96, verse 1)

In Chapter 9, verse 122, Allah emphasises that while defending the sovereignty of a country is important, this does not justify neglecting the development of a scholarly community and knowledge. Because the power of knowledge is necessary to defend the sovereignty and integrity of a country in the long run.

Having knowledge also means deepening our understanding and practice of religion in our lives. We must continue to diligently seek profound religious knowledge. It is a shield against confusion and extremism in our understanding and practice of religion.

Therefore, cherish the knowledge that Allah has bestowed upon us. Beneficial knowledge knows no bounds. We must work hard, as a society, to possess knowledge and life skills that would allow us to remain relevant in making meaningful contributions to humanity.

Second: Possessing good manners and a noble character  

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent to perfect makarimul akhlak (noble character). Noble characters and good manners are closely linked to the growth of civilisation, regardless of race, religion, and background. In times when people easily insult or even oppress anyone considered different, noble characters are even more important.

A true believer should show care and concern for the people, and display kindness and mercy to all. A noble character and good manners will also give us the strength to navigate through difficult times with wisdom and understanding. Imam Shafi’i (a Muslim scholar and jurist) once advised in his (Arabic) poetry: “Do not be saddened by the calamities that occur, for such events will not last forever. Be someone who bravely faces difficult days, whose attitude is that of tolerance and steadfastness.”

Third: A culture of contributing and being a source of goodness

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “A Mukmin (a believer in Islam) is similar to a date palm tree; whichever part you take from it, it is sure to be of benefit.” (Hadith narrated by Imam Al-Tabrani).Like a tree that provides protection to others, and contributes meaningfully to the world, so is a Muslim. This is the character of a confident, resilient, and empowered Muslim.

Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), we are proud to observe the contributive spirit of Singaporeans. We unite in providing humanitarian aid in Gaza, facilitated by the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation. This spirit of mutual solidarity and togetherness has aided those in need. Similarly, our hospitality towards migrant workers who contribute to nation building, and various other communal activities.

Mercy pervades all of these. The charity given, the foods shared during iftar (breaking of fast) and sahur (before dawn meal), the smiles exchanged, and the assurance of public safety while we worship – all these stems from compassionate souls.

Various challenges of life will continue. They may be even more complex. However, we must continue to navigate life with faith and perseverance.  

We hope, we have rejuvenated our spirituality in Ramadan, so that we may become Allah’s beloved people.  Let us continue to strengthen our faith and nurture wisdom within ourselves, so that we may be granted the Almighty’s Mercy and Compassion. May the victories we achieve today (after a month of fasting and doing righteousness) amount to a conclusive victory for all humanity on this earth.”

Worshippers leaving the second session of the Aidilfitri prayer at this 3-storey Al-Ansar Mosque. Women take the lift to the third storey for the congregational prayer. (Men and women pray seperately in different prayer halls; they do not mix for modesty’s sake during prayers as they have to stand, bow, prostrate and sit next to next row after row.)

Members of a family with the Al-Ansar Mosque in the background, where they had, a while ago, performed the second session of the Aidilfitri congregational prayer: Both 10-year-old Adam Rayan and his cousin, 9-year-old Nur Iffah, also attended last year’s Aidilfitri prayer in this same mosque.

By Shaik Kadir (who attended the second session of the Aidilfitri prayer at 9:00 am at Al-Ansar Mosque on 12 April 2024) 

Important for Singaporeans of different races and religions to live together peacefully and respecting each other

Wishing a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year to all Chinese readers

Singapore is an excellent example of a country which comprises three main ethnicity – Chinese, Indian and Malay – and practising various religions, such as Buddhism (Chinese), Christianity (Chinese and Indian), Islam (Malay and Indian), Hinduism (Indian) and Taoism (Chinese) and living peacefully together. And this model of harmony has to be always maintained by one and all.

Associate Professor  Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, who is Minister of State for Home Affairs, on 25 January 2024, while speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Malay/Muslim Organisation Rehabilitation Network conference at the Singapore Expo, was asked about the case involving a 16-year-old self-radicalised Singaporean who had identified himself as a white supremacist and was given a restriction order under the Internal Security Act.

Dr Faishal said: “What’s important is how we can work together with society, families, parents to build a positive life, a compassionate life where we respect one another and distance ourselves from extremist aspects that can affect not just the lives of others but also their own lives.”

“What we want is to hopefully help them (‘those who could potentially develop extremist views’) understand the importance of respecting one another, and view Singapore as one country where people of different races and religions come together.

“They need to respect everyone, understand other races and religions, so that we can tackle this issue together, and how people in Singapore, despite having different races and religions, can still live peacefully side by side.”

Addressing the development of negative aspects on the Internet and social media, he said that “with a positive approach, at school, at home, and within society, we can build a peaceful society that respects each other”.

Singapore’s multi-racial fabric must be preserved for Singaporeans to be proud to say “We are Singaporeans”.

As Chinese New Year is just four days away (on 10 February 2024), we wish all Singapore Chinese a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year.

(Quotes from Dr Faishal were reproduced from the article, “Work together to tackle hatred for people who are different – Faishal” by Samuel Devaraj, The Straits Times, 26 January, 2024)

Shaik Kadir

6 February 2024

Usual aura of Ramadan is back to enhance spiritual and disciplinary developments as well as togetherness

 

With the entire Covid restrictions lifted, this year’s Ramadan is being fully participated for spiritual and disciplinary attainment as pre-Covid days.   

It’s now almost the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and mosques are filled with worshippers for the tarawih, a long night-time prayer, performed every night only in Ramadan.  

The tarawih prayer is performed after the Isyak (night prayer), the fifth prayer of the day. The Isyak prayer begins at about 8:20 pm. 

Tarawih can also be performed at home or anywhere, like at the void decks, as long as the place is clean and not disruptive for prayers, like foul smell and noise.  However, praying in a congregation is encouraged.   Togetherness is always the main objective of Islam in any Islamic event. Islam wants peace, togetherness, progress and happiness for all, irrespective of ethnicity and cultures.

(Top) A view of the ground level of the 3-storey Kassim Mosque showing the congregation after the Isyak prayer waiting for the tarawih prayer to begin. (Below) Another view of the congregation at the Kassim Mosque on another day. (Women pray on the second storey, and the third storey is occupied by men again.)

At the Taqua Mosque: Worshippers, after the Isyak prayer, waiting for the tarawih prayer to begin.

In the day, from dawn to dusk, Muslims not only refrain from eating food and drinks but also from smoking and marital sex as well as any other undesirable acts, like quarelling, telling lies and slandering, and even entertaining vicious thoughts. 

Helping people in need and giving donations for important causes are emphasized in Ramadan with the zakat-fitrah (annual charity) being obligatory.  In Singapore, the pre-calculated rates are $5.10 (normal) or $7:70 (higher) per person and it must be settled before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayer. Sixteen out of the 67 mosques in Singapore have already installed SalamSG Pay Self-Service Kiosks.   

In Singapore, Muslims fast for about 14 hours. The first meal of the day, called sahur, is taken before dawn and the next meal, called iftar, is taken after sunset.  

For iftar, mosques distribute bubur (spiced rice porridge) for anyone around the mosque to come and collect at about 5:00 to break their fast with their family members at home.  Another portion of the bubur is kept for iftar at the mosques.  

Islam teaches togetherness and neighbourliness, hence for iftar, Muslims are encouraged to break their fast together with other people in big groups. Iftar in the mosque is for anyone rich or poor of any race – all sitting together side by side and eating whatever food is available, dates, bubur and water, being the main foodstuff, waiting for the break fast time.  In the mosque, the Maghrib (sunset prayer) azan (prayer call) is the signal to break their fast.   

Some mosques in Singapore invite non-Muslim neighbours to join in the iftar. This is indeed a good act in promoting the neighbourliness value of Islam.  

It is also common for members of diverse faiths of the Inter-Religious Organisation to attend mosque iftar, and take the meal together with Muslims for enhancing religious harmony. Other dignitaries, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, ministers, and Members of Parliament, have had the experience of attending mosque iftar over the years.   

Fasting is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam and is mandatory for all adult Muslims except those who are permanently sick, very old, or insane.   

Pregnant women, mothers who are nursing babies, and menstruating women need not fast, and so too the distant travellers. All these people have to make up the missed days before the next Ramadan.  

Children, before reaching the age of puberty, need not fast.  However, seeing their parents fast, some might want to fast. For those who are eager to try, their parents might allow them to fast, as a form of training, for half a day as and when they want, and full days on weekends perhaps. 

Ramadan is a blessed month because it is the month when the first Qur’anic Revelation from God was received by Prophet Muhammad through the Angel, Gabriel (Jibrail). This event happened on 27th Ramadan, and the 27th night is called Lailatul Qadar (Night of Power). This very first Revelation forms a chapter called Iqra (Read!) in the Qur’an. 

In the mosque, the tadarus (reading of the Qur’an) is held after the tarawih prayer when individuals gather to read the Qur’an. Taking turns, they read two or three parts each night till the entire Qur’an of 114 chapters comprising 30 parts is completed a few days before the end of Ramadan.   

Fasting teaches patience and perseverance in the face of difficulties and hardships and allows Muslims to understand the sufferings of the less fortunate.  

Fasting aims to uplift a fasting person’s spiritual values, helps him to restrain and control his physical needs, and makes him better prepared to cope with distress and crises.    

The aura of Ramadan is heightened in the last ten days of Ramadan when people begin preparing to welcome Aidilfitri (Festival of Charity) or simply Hari Raya (day of celebration) in Malay. 

Homes are decorated and twinkling colour-lights are hung across doors and windows. Kuih-kuih (delicacies) are prepared or bought while nostalgic Hari Raya songs are played over the radio.   

Amidst the intensified festive mood, Muslims are reminded not to forget the significance of Ramadan – that it has given them the opportunity to devote themselves to God and to enhance their spirit of sacrifice, self-restraint, compassion, and friendliness. 

In Singapore, Ramadan ends on Friday, 21 April, and Syawal begins the next day when Hari Raya Aidilfitri is celebrated. Singapore adopts astronomical calculations (hisab) to determine the dates of the 12 months of the Muslim calendar which is lunar-based. (Details of the calculations are given in a booklet, titled “Navigating traditions in determining the Hijra calendar” published by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, popularly called Muis, short for Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura, earlier in 2023.)

Indeed, many Muslims experience such an intense spiritual uplift in Ramadan that when it ends, they feel a poignant sense of loss that makes them observe another six days of voluntary fasting a day after Aidilfitri, and await eagerly for the spiritual aura of the next Ramadan.  

Eid ul-Fitr (Festival of Charity) or Hari Raya Aidilfitri, commonly referred to in Malay, falls on Saturday, 22 April 2023 in Singapore.

Eid is a grand day for Muslims.  For the non-Muslims, enjoy the public holiday, and do visit your Muslim friends who will be happy to take you as their Hari Raya guests. It is the generosity and happiness of Singaporeans to keep friendships alive.

Wishing Aidilfitri Mubarak and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all Muslims.

Shaik Kadir 

19 April 2023

A book to get people of different faiths understand and appreciate Islam

An appreciative and enriching

inter-faith event

at Istiqamah Mosque where

two books were launched

(A report by John Vijayan in his Facebook

reproduced with his permission)

I learned much from the Inter-faith Learning Journey for a Cohesive and Harmonious Society event at the Istiqamah Mosque in Serangoon North on 5 March 2023.

About 250 people of different ethnicities and faiths attended the gathering during which two books were launched.   

The event was graced by former Cabinet Minister Lim Boon Heng, who is currently the Advisor to the Chairman of the People’s Association Board of Management. He launched the two books.

Amongst the audience were some former participants of the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP) as well as our beloved host families of SSEAYP participants. They came in support of the two authors for the launch of their books.

The book on Islam

Shaik Kadir, a veteran writer of numerous articles and several books on Islam as well as a veteran host family of three decades, had authored the book “Sharing Islam with people of other faiths for understanding and unity”.  

SSEAYP friendship

Being closely associated with SSEAYP, Mr Shaik had previously, in 2019, written, “The ship that spreads friendship”, a 130-page book about his experiences of hosting SSEAYP participants for the homestay stint. The book was “Not for sale” but given free-of-charge to the participants of SSEAYP.

Children’s book

The other author, Ms Keiko Soeda, a participant of SSEAYP in 1991, had penned a children’s book “When Nasi Lemak meets Sushi – a diary of Yasir Yuuta”. Yasir is the third child of Keiko, a Japanese Muslim, and Mr Yacob Hussain. Yacob was a SSEAYP participant and National Leader in 1992 and 2003 respectively.

The SSEAYP participants and the host families have since 1974, been a catalyst of a multi-racial and religious pathway for the selected youths of ASEAN and Japan, many of whom have forged everlasting friendships, some even went beyond their shores and found their life partners through the programme.

Active participation in SSEAYP has been a gateway for a harmonious family for those involved in SSEAYP. They are a good living example of how such an exchange programme can help towards developing a harmonious and happy family and society.

The book launching event at the Istiqamah Mosque began with a nasheed presentation by a group of boys from an Indian Muslim association (above). Nasheed is vocal music (without the use of musical instruments), popular throughout the Islamic world.  The lyrics of nasheeds focus on Islamic themes.

Habib Hassan explaining the significance and charity expects of Ramadan.

After the nasheed, Habib Hassan of Ba’alwie Mosque (above), a learned Islamic scholar, gave a brief talk on the significance of Ramadan. He articulated the similarities in the different religious practices. It was indeed an eye-opener to know of such common practices among the different variations.

Speech and launching of books

In his address, the event’s Guest-of-Honour Lim Boon Heng (above) reminded us that Singapore’s vision is clearly encapsulated in our national Pledge: “Happiness, prosperity, and progress for our nation”.

Launch of the two books by Mr Lim.

On Suria (Malay TV Channel) news in the evening of 5 March 2023.

After his speech, Mr Lim launched the two books, followed by each of the authors presenting their books to Mr Lim, and finally taking a group photo with the authors holding their respective book posters.

Apart from the speeches and the launch of the two books, the guests were treated to an array of activities undertaken by the Muslim community of different ethnicities, such as the Chinese, Indians, Japanese and Malays. The guests also had the privilege to experience the delectable food prepared by the different races within the larger Muslim fraternity.

Book signing

Guests who bought the books had the opportunity to get their copies signed by the authors (above). All proceeds from the sale of the books on that day went to the mosque.

About the event, the guests felt much appreciative and enriched by the similarities of the different religions, which can gel the Singapore community to be One United People.

(Mr John Vijayan is an active alumnus of the SSEAYP, having been a participant in 1986. He became the first former participant to be appointed as the National Leader to lead the Singapore contingent in 1996. A long-time Secretary General of the SSEAYP Alumni of Singapore, he was also one of three first-batch advisors of the SSEAYP Alumni of Singapore.)

==========================================

About the book, “Sharing Islam with people of other faiths for understanding and unity”

Islam, a beautiful, fascinating, and universal faith, is among the religions practised by different races in Singapore – there are Malay Muslims, Indian Muslims, Chinese Muslims and Muslims of other races, too.  It is therefore good for Singaporeans of other faiths to know about Islam closely so they could understand and appreciate it, and be united as Singaporeans.  “(The book) will help to dispel the negativity we often read and hear about Islam,” said Dr Daniel Tan, Chairman of the Siglap Harmony Circle, after reading the book during its proof-reading stage.

The book:

• Explains Islam’s principles and message of peace for mankind,
• Clarifies misinformation and misconceptions about Islam, the Qur’an, Prophet Muhammad, jihad, the requirements for halal food, and other issues, and
• Describes how and what Muslims practise to be righteous people.

Islam embraces all races and cultures of the world. Over the past 1,400 years, it has spread far and wide across the globe.  This book aims at increasing the understanding of Islam among people of various religions to enhance peace, progress, and harmony in society, country, and the wider world.

Comments from readers

Here are a few of the many comments received about the book:

From Mr John Vijayan

Autographing Mr John Vijayan’s copy of “Sharing Islam with people of other faiths
for understanding and unity.”

“Haji Shaik Kadir, a devout Muslim, has put in an enormous amount of effort to share with the non-Muslims like me, the various religious practices of our Singapore Muslim brothers and sisters.

The author has highlighted several similarities that transcend the religious teachings of the different faiths practised in Singapore. By so doing, the author has successfully captured the essence of the major faiths and paved the way to gel us to be more united.

This is so very important to keep us cohesive in our multi-religious Singapore community.

Kudos! Shaik Kadir for being a bonding agent.”

John Vijayan Vasavan, PBM
Chairman
Buona Vista Inter-Racial/Religious Confidence Circle
2002-2004

More comments…

• “… a very informative book on Islam.” – Rev Song Cheng Hock
• “… a highly recommended read.” – Dr Foo Maw Der
• “… a great book… you have to read this book.” – Ms Zi Yu
• “The explanation given is easy to understand… a handy book.” – Mr G. Segar
• “A great reference book…It will help to dispel the negativity that we often read and hear about Islam“ – Dr Daniel Tan

(The entire comments of each of the five persons mentioned are shown from pages 3-5 of the book under “What they say about this book”.)

“Alhamdullilah (Praise be to Allah)!

You have done an excellent dakwah (sharing of the Islamic faith) with this book.

Many non-Muslims will have a better understanding of Islam and realise Islam is indeed the religion of peace!”

 – Jaiton Mastan (Ms)

Indeed, peace on earth and in the Hereafter is the focus of Islam. The focus of this book, too, is “peace”, a word that starts the Preface of the book, thus: “Peace (“Salam” in Arabic) is the essence of Islam”, and the last word in the last sentence of the Preface is “peace”, too, thus: “What Muslims and people of other faiths want is a world of friendship, kindness, and peace.”

Autographing   

Here are some more of the many photos taken of Shaik Kadir autographing his books upon request.

It is the hope of the author that the readers, after reading the whole book, would have gained proper knowledge and a better understanding of Islam. People throughout the world, a world that is increasingly getting so fractured and polarised, need to be united by being righteous in all matters. Indeed, in the Qur’an, God says: ‘The noblest of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you.” (Qur’an, 49:13)

Shaik Kadir

26 March 2023

Nurses allowed to wear tudung from 1 Nov 2021

Nurses allowed to wear tudung

from 1 Nov 2021

“This is a great move that I deeply appreciate,”

– Ms Noormala

As more and more Muslim women go through general education and Islamic awareness, they find the necessity to observe modesty in dressing as commanded by Allah (God) in the Qur’an, the Holy Book of Muslims.

Modest dressing or “hijab” is a general term used by all Muslims around the world. There is no fixed style or colour for the hijab because in different country Muslim women wear differently following their customs and traditions; hence Muslim women wear the hijab in their own customary way, style or liking as long as the whole body is covered except the face and hands below the wrists as advised by Prophet Muhammad.

In Singapore, a beautiful and progressive nation, where people of different races, religions, and cultures live peacefully and harmoniously, Muslim women in hijab are a common sight, notably the tudung (a Malay word for the headscarf). 

Hijab-clad Muslim women work in almost all sectors of the Singapore workforce except as nurses working in the hospitals.  They wear nursing uniforms without the tudung.

But, from today – 1 November 2021 – Muslim nurses are allowed to wear the tudung by following the hospital guidelines.  

The Straits Times, in its today’s news report, “Nurses allowed to wear own tudung if within guidelines”, mentions several factors, among which are:

• “Hospitals also said the headscarf will not be allowed in high-risk settings that require more stringent levels of cleanliness, such as operating theatres.”
• “SingHealth has come up with its own tudung, which nurses may use if they prefer: ‘Extensive discussion and research also went into the design and material to ensure that the tudung offered are safe, convenient and comfortable for our staff.’”

The article reported that “Nurses are excited about the change in policy, first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day Rally in August”.

The article, even quoted, Ms Noormala Abdul Hamid, 43, who has been in the nursing sector for 21 years, and was not able to wear the tudung at work, said she would be wearing it now. “Wearing a tudung does not compromise the quality of care I provide to my patients. This is a great move that I deeply appreciate,” said the assistant nurse clinician.

Details about the hijab, including its importance, are given in my following two articles:

(1)  “The Islamic headscarf connection: A modesty badge for the Muslim woman in hijab” (1 October 2017) Go to:

The Islamic headscarf connection: A modesty badge for the Muslim woman in hijab

(2) “Observing modesty to obey God: The Tudung Story” (20 September 2013).  Go to:

(10) Observing modesty to obey God: The Tudung Story

Shaik Kadir

1 November 2021

(Quotes from the article in The Straits Times (of 1 Nov 2021), “Nurses allowed to wear own tudung if within guidelines”, are used with courtesy of The Straits Times.)

Death and afterlife in Islam

In his article, “What is death? Lessons from a pandemic.” in the “Opinion” section of The Straits Times of 21 December 2020, hospice physician B.J. Miller, asks: “What is death?”

He, then, goes on to say that “Death is defined by what it lacks,” and explains that a person is dead when he has “no breathing, which is obvious enough, or no brain function … These are the words we use to describe one of the most profound events in human experience.”

But what people want to know is what happens after death.  Is there no afterlife? Miller himself admits: “For revelation of the mysteries of an afterlife…we might look to religion.” 

Okay, now let us look at what Islam says about afterlife.

God says in the Qur’an: “Every living creature shall taste death.” (3:185). 

Just like God created life, He created death: “He created death and life.” (67:2).

No human being, indeed no other living things, too, can live forever.  Every living creature will end its life, like the living grass being devoured by a goat; a live worm being devoured by a bird; a chicken (killed and cooked) and eaten by a human; a man himself being eaten by a huge python or a shark, a man meeting death from a fall from a height or from a road accident or from cancer while in the hospital or at home in the arms of the loved ones or by a gun-shot (by the police or a robber) or from an explosion while praying in a place of worship.

Death is inevitable and unpredictable, and can take place in numerous ways, anywhere and at any time – no boy can happily predict that he would die only in his old age as he sleeps comfortably on his bed at home!

In Islam, death is the gateway to another life, one that is peaceful and lasting. Dr Sheikh Mansour Leghaei, founder and a director of the Imam Husain Islamic Centre and the School of Islamic Theology in Earlwood, Australia, expressed it nicely: “(Death) is like a passage through which you enter another world higher and more advanced than the present one. It is therefore, a birth to an eternal life.”

After death, “you will be brought back to your Lord.” (32:11)  And “on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense.” (3:185)  

Muslims are therefore taught that, while they actively participate in this world they ought also to prepare themselves for the next world by remembering God (the One and Only, referred to in the Qur’an as Allah) and worshipping Him daily (five times a day), and following His Commands and Guidance to be good and righteous.

“To those who do good, there is good in this world and in the Home of the Hereafter, and excellent indeed is the Home of the Righteous.” (16:30)

The righteous “will enter the Gardens of Eternity.” (16:31) with the Angels welcoming and “saying to them ‘Peace be on you, and enter you the Garden, because of the good which you did (in this world).’” (16:32)

So, be good and righteous is the advice of Islam.

Shaik Kadir
24 December 2020

“For smokers, smoking is a pleasure now, a regret later; so quit it and be happy,” says Sihalam from experience

Many who had smoked for years and then kicked the habit have been much-admired. One of them, a retired officer from the police force, is Mr Sihalam Mohamad Salleh alias Sihalam Chan.   

Asked how he started smoking, he replied: “Friends, of course. I mixed with friends who smoked. They smoked and I, too, smoked – to be with them.”

As to what brand of cigarettes he used to smoke, Mr Sihalam, whose father was Chinese and mother Bugis, laughed and pointed out: “Well, I didn’t stick to one brand. I tried many brands like Pall Mall, 555, Marlboro, Rough Rider, and a few others.  I wanted to “taste” the different brands of that time to know which one was the best. But they all “tasted” the same!” 

He continued: “I was smoking two packs, sometimes three packs, with each pack of 20 sticks a day.  The last brand was Camel non-filtered cigarettes, which cost $3.60 per pack.”

Mr. Sihalam smoked for 21 years…

One day, after smoking for 21 years, with total determination, the smoker made a very important decision that shocked his friends.  He said: “After some careful thought of its negative impact on my life, I gave up smoking immediately.  That happened on 21 January 1987!  I will never forget this date.” 

With an outpouring of happiness, Mr Sihalam said that for a couple of days he controlled himself from returning to his previous practice. “I felt the stress, of course.  And, when I managed to overcome my smoking urge, I was so happy that thanked and praised God: ‘You gave me the strength to quit this bad habit immediately.  I realise that smoking brings no benefit to me at all. Thank you, Allah, for helping me to quit smoking.’”  

Mr Sihalam concluded with glee: “What I realised was that all brands are the same – they burn money and endanger health.”    

Health problems

Yes, smoking cigarettes, long known to cause lung cancer and heart diseases, has also been found by researchers all over the world to cause various related diseases like diabetes, liver cancer and erectile dysfunction as well as health problems such as tuberculosis and rheumatoid arthritis because of the chemicals they contained.

Singapore’s health authorities work closely with world health bodies in taking various measures to curb smoking, including holding anti-smoking talks and “Quit Smoking” clinics.

Cigarette packs display graphic warning labels of gory images, like images of seriously-affected cancer patients and diseased lung and lips to make a smoker aware of the health consequences of smoking every time he holds a cigarette pack to draw out a cigarette to smoke.

A remind to smokers: Smoke at your own risk.

Smoking carries health hazards and it kills.

Because smoking is harmful even to someone standing next to a smoker, it has been banned at many buildings, restaurants and other public places, including at the bus-stops. Other nation-wide smoking ban includes areas such as covered walkways and common areas of residential buildings. A fine is imposed on those who flout the law.

Ban smoking at home

There are people who smoke at home, and Mr Sihalam feels that it is not right. “Children might think that smoking is part of good things to enjoy when they see their older family members happily indulging in it. Children at home, are susceptible to cigarette smoke. Inhaling it might cause respiratory problems as well as coughs and asthma.”

He mused and added: “There is also another reason why smoking is not favoured at home.  This concerns the smoke itself.  The drifting smoke might irritate neighbours who don’t smoke.”

Indeed, the public is suggesting that smoking at home ought to be banned.

Ms Evelyn Yap in her letter, dated 16 October 2020, to the Straits Times Forum, “Learn from the Thais – ban smoking at home”,  says:“I hope a smoking ban will be introduced and will extend to smoking around landed properties.” (Ban smoking near windows and on balconies in homes, says Louis Ng, ST Online, Oct 5)  

“I live in a landed property and have neighbours who smoke. Cigarette and cigar smoke drift into our house, particularly at night and on weekends when everyone is home. Even with the doors and windows closed, the smoke enters through gaps between the openings.

“Therefore, allowing second-hand smoke to affect a family member or drift to neighbours’ homes should be treated as seriously as battery – an act that causes physical harm.

“We should not let difficulties of enforcement prevent us from taking the first step of passing this law to protect innocent victims. In fact, we can even take a leaf out of Thailand’s book and ban smoking in homes altogether.”

Qur’anic advice

The Qur’an provides the following advice that applies to smoking:

 Smoking is injurious to health:

“And make not your own hands contribute to your destruction.” (2:195)

“Do not kill or destroy yourselves: for verily Allah has been to you most merciful.” (4:29)

Smoking is wasting money:

“Squander not your wealth senselessly. Squanderers are indeed brothers of the satan.” (17:26-27)

“O you who believe! Intoxicants (or any addictives) … are an abomination…eschew such (abominations) that you may prosper.” (5:90)

Smoking has an inherent addictive nature. So, do not start smoking. Those who are already smoking, do have a strong will-power and determination, to kick the bad habit without delay like Mr Sihalam did, and whose advice to smokers is: “For smokers, smoking is a pleasure now, but a regret later, so quit it and be happy.”

Shaik Kadir

25 October 2020

Obituary Andy Iskandar – he leaves us but in our heart, we shall remember his friendship

 Obituary

Andy Iskandar – he leaves us
but in our heart, we shall remember
his friendship

Inna lillahi wainna ilayhi rajiun (From God we came and to Him is our return).

My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the mother of the late Andy Iskandar Ajes, 42, who passed away today (Wednesday 24 June 2020). May Allah bless his soul and place him in Jannah (Paradise). Ameen Ya Rabbal Alamin.

Andy Iskandar Ajes, Singapore National Leader of SSEAYP 2018.

I came to know Andy when he was 18 years old when he was a student at Temasek Junior College.  He was my son’s TJC school-mate and my son, one day, did take him to my home to take lunch with us.

A few years ago, after many years of taking in the participating youths (PYs) for the homestay stint of the Ship for South-east Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP), we met up with Andy who was a PY in SSEAYP. Then, last year (2019), on behalf of SSEAYP International Singapore, I wrote the book, “The Ship that Spreads Friendship”, and I interviewed Andy for a chapter (Chapter 6) titled “Reaping SSEAYP Benefits”.

In late November of last year (2019), my wife and I met Andy during the Farewell Ceremony onboard Nippon Maru and chit-chatted with him. That was the last time my wife saw Andy, but I had the opportunity to see him for the last time – in early March this year at the Changi General Hospital where he was hospitalised for gastric cancer stage 4. I did take a photo of him at the hospital bed, but I am too sad to place any photos of him during his ailment.  I shall place only the happy photos of him in this message to remember him and of his friendship.

The section on Andy in Chapter 6 of “The Ship that Spreads Friendship” goes:

===========================================  

 “SSEAYP gave me the opportunity to challenge
myself to develop further.” – Andy Iskandar

Mr Andy Iskandar Ajes is the Singapore National Leader (SNL) of last year (2018).  In mentioning the leadership role he shouldered as the leader of the Singapore contingent, Andy said: “It was all hard work but rewarding.”  A PY of 2005 and a representative at the On-Board Ship Conference (OBSC) in 2014, he has much to say about his leadership experiences.

Andy returned in July from a two-day Facilitators’ meeting in Tokyo and facilitated this year’s (2019’s) Singapore PYs. He said: “SSEAYP gave me the opportunity to challenge myself to develop further. First of all, I committed myself to be more patient. Working with, and preparing and managing a group of 28 youths of different personalities in last year’s Singapore contingent for a period of about six months, gave me the opportunities to stretch my patience.”

He added: “Furthermore, moulding a big number of individuals into people with one attitude to represent Singapore is not easy but to overcome the differences and obstacles, I believe, is the most important leadership skill. Leading with humility, genuine consideration and mutual respect overcome intimidation, objections and fear.”

Working with his fellow National Leaders from the other participating countries and the administrative staff of SSEAYP as well as the representatives of other countries gave Andy the opportunity to practise and improve his leadership and diplomacy skills.  

When asked what advice he would give to future national leaders, Andy said: “I would advise them to use the opportunity they have in SSEAYP to not just lead the Singapore contingent but facilitate the youths’ development and learning opportunities.”

He added: “Numerous learning moments and opportunities will be presented to them in the course of the preparation for the SSEAYP activities, not to mention during the actual programme itself. They need to do their best to take advantage of these moments and extract as much educational value for them to take on leadership roles effectively.”          

SSEAYP participants develop leadership abilities by interacting with youths from ASEAN and Japan, organising activities, visiting educational institutions, and, the most popular of all, staying with the country’s host families for three days.

======================================================

I received news of the passing of Andy this afternoon at 1:15 pm through a WhatsApp message from a long-time associate of SSEAYP and a close friend of mine, Mr Imhar Said.

But due to Covid-19 precautionary and preventive limits on attendance at funerals, many of his SSEAYP and personal friends as well as my son and me, had to miss attending Andy’s funeral and the jenazah prayer at the mosque.

I understand from my son that Andy was single as he had pledged to take care of his single mother who is wheel-chair bound. I salute his good intention and I pray that his mother would take the passing of her son with reda (willingness) as her son is returning to where every one of us will return one day.

We pray for the well-being of his soul, and say: Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun, a Qur’anic phrase which means “Verily we belong to God, and verily to Him do we return.” (Qur’an, 2:156)

(Some of the condolences received are shown below.)

Shaik Kadir
23 June 2020 

===========================

Condolences

Among the many condolence messages received for the obituary of Mr Andy Iskandar are the following:

“Indeed, sad that we lost a promising young man too soon but fond memories of him will be cherished for a long, long time. May his soul rest in peace.” (Ms Jenny Koh, Adviser, SSEAYP International Singapore.)

“We lost a friend and a brother of SSEAYP fraternity. May the Almighty bless his soul and place him in Paradise among the pious people. Aamin.” (Mr Yacob Hussain, President, SSEAYP International Singapore.)

“We will miss you, Andy! Rest in peace.” (Ms Quake Garrido, Past PY from the Philippines.)

From Ms Latifah Abdul Majid and Ms Zoe Hameed.

From Ms Fatimah Bee and Ms Kasmah Latiff.

From Ms Zainab Bee, Ms Jamaliah and Mr Razali Jan.

Time to race to eliminate racism

On 25 May 2020, an incident happened in the United States of America. A white policeman killed a black unarmed man in a cruel manner, an incident that created horrendous anger among black Americans as well as the white Americans and others all over the world. That incident in the US is an awakening call for other countries in the world to highlight the importance of implementing strict non-racist national policies for the benefit of humanity.

What does Islam say about race and racism?

In the Qur’an, God says: “…We created you from a single pair of a male and female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you.” (Qur’an, 49:13)

In this verse, God says that He made human beings, starting with two persons (Adam and Eve) and He made their progeny populate the earth, breaking into numerous races with varied cultures and traditions so that human beings, with their thirst for knowledge, can learn from each other and expand their intellectual ability to live harmoniously – not to despise each other and debase themselves along the way with hatred and discrimination.

Prophet Muhammad, in his famous Last Sermon, among other advice, said: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over a white, except by piety and good action.   (Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361)

There should be no colour supremacy or superiority of race; everybody is equal in the eyes of God.  Prophet Muhammad advises people to end racism and superiority complex and adopt character that embellishes “piety” like obeying God’s Commands and showing kindness and compassion, and “good action” like extending charity and help to the poor and needy as well as neighbours in need of help.

What Islam teaches in the Qur’an and the Hadith with regard to race, colour and status is demonstrated in practice.  Here are some of the notable ones:

• Non-racist preference

The azan (prayer call) is executed by the human voice before each of the five daily prayers of the day. At the time when Prophet Muhammad was to initiate the azan, there were rich and prominent Arab friends of the Prophet as well as his close Arab Companions who, the Prophet could choose to do the first azan in Mecca, yet for the very first muezzin (caller of prayer) the Prophet chose a black man by the name of Bilal to climb up the Ka’aba (the pivot point of the direction of the Islamic prayer) to make the prayer call, which he gladly did, and the people were pleased to see that the Prophet did not base his choice on race, colour, status or wealth. That act is remembered right to this day so much so the muezzin (the person who makes the call on today’s audio system of the mosque) is referred to as “bilal”, and the bilal can be anyone, even a boy as long as he is apt in the words of the azan.

• Fraternity and brotherhood 

In Islam, performing the prayer at the mosque with many “unknown” Muslims from anywhere around the mosque coming and praying together is an opportunity on establishing Islamic fraternity and brotherhood. In the Islamic prayer, the worshippers (males and females praying separately) position themselves shoulder to shoulder in a straight row, row after row, behind the imam (prayer leader). Who are the worshippers? Well, they can be anybody – young teenagers to the elderly, poor or rich, less educated or highly educated, manual labourers or prominent businessmen, and people of any race or colour, all praying together side by side performing the same postures (standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting) as the imam does, and as performed by Muslims in exactly the same way all over the world, and all facing in one direction  – towards the Ka’aba in Mecca in spiritual unity.

• Inter-racial mingling

The fifth of the Five Pillars of Islam (core practices of Muslims) is the performance of the pilgrimage (Haj) in Mecca. The Haj is a superb example of inter-racial mingling where people of any colour – black, brown, white or yellow – perform the rites together with the men wearing only two pieces of unsewn cloth over their bodies and no one will be able to distinguish them of any high status or huge wealth – everyone is equal in the eyes of every pilgrim. As for the ladies, they are well attired in hijab (modesty clothing with the headcover) and following Islamic rules to expose only their faces and palms of their hands.

Regarding his Haj, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X, talks about the contrast in the human relationship amongst the pilgrims of many countries who converged in Mecca for the Haj.  An American Muslim minister and human rights activist, he was a popular figure during the civil rights movement of his time in the United States. In 1964, he performed the Haj.

In his letter from Mecca, dated April 25, 1964, which was published in The New York Times on 8 May 1964, under the heading “Malcolm X Pleased By Whites’ Attitude On Trip to Mecca“, Malcolm X described how he had arrived at his new insights on race relations while on a pilgrimage.

He wrote: “There are Muslims of all colors and ranks here in Mecca from all parts of this earth.”

Excerpts of his letter go:

“During the past seven days of this holy pilgrimage, while undergoing the rituals of the hajj [pilgrimage], I have eaten from the same plate, drank from the same glass, slept on the same bed or rug, while praying to the same God—not only with some of this earth’s most powerful kings, cabinet members, potentates and other forms of political and religious rulers —but also with fellow‐Muslims whose skin was the whitest of white, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, and whose hair was the blondest of blond—yet it was the first time in my life that I didn’t see them as ‘white’ men. I could look into their faces and see that they didn’t regard themselves as ‘white.’

“Their belief in the Oneness of God (Allah) had actually removed the ‘white’ from their minds, which automatically their attitude and behavior toward people of other colors. Their belief in the Oneness of God has actually made them so different from American whites, their outer physical characteristics played no part at all in my mind during all my close associations with them.”

“I have never before witnessed such sincere hospitality and the practise of true brotherhood as I have seen and experienced during this pilgrimage here in Arabia.”

“If white Americans would accept the religion of Islam, if they would accept the Oneness of God (Allah), then they could also sincerely accept the Oneness of Man, and they would cease to measure others always in terms of their ‘differences in color’.”

(From The New York Times archives.  This is a digitized version of an article from The Times’s print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. ( https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/08/archives/malcolm-x-pleased-by-whites-attitude-on-trip-to-mecca.html )

A good read on the personal “experience of a racially segregated America in the 1960s” is the article, “Black Lives Matter: A Singaporean’s perspective” in The Straits Times, 11 June 2020, by Professor Tommy Koh, a veteran diplomat, who was ambassador to the USA from 1984 to 1990. (stopinion@sph.com.sg)

What is very important in our life today is to be righteous in our living by interacting with our fellow human beings, avoiding social and political conflicts, which could escalate into economic disasters and affecting the lives of people.  Instead, we ought to learn from each other and extend support and help to other nations in need as well as our own respective poor and deprived so that together we can survive happily on this planet of ours. Thus, in Islam, it is not a person’s race or colour or his status or wealth that God recognises but his righteousness.

Shaik Kadir
13 June 2020

Experiencing a unique Ramadan and Aidilfitri Part 3 The Meritorious Post-Ramadan Fasting

Experiencing a unique Ramadan and Aidilfitri

Part 3
The Meritorious Post-Ramadan Fasting

 

Aidilfitri (Celebration of the Ramadan accomplishments) was held on 1 Syawal, the Islamic year being 1441, which coincides this year on 24 May. The mood of Hari Raya will go on for more than a week, usually in the past, with some Muslims on the move to visit relatives and friends and others, in taking turns, staying at home to receive guests for siraturrahim (bonding of ties).

In my Parts 1 and 2 articles on the theme of experiencing a unique Ramadan and Aidilfitri, many of my non-Muslim friends have wished me and Muslims in general “Selamat Hari Raya” in Malay or “Eid Mubarak” in Arabic, both closely meaning “Have a happy day of celebration”. The greetings of those that had a universal thrust were made into “cards” accompanied by their photos requested from them. Here are three more:

It is only good to share with non-Muslims the knowledge that after Ramadan, some Muslims still fast, this time it is not an obligatory one but voluntary (sunnah).  Yes, some Muslims, including me, are now fasting – for an extra six days only.  This final part, Part 3, tells more about the voluntary fasts.

On the very day of Aidilfitri on 1 Syawal fasting is not allowed. But from 2 Syawal many Muslims fast for six days consecutively with the dos and don’ts of fasting being observed exactly like that of Ramadan (see Part 1 of the article) except that there is no tarawih prayer which is for Ramadan only.

The 6-day fasting as well as any other fasting done throughout the remaining 11 months after Ramadan is not obligatory (not must do) but sunnah (meritorious if done, but no blemish if not carried out).

Muslims do the sunnah fasting as well as the sunnah prayers as carried out by Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him.

Merits of voluntary fasting

Mr Hafidz Abdullah is among the many Muslims who are carrying out the 6-day fast in Syawal and other sunnah (voluntary) fasts.  A wealth consultant by profession, he is teaching prayer classes at the Muslim Converts’ Association of Singapore, popularly known as Darul Arqam Singapore.

I asked Mr Hafidz the following questions on post-Ramadan fasting:

Q:  Since when have you been doing the six-day fast in the month of Syawal?

I have been doing it since my teenage years when I was a polytechnic student.

Q:  Why do you do the six-day fast?

Islam encourages Muslims to perform voluntary (sunnah) acts of worship to gain extra spiritual merits.  The 6-day fast in the month of Syawal after Ramadan is one of the acts of worship.

Q:  Apart from the Ramadan obligatory fast and the 6-day fast in Syawal, are there any other fast in the other months of the year?

Fasting has numerous benefits, spiritually and physically, thus it extends over the whole year, not confined to a period once a year only.

Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, has encouraged us to do another extra fast throughout the year, such as the fast on first 9 days of the month of Zulhijjah, the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every month and on Mondays and Thursdays every week.

Q:  What are the medical benefits of fasting?

From the medical perspective, fasting has numerous physical benefits that are given in Islamic books and Islamic online sources as well as sources from the medical profession.

In recent times, even non-Muslims are becoming aware of the benefits of fasting.  One example is the intermittent way, known as16:8 fasting, the details of which can be read through this link:  ( https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327398

So, the Monday and Thursday fasting of each week is a form of intermittent fasting.

Q:  As we are still in the Hari Raya mood, and to conclude this interview on sunnah fasting, what would you like to say to Muslims?  

My wife, Mimi Sayadi, and I would like to wish Eid-ul-Fitr Mubarak to our Muslim friends in Singapore and abroad.  We humbly seek your forgiveness for our shortcomings and mistakes. Let’s keep the spirit of friendship alive!

Another person interviewed for doing her 6-day fast is Ms Nur Zahrah Yuko, 18, who is a third-year polytechnic student. Her father is Malay, Mr Yacob Hussain, and mother, Mdm Keiko Soeda, Japanese.  Mdm Keiko is a convert to Islam.

“First of all, I must say that fasting is an act between Allah and the person who is fasting. It is spiritual, and the gain is spiritual, too,” said Zahrah (standing second from left in the above photo) when asked what she thinks of fasting as an act of divine worship.

She added: “There are many sayings of the Prophet which mention that voluntary  (sunnah) fasting in Islam is encouraged, not only the 6-day fast in Syawal but also the fasting on Mondays and Thursdays in other months of the year.”

When asked if she knows the benefits of voluntarily fasting, Zahrah replied: “They reap numerous benefits.  Muslim scholars explain the benefits. One explanation mentions that voluntary fasting serves as a back-up in case our obligatory fast during Ramadan is unknowingly spoilt. Also, Allah rewards us for doing extra fasting as it makes us more disciplined, like no lying, no gossiping, and no wasting time.”

Does Zahrah find it difficult to do the 6-day fasting since one has just completed a whole month of fasting? “No,” she replied. “Since I have just completed a month of fast, therefore doing another six days fasting is not that difficult.”

About her Islamic practices, the polytechnic student said that she practises them as best as she could to be a good person.  “Talking about fasting alone, after learning much about the numerous benefits of fasting, my family and I tried our best in doing the extras, like extra fasting and extra prayers, to please Allah. Only Allah knows best about us and what we do.  We are not the judge of ourselves.  Allah decides,” she said humbly.

Zahrah wishes: “Eid Mubarak to all Muslims”.

Islam, a religion of faith and deeds 

Islam is a way of life that comprises faith and deeds, thus anything that is considered to be harmful to the body, mind, soul, or society is prohibited (haram). On that ground, Muslims have to be responsible human beings and so anything that causes danger and harm to human lives which are uncontrollable by individuals requires the advice and guidance of the authorities and medical professionals to curb the threats as soon as possible.

With the Covid-19 pandemic becoming a serious threat to human lives, Muslims, together with the other non-Muslim Singaporeans, have been abiding by the precautionary and preventive measures of the circuit breaker by spending their time at home.

Muslims were not able to go to the mosques in Ramadan for their obligatory prayers and the special Ramadan prayer called tarawih – but all these are carried out at home as the 70 mosques in Singapore are all closed. They are not able to go for their silaturrahim (strengthening of ties) visits to their relatives and friends during this festive period of Aidilfitri but many used modern technology to contact, even see their relatives and friends on the screen to talk and wish them “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri”.

Yes, things are different this year, but the spirit of Ramadan and Aidilfitri looms high.  Indeed, it has been a unique Ramadan and Aidilfitri.

Wishing all Muslims, my heartiest Eid Mubarak!

Shaik Kadir
27 May 2020