Latest news with #MUIS
Malay Mail
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Singapore's longest-serving mufti Syed Isa dies at 87
SINGAPORE, July 8 — Singapore's longest-serving mufti, Syed Isa Mohamed, passed away on Monday at the age of 87. In a media statement, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said his passing is a great loss to the Singapore Muslim community and the nation. 'MUIS is deeply saddened by the passing. His unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to promote a confident and progressive Muslim community have left a lasting impact on Singapore and beyond,' the statement read. Syed Isa served as Mufti of Singapore from 1972 to 2010. During his tenure, Syed Isa oversaw the establishment of many key institutions that shaped the religious life of the community. This included the establishment of a system for determining the Islamic calendar, development of the institution of zakat (alms) collection and disbursement, social development programmes for the poor and needy, and the Mosque Building Fund. He also played a vital role in the management and growth of wakaf (voluntary charitable endowment) properties and was instrumental in setting up an internationally credible and reliable halal certification system. Syed Isa also chaired the Fatwa Committee that provided solutions to complex and contentious issues, and was a key advocate of inter-religious harmony. He served as a council member of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Singapore (IRO) in 1975 and became its president in 1993. From 1992 to 2010, he was also a member of the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony. For his service, Syed Isa was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) in 1982 and the Public Administration Medal (Gold) in 2009. He also received the IRO Lifetime Award for his efforts in strengthening interfaith relations and was conferred the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal in 2011. Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid tribute to Syed Isa's decades of service to the Malay/Muslim community. 'His leadership helped shape key institutions, strengthened religious administration, and supported the growth and development of our Malay/Muslim community. 'He leaves behind a lasting legacy through the generations of leaders and scholars he mentored,' Wong said in a condolence message to Syed Isa's family on Facebook. — Bernama
The Star
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Singapore's longest-serving mufti Syed Isa Mohamed passes away on Monday (July 7) at the age of 87
SINGAPORE, July 7 (Bernama): Singapore's longest-serving mufti, Syed Isa Mohamed, passed away on Monday at the age of 87. In a media statement, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said his passing is a great loss to the Singapore Muslim community and the nation. "MUIS is deeply saddened by the passing. His unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to promote a confident and progressive Muslim community have left a lasting impact on Singapore and beyond,' the statement read. Syed Isa served as Mufti of Singapore from 1972 to 2010. During his tenure, Syed Isa oversaw the establishment of many key institutions that shaped the religious life of the community. This included the establishment of a system for determining the Islamic calendar, development of the institution of zakat (alms) collection and disbursement, social development programmes for the poor and needy, and the Mosque Building Fund. He also played a vital role in the management and growth of wakaf (voluntary charitable endowment) properties and was instrumental in setting up an internationally credible and reliable halal certification system. Syed Isa also chaired the Fatwa Committee that provided solutions to complex and contentious issues, and was a key advocate of inter-religious harmony. He served as a council member of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Singapore (IRO) in 1975 and became its president in 1993. From 1992 to 2010, he was also a member of the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony. For his service, Syed Isa was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) in 1982 and the Public Administration Medal (Gold) in 2009. He also received the IRO Lifetime Award for his efforts in strengthening interfaith relations and was conferred the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal in 2011. Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid tribute to Syed Isa's decades of service to the Malay/Muslim community. "His leadership helped shape key institutions, strengthened religious administration, and supported the growth and development of our Malay/Muslim community. "He leaves behind a lasting legacy through the generations of leaders and scholars he mentored,' Wong said in a condolence message to Syed Isa's family on Facebook. - Bernama
Barnama
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Singapore's Longest-Serving Mufti Syed Isa Dies At 87
SINGAPORE, July 7 (Bernama) -- Singapore's longest-serving mufti, Syed Isa Mohamed, passed away on Monday at the age of 87. In a media statement, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said his passing is a great loss to the Singapore Muslim community and the nation. 'MUIS is deeply saddened by the passing. His unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to promote a confident and progressive Muslim community have left a lasting impact on Singapore and beyond,' the statement read. bootstrap slideshow Syed Isa served as Mufti of Singapore from 1972 to 2010. During his tenure, Syed Isa oversaw the establishment of many key institutions that shaped the religious life of the community. This included the establishment of a system for determining the Islamic calendar, development of the institution of zakat (alms) collection and disbursement, social development programmes for the poor and needy, and the Mosque Building Fund. He also played a vital role in the management and growth of wakaf (voluntary charitable endowment) properties and was instrumental in setting up an internationally credible and reliable halal certification system. Syed Isa also chaired the Fatwa Committee that provided solutions to complex and contentious issues, and was a key advocate of inter-religious harmony. He served as a council member of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Singapore (IRO) in 1975 and became its president in 1993. From 1992 to 2010, he was also a member of the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony.
CNA
07-07-2025
- General
- CNA
Shaikh Syed Isa Semait, Singapore's longest-serving Mufti, dies at 87
SINGAPORE: Singapore's longest-serving Mufti, Shaikh Syed Isa Semait, died on Monday (Jul 7) at the age of 87. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), in a media statement, said that it was "deeply saddened by the passing of a senior religious scholar and leader", adding that his death was a "great loss to the Singapore Muslim community and the nation". Shaikh Syed Isa was appointed Mufti at 33. He held the position from 1972 to 2010. As Mufti, he was a strong advocate for education and a key figure in promoting inter-religious harmony. His tenure saw the establishment of many key institutions that had helped propel the religious life of the Muslim community, said MUIS. This included implementing the system to determine the Islamic calendar, developing the institution of zakat collection and disbursement, social development programmes for the poor and needy and the Mosque Building Fund, which finances the development of mosques in Singapore. He also supported the formation of the Harmony Centre, located at the An Nahdhah Mosque in Bishan, as a hub to promote interfaith engagement and harmony, as well as the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation, which champions charitable and humanitarian causes. He also oversaw the establishment of an internationally credible and reliable Halal certification system in Singapore, and the management and growth of the community's wakaf properties. These are properties that have been permanently dedicated by a Muslim for any purpose recognised by the Muslim law as pious, religious or charitable. Shaikh Syed Isa also steered the Fatwa Committee in working out solutions for challenging and contentious issues, said MUIS. He presided over issues such as the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA), where he rallied the authorities and the Muslim community to accept a unique solution for Muslims before they fully embraced the HOTA system in 2007, said the council. He also led efforts to deal with the arrest of the Jemaah Islamiah groups, supporting the establishment of the Religious Rehabilitation group, which rehabilitates the detainees and their families. A firm believer in education, Shaikh Syed Isa saw seeking knowledge as a religious obligation. 'He recognised the importance of religious teachers continually updating their skills and knowledge to guide the community in a rapidly changing environment,' said MUIS. His commitment to education led to the establishment of the Syed Isa Semait Scholarship (SISS) in 2015, to honour his vision of cultivating promising talents dedicated to leading and serving Singapore's religious sector. Shakih Syed Isa 'was known amongst the interfaith leaders' circle as playing a significant role in providing leadership and inspiration in enhancing bonds of relationship among the many faith communities for the greater good of Singapore and beyond', said MUIS. He was a council member of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Singapore (IRO) in 1975, before becoming a life member. He moved on to become the organisation's president in 1993. He was also a member of the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony from 1992 to 2010. For his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to public service, Shaikh Syed Isa was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) in 1982 and the Public Administration Medal (Gold) in 2009. He also received the IRO Lifetime Award in recognition of his efforts to strengthen interfaith harmony in Singapore. In 2011, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. In its statement, MUIS hailed Sheikh Syed Isa's wisdom and leadership as 'instrumental in shaping a forward-looking and self-confident Muslim community'. 'With his passing, the community has lost a dedicated community leader who worked tirelessly to uplift the community and promote interfaith harmony,' said the council. Shaikh Syed Isa's unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to promote a confident and progressive Muslim community have left a lasting impact on Singapore and beyond, said MUIS.
CNA
24-06-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Singapore College of Islamic Studies advisory panel holds first meeting
SINGAPORE: The advisory panel for the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) gathered for its inaugural meeting on Tuesday (Jun 24), bringing together scholars from global institutions. The panel comprises leading academics and experts who have developed various programmes worldwide, said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS). "Their collective expertise spans decades of scholarly excellence in both traditional Islamic sciences and contemporary education," it added. In his opening remarks at Swissotel The Stamford on Tuesday, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said the SCIS is a 'longstanding aspiration' of the Singapore Muslim community and a key milestone in the country's Islamic education landscape. "It will offer a distinctive pathway that seamlessly integrates Islamic scholarship with contemporary disciplines, underpinned by robust pedagogical foundations," said Associate Professor Faishal, who is also chairperson of the advisory panel. With the rapid advancement of technology, evolving social norms and global interconnectedness creating increasingly complex problems, fresh approaches to religious guidance and education are required, said Assoc Prof Faisha. Therefore, graduates from SCIS need to become religious scholars and professionals who are deeply anchored in Singapore's multiracial and multireligious context, as well as thought leaders who can effectively articulate and guide the practice of Islam in modern, plural societies, he added. 'Looking ahead, our success will be measured not just by the institution we build, but by the impact our graduates will have on society - as religious scholars who understand both their faith and their context, as thought leaders who can guide our community through challenging times, and as bridge builders who can foster understanding across communities.' PRODUCING SCHOLARS AND LEADERS Mufti of Singapore, Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, said that at the undergraduate level, many religious teachers and scholars who study abroad have gaps in knowledge, skills and competencies. There are knowledge gaps in understanding Singapore's 'unique context', not only because of its cultural and religious diversity, but also the broader way of life, he added. As for skills and competencies, Dr Nazirudin said shortcomings are mostly work, language and technology related. 'We've always been supportive of our students to study in renowned Islamic institutions – Al Azhar, Jordan, Morocco and many others. But we also acknowledge that there is an equally significant degree of uniqueness in our conditions and experience that needs serious attention," he said. He added: "If this uniqueness is not carefully addressed in the way Islam and its cultures are studied and taught, or it's not given enough attention in terms of how to deal with the unique challenges that this brings, eventually it will grow to become a big challenge in matters of religious leadership for a community that is almost impossible to overcome." The SCIS needs to strike the right balance between the focus of tradition and the emphasis on context, Dr Nazirudin said. "This is a balance we must continue to work on. And in fact, if anything, this will be one of the most major contributions of the college – to be able to find the right balance and to reduce the divergence between the two." Joining Assoc Prof Faishal and Dr Nazirudin on the advisory panel are eight other members: Professor Tan Tai Yong, president of the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) Professor Lily Kong, president of Singapore Management University (SMU) Professor Mona Siddiqui, professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies at Edinburgh University Dr Nazir Mohmaed Ayyad, the grand mufti of Egypt Dr Salama Dawood, president of Al-Azhar University Professor Driss Fassi Fihri, vice-president of Al-Qarawiyyin University Professor Dr Abdul Rahman Alkilani Professor Koutoub Moustapha Sano, secretary-general of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy The new Islamic college will offer a full-time undergraduate degree programme allowing students to major in either Islamic Studies or Social Sciences, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in November 2024. The Islamic studies track will enable graduates to be fluent in the application of Islamic traditions and principles that are appropriate for the modern world and contextualised to Singapore's society, said MUIS. The Social Sciences route will allow students to develop competencies in vocational skills, such as social work and counselling. MUIS has partnered SUSS to develop the social science track, and with three foreign Islamic institutions to develop the Islamic Studies track. SCIS will take in its first cohort of 60 students in 2028, with classes held at MUIS' learning campus near Bencoolen Mosque. "I'm confident our graduates will emerge as religious scholars who understand both Islamic principles and Singapore's unique social fabric," Assoc Prof Faishal said. "Together, we will ensure SCIS serves the religious needs of Singapore's Muslim community and contributes towards Islamic thought leadership, and at the same time, help to develop our nation," he added.
