"Quran burning" issue: S'pore groups call for calm

National Council of Churches (NCCS) of Singapore Public Statement on the Intention by Pastor Terry Jones to burn the Koran

Please click here to view the Statement by NCCS.

Muis Response to Media Queries

In response to media queries posed to us today,

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) is heartened with the statement from the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) deploring the intention of one Mr Terry Jones to perform a deeply offensive publicity stunt in Florida, US. NCCS described it as hurtful and unchristian. Such words of clarity and assurance bear testimony to mutual respect between Christians and Muslims, and indeed the strong relations among all various faiths in Singapore.

2. Muis also notes that the proposed publicity stunt in no way represents the views of faith organisations in the US which have roundly condemned it. Indeed Muis enjoys warm relations with reputable institutions like the Hartford Seminary that have done much to promote interfaith ties. It is long standing efforts such as theirs that represent the aspirations of the vast majority of peace loving people across the world that requires media attention and support.

3. Muis, on behalf of the Muslim community in Singapore, records our warm appreciation for the countless greetings extended to us by our friends of various faiths through Ramadan and on the occasion of Eidul Fitr (Hari Raya Puasa) today – an auspicious occasion to strengthen relationships among families, friends, colleagues and fellow residents, and to express gratitude for the many blessings given to us.

ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF SINGAPORE

Statement from Mr.Abu Bakar Maidin, President, Jamiyah

It is unfortunate that from time and again there are small groups of misguided people , regardless of whichever religions that they belong to start provoking followers of different faiths , especially Islam by their irresponsible acts.

Muslims should be extremely careful in not falling into the traps of such provokers. We shall respond to such provocations by not through acts of vendetta , the least that we can do is to ignore and carry on with our lives in peaceful ways as shown by our Holy Prophet.

Islam is a religion of peace, moderation and compassion. The holy Prophet of Islam has shown by his words and deeds the virtue of practicing and adhering to peace. God mentions in Quran addressing Prophet Muhammad (peace be unto him) "We have not sent you (0 Muhammad) save as compassion to the world." (21 :107). This is the message that Muslims all over the world must take and respond to provocations in a responsible and peaceful way.

In Singapore we have nurtured and built a culture of peace and understanding among people belonging to different races and faiths . We should continue to live on this spirit of harmony, despite certain unfortunate events taking place outside Singapore.

In this premise, we in Jamiyah Singapore vehemently object to such insensitive and disgraceful act in the context of upholding unity and harmony among religions .

ABU BAKAR MAIDIN
President

10th Sept 2010

Young Sikhs strongly condemn Quran-burning plan

Friday, 10 September 2010 – Non-Muslim group Young Sikh Association (Singapore) has strongly condemned the Quran-burning plan of American pastor Terry Jones.

In a statement issued, the Association explained that such an act reflects the lack of inter-religious appreciation and understanding. It is a dangerous act, which has the effect of causing considerable damage in the relations between races, religions and cultures, not just in the United States, but in the rest of the world as well.

The Association feels that there must be strong international condemnation of the planned act and everybody must come together to censure the pastor. In particular, the international media must act responsibly to ensure non-coverage of the act so as help maintain peace and harmony.

According to the Association, it is important for all communities, not just the Malay Muslims, to come forth to object to this offensive act. It is not just an act directed towards one group of people; it is an act which will have significant adverse impact on all of mankind.

The Association’s President, Mr Hernaikh Singh, stated, "If the pastor proceeds with his act, it will be a massive setback to efforts undertaken in the post-September 11 period to build trust and confidence among races and religions. It is, therefore, necessary for the rest of society to show support for and solidarity with the Malay Muslim community – all of us must take a stand to show that the planned act by the pastor is not welcomed by all races and religions. It is a deplorable act."

Pergas Press Statement

Florida Evangelical Church Planned Burning Copies of Quran

The Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (PERGAS) strongly revile the planned burning of copies of Qur’an by the Florida based Evangelical church. It is widely known that Reverend. Terry Jones plans to burn copies of the Qur’an at his church in Gainesville, Florida - USA on Saturday.

We echo the statement made by Attorney General Eric Holder published in the Washington Post and who is calling the planned burning of the Quran at a Florida church idiotic and dangerous. Leading US and NATO Commander, General David Petraeus said he was very concerned by the 'potential repercussions'.

Muslims consider the Qur'an to be the word of God and insists it be treated with the utmost respect, along with any printed material containing its verses or the name of Allah or the Prophet Muhammad. Any intentional damage or show of disrespect to the Qur'an is deeply offensive and Islam forbids such sacrilegious act towards any holy books.

PERGAS calls upon all communities and organisations to disparage this reckless act by the Florida based church. We urge all inter-faith groups to come together to express the disapproval of this act.

We also urge all Muslims in Singapore and around the world to show calm and composure and to refrain from overreacting to this incident. After the month long of fasting, Muslims all over the world shall be celebrating the Eidul Fitri and may we all pray for peace and harmony for each and everyone in this world.

Hajah Mohaideen b. Kamal Batcha
Assitant Executive Director, PERGAS

10 September 2010

IRO condemns burning of Koran

It is sad and unfortunate that the occasion of ‘Id al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan, is marred by Pastor Terry Jones’, of the Dove World Outreach Centre in Gainesville, Florida, call to burn copies of the Quran to mark the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) categorically condemns this sacrilegious act. This calculated move is certainly not in line with God’s will expressed in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. It is a lie and brings dishonor to Jesus Christ to state that "this is something God has called us to do". It is cheap publicity and if carried out, a senseless stunt that spurs him to notoriety and makes Pastor Terry a nightmare and terror for the entire world, not just the USA.

The interreligious communities in Singapore stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters in their pain to see their holy book desecrated. We rally with them whose faith is trampled upon by bigotry and we pray that the peace and harmony Singaporeans hold dear will survive yet another test. We stand together as one and condemn this irresponsible act.

Mr. Tan Thiam Lye, BBM, President
Sr. Theresa Seow, Hon. Secretary

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