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“PERGAS AND THE TUDUNG ISSUE”
(Translated into English from the statement in Malay)
PERGAS as an association with the responsibility to strive for the aspirations and pristine values of the Islamic faith is very concern regarding specifically, the ‘Tudung’ issue in the national school and the general issue on the hijab. Our committee is currently discussing and analysing the issue and plans to issue our comprehensive views and comments on the matter soon. InsyaAllah (God willing).
For the moment PERGAS wish to lay down several important principles relevant to the issue. We are of the opinion that these principles, apart from it being based on the teachings of the religion, it would also be upholding justice and fairness to all the citizens in Singapore in general. These principles are:
“PERGAS AND THE TUDUNG ISSUE”
(Translated into English from the statement in Malay)
PERGAS as an association with the responsibility to strive for the aspirations and pristine values of the Islamic faith is very concern regarding specifically, the ‘Tudung’ issue in the national school and the general issue on the hijab. Our committee is currently discussing and analysing the issue and plans to issue our comprehensive views and comments on the matter soon. InsyaAllah (God willing).
For the moment PERGAS wish to lay down several important principles relevant to the issue. We are of the opinion that these principles, apart from it being based on the teachings of the religion, it would also be upholding justice and fairness to all the citizens in Singapore in general. These principles are:
Firstly:
1) Aspiration towards forging national integration amongst the citizens of Singapore is shared by each and every one and should be the responsibility of every community of diverse background in our country.
The process for national integration must start with creating a common clarified understanding of the conceptual framework first. The philosophy, objective and principles must be understood, agreed upon and upheld by every community such that (national) integration can be effectively and meaningfully achieved.
On this basis, PERGAS appeals to the government to allow the opportunity for every (sector of the) community, be they at governmental level or the general public, to continue with the debate on this concept of national integration. This is especially so because the government has stressed this (i.e. national integration) as (one of the) reasons for implementing the school uniform rule
We are concerned that the result of efforts towards forging national integration may fail to be achieved because some sectors of our community are doubtful (suspicious) in accepting the argument on the correlation between the removal of the tudung with national integration. We even envisage that (national) integration would never be achieved if a minority group in our country feels compelled (coerced) into having to dilute its (moral) values and religious principles just so that uniformity with the majority can be attained.
The process for national integration must start with creating a common clarified understanding of the conceptual framework first. The philosophy, objective and principles must be understood, agreed upon and upheld by every community such that (national) integration can be effectively and meaningfully achieved.
On this basis, PERGAS appeals to the government to allow the opportunity for every (sector of the) community, be they at governmental level or the general public, to continue with the debate on this concept of national integration. This is especially so because the government has stressed this (i.e. national integration) as (one of the) reasons for implementing the school uniform rule
We are concerned that the result of efforts towards forging national integration may fail to be achieved because some sectors of our community are doubtful (suspicious) in accepting the argument on the correlation between the removal of the tudung with national integration. We even envisage that (national) integration would never be achieved if a minority group in our country feels compelled (coerced) into having to dilute its (moral) values and religious principles just so that uniformity with the majority can be attained.
Secondly:
2) Guidelines and guidance from the (Islamic) scholars and religious experts regarding a legal rule is crucial for the common benefit of its community (ummah).
The current trend (in vogue) in the Muslim world regarding whatever important issues faced by its community would have to be discussed and decided collectively (jama’i) or by consensus, examples like in the institution for religious guidance (Fatawa), research and the like.
PERGAS hope that any statement made, which relates to Islamic rulings for the Muslim community, would not be issued individually, since it is imperative that the process of discussion to derive any juristic opinions be done collectively (by consensus amongst the experts), to avoid confusion and conflict amongst the general public.
Further efforts, which are constructive and positive, must be carefully planned and executed. Amongst these, which we can explore, is to revive the culture of dialogue based on (the principle of) respect for each other and trusting (mutual confidence) between every community.
The current trend (in vogue) in the Muslim world regarding whatever important issues faced by its community would have to be discussed and decided collectively (jama’i) or by consensus, examples like in the institution for religious guidance (Fatawa), research and the like.
PERGAS hope that any statement made, which relates to Islamic rulings for the Muslim community, would not be issued individually, since it is imperative that the process of discussion to derive any juristic opinions be done collectively (by consensus amongst the experts), to avoid confusion and conflict amongst the general public.
Further efforts, which are constructive and positive, must be carefully planned and executed. Amongst these, which we can explore, is to revive the culture of dialogue based on (the principle of) respect for each other and trusting (mutual confidence) between every community.
(We believe) this is also the new culture and values which our government wish for its citizens to practice for the sake of moulding (strong sense of) nationalism and Nation (building), where its citizens actively participate in the process and where common problems are solved through consensus and dialogue.
And with (our greeting of) peace
USTAZ MUHAMAD MUHAMAD ISHAK
HONORARY SECRETARY
ISLAMIC SCHOLARS & RELIGIOUS TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION (SINGAPORE)
2 FEBRUARY 2002 / 19 ZULQA'EDAH 1422
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USTAZ MUHAMAD MUHAMAD ISHAK
HONORARY SECRETARY
ISLAMIC SCHOLARS & RELIGIOUS TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION (SINGAPORE)
2 FEBRUARY 2002 / 19 ZULQA'EDAH 1422
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