Singapore's second mufti dies aged 87

Straits Times

07-07-2025

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SINGAPORE – Shaikh Syed Isa Semait, Singapore's longest-serving mufti, died on July 7 at the age of 87.
The Republic's second mufti, he served in the role for almost four decades, beginning in 1972, when he took over the role from former Syariah Court president Sanusi Mahmood.
In 2011, he was succeeded by Dr Fatris Bakaram, who served as mufti until 2020.
The mufti is Singapore's highest Islamic authority, overseeing key religious rulings for Muslims here.
In a statement to the media, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) described Shaikh Syed Isa's death as a 'great loss to the Singapore Muslim community and the nation', noting he had helped set up many key institutions surrounding the religious life of the community here.
These included establishing the use of astronomical calculations to determine Islamic calendar dates, as well as institutionalising the collection and disbursement of zakat, the annual tithe paid by Muslims to the needy.
'He also oversaw the management and growth of our wakaf properties and the establishment of an internationally credible and reliable Halal Certification system,' Muis said.
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As mufti, Shaikh Syed Isa led the Fatwa Committee – a panel of top Islamic scholars here which issues religious rulings – to work out solutions for challenging and contentious issues concerning Singapore's Muslim community.
Some difficult issues he dealt with were the inclusion of Muslims under the Human Organ Transplant Act (Hota), with Muis noting Shaikh Syed Isa was able to 'rally the authorities and community to accept a unique solution for the community' before Muslims were fully included under the Hota system in 2007.
'In addition, Shaikh Syed Isa also led efforts to deal with the arrest of the Jemaah Islamiah groups and supported the effort to establish the Religious Rehabilitation group in rehabilitating the detainees and their family among many others,' the council said.
'His unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to promote a confident and progressive Muslim community have left a lasting impact on Singapore and beyond.'
Shaikh Syed Isa's funeral prayer, held at the Sultan Mosque, was led by Habib Hassan Al-Attas, the imam of Ba'alwie Mosque.
Among those who visited the Sultan Mosque to pay their last respects were Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
In social media posts, PM Wong said Shaikh Syed Isa's leadership helped shape key institutions, strengthened religious administration, and supported the growth and development of Singapore's Malay/Muslim community.
'He leaves behind a lasting legacy through the generations of leaders and scholars he mentored,' he added.
Speaking to the media at the mosque, SM Lee described Shaikh Syed Isa as a 'great Singaporean' who had played many roles over the years, including serving on the Presidential Council for Minority Rights and the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony.
Mr Lee said he first met Shaikh Syed Isa in 1988, when the former mufti discussed the issue of the Group Representation Constituency with a Select Committee that Mr Lee sat on.
'He understood what it took to make Singapore a harmonious society, where the religious minority could be able to live with their own space, and in harmony with the other groups,' he said.
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim was among the congregation for the funeral prayer, together with his predecessors Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli and former cabinet minister Yaacob Ibrahim.
'His calm scholarship, deep understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, and humility laid the foundation for a confident, progressive, and inclusive Muslim community,' said Associate Professor Faishal in social media posts.
'His passing is a profound loss not only to the Muslim community, but to Singapore as a whole. His legacy will continue through the institutions he helped build and the generations he inspired including through the Syed Isa Semait Scholarship, which nurtures future asatizah leaders,' he added.