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Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
$15m upgrade for Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu; new mosque to be built in Tampines North from mid-2027
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (right) visiting Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu, as part of his engagement with the community. SINGAPORE - Upgrading work on the Alkaff Kampung Melayu mosque in Bedok North has begun and is expected to last more than two years at a cost of $15 million. Separately, construction of a mosque in Tampines North is expected to start in mid-2027 and be completed in 2029. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim made these announcements during a visit to Alkaff Kampung Melayu Mosque on July 25. The upgrading of Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu Mosque started in April and is expected to be completed in two phases over 26 months, said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) in a statement on July 25. The works will improve accessibility with features such as barrier-free amenities, and optimise space in the 30-year-old mosque. 'The current layout and infrastructure need to be refreshed and optimised to better serve the needs of our growing congregants and the aged,' said Muis, adding that post-upgrade it will be able to accommodate up to 3,200 congregants, up from the current 3,000. The project will include expanding the main prayer hall on the first floor to include new wings with classrooms and administrative offices, as well as installing a new passenger lift and refreshing the building's facade. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore SMRT to pay lower fine of $2.4m for EWL disruption; must invest at least $600k to boost reliability Singapore MRT service changes needed to modify 3 East-West Line stations on Changi Airport stretch: LTA Asia Live: Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue for second day Singapore Etomidate found in blood of 2 people involved in fatal Punggol Road accident in May: HSA Singapore More students to get Smart Buddy watches; most schools have gone cashless Singapore Vape disposal bins at 23 CCs for users to surrender e-vaporisers, without facing penalties Business Microsoft Singapore managing director Lee Hui Li dies while on sabbatical Singapore Kopi, care and conversation: How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly During the upgrading period, the mosque will still be operational for daily and Friday prayers, with a limited space for about 1,000 congregants, added Muis. An artist's impression of the main prayer hall of Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu. PHOTO: MUIS Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu is also actively raising funds for the $15 million project through multiple avenues, such as religious talks, charity drives and donation boxes placed in mosques islandwide. Meanwhile, the construction of a mosque in Tampines North that had been put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic will begin in mid-2027. Prof Faishal announced that design development of the new mosque, located along Tampines North Drive 5, will kick off by the end of 2025. The larger project will be overseen by the management board of the nearby Darul Ghufran Mosque, he said. Former minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli had said in March that the new Tampines North mosque will ease the load of Darul Ghufran – the only mosque in Tampines and Singapore's biggest. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (right) interacting with worshippers during his visit at Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN While the mosque, located next to Our Tampines Hub, can accommodate up to 5,500 worshippers, Mr Masagos said it was overstretched by having to conduct two to three sessions during Friday prayers and Hari Raya prayers. Muis said that Darul Ghuffran mosque's management board would lend their expertise and experience in mosque management, as well as their familiarity with the Tampines area. Speaking to the media after Friday prayers, Associate Professor Faishal said that mosques are vital institutions that play a central role in fulfilling the socio-religious needs of the Muslim community. Earlier in July, he had announced that Darussalam Mosque in Clementi will undergo a $10.3 million upgrade from September, while a site for the future mosque serving the new Tengah town has been reserved along Forest Drive. 'We welcome feedback and views from the community on how we can shape the two new upcoming mosques together,' said Prof Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs. 'This is an exciting chapter for Muslim residents in the Tampines area, and I look forward to building these mosques together – a space that will serve many generations to come.'
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
$10.3m upgrading for Darussalam Mosque; new Tengah mosque to be built along Forest Drive
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Upgrading for the Darussalam Mosque will be conducted over a two-year period. SINGAPORE – From September, Darussalam Mosque in Clementi will undergo a $10.3 million upgrading, which will enhance accessibility in the 37-year-old place of worship. Meanwhile, a site for the future mosque serving the new Tengah town has been reserved along Forest Drive. These developments were announced by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim during a visit to the Darussalam Mosque on July 11. Speaking to the media after Friday prayers, Associate Professor Faishal said that the Darussalam Mosque is the latest to undergo improvements under the Mosque Upgrading Programme of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis). The most recent was the Darul Makmur Mosque in Yishun , which reopened on Hari Raya Haji in June after a two-year, $15 million renovation. Upgrading for the Darussalam Mosque will take place over two years. 'During this period, the mosque will remain operational,' said Prof Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'pore boosts nuclear viability, safety research with new institute and $66m in additional funding Singapore Man who killed 5-year-old daughter gets life sentence after he appeals against 35-year jail term Singapore More than 14,300 people checked during 7-week-long anti-crime ops Singapore Over 150 e-bikes and other non-compliant mobility devices impounded in last 2 months: LTA Singapore S'porean who defaulted on NS obligations used fake Malaysian passports at checkpoints over 800 times Singapore Over 12,000 lower-income households to receive $60 in transport vouchers by end-July Business CEO salaries: At Singapore's top companies, whose pay went up and whose saw a drop? Singapore NDP 2025: Leopard tank transmission fault identified, vehicle to resume role in mobile column He said he had a 'close attachment' to Darussalam Mosque, having previously volunteered there and served on the management board between 2001 and 2005. 'This is a significant milestone for the jemaah (congregation) in Clementi and the surrounding neighbourhoods,' he added. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim participating in Friday prayers on July 11. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Located along Commonwealth Avenue West, Darussalam Mosque is known for its distinctive cuboid-like architecture. It was officially opened in 1988, having been built under the second phase of the Mosque Building Fund. The upgrading works will include a new two-storey space for the atrium, as well as a lift and a central staircase to improve crowd flow. The mosque's ventilation systems will also be enhanced, while its facade will be refreshed. In addition, there will be advanced mechanical and electrical systems that meet the Building and Construction Authority's Green Mark 2021 Super Low Energy Building standards. The construction will be in two phases, with the first phase involving the main prayer hall. The second phase will include the annex building, which has an auditorium and other facilities. The upgrading works will include a new two-storey space for the atrium, as well as a lift and a central staircase to improve crowd flow. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO After the upgrading, Darussalam Mosque is expected to have up to 3,300 prayer spaces, up from around 3,000 currently. As part of fundraising efforts, the mosque will hold religious talks and charity drives, and place donation boxes in various mosques throughout the island. Details about the fundraising and other key initiatives will be shared at a later date, Muis said. Meanwhile, design development for the new mosque in Tengah, which has yet to be named, is expected to begin in 2027, said Prof Faishal, describing it as an 'exciting chapter' for Muslim residents in the area. 'I look forward to the support from the community as we shape this new mosque together,' he added. Prof Faishal noted that the development of mosques in Singapore has been made possible because of the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund, which working Muslims contribute to. 'We must plan these projects carefully to ensure their long-term financial sustainability in the midst of rising costs,' he said. In 2021, it was announced that plans to build new mosques were deferred in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. In March, however, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that a new mosque would be built in Tengah , with Muis working with the relevant agencies to identify a suitable site. A new mosque in Tampines North, whose construction was suspended during the pandemic, will also see construction resume in 2027, PM Wong said then.
Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Straits Times
Muis launches undergrad scholarship to cultivate talent pipeline for mosques, madrasahs in S'pore
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim chatting with the scholarship recipients on July 9. SINGAPORE – A new undergraduate scholarship has been introduced by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) to strengthen the talent pipeline for community institutions such as mosques and madrasahs. Called the Muis Scholarship, the new scholarship will support undergraduate studies, providing recipients with up to $120,000 in funding. Upon completing their studies, recipients will have to serve a three-year bond, either at one of the 72 mosques or six full-time madrasahs in Singapore. On July 9, Muis presented the scholarship to the first batch of four students. They were chosen based on their academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to serve the community, Muis said in a statement. The four received their scholarships at a ceremony held at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. One of the recipients, Ms Saqina Qamilia Suwandi, 20, said she was grateful to receive the Muis Scholarship. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore to hire more than 1,000 new educators annually in the next few years, up from 700 Singapore COE prices rise for all categories Singapore Govt watching job situation for fresh graduates closely, exploring further support: Gan Siow Huang Singapore Man who killed cats by throwing them off HDB blocks has jail term doubled to 27 months Singapore $43k fine for undischarged bankrupt doctor who failed to disclose assets worth over $4m Singapore Female primary school teacher charged over alleged sex acts with underage male student Singapore Tough questions lie ahead as Singapore accelerates push for driverless vehicles Singapore People working in air-conditioned spaces prefer 24 deg C and warmer: Survey In 2024, she was the top scorer in the A levels among the students at Madrasah Wak Tanjong. Her other accomplishments include awards at national-level competitions, such as best speaker in the National Malay Debate Competition in 2021. 'InsyaAllah (God willing) I am determined to use this opportunity to do good and to give back to the community,' she said, adding that she hopes to be able to contribute in matters concerning family development in the future. The Muis Scholarship will help support more talented and deserving students here, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim, who attended the ceremony. 'We remain committed to developing our asatizah (religious teachers) who can guide Singapore Muslims to practice their faith confidently in our modern society,' said Prof Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs. Singapore's Islamic religious teachers must possess not only deep theological understanding, but also connect meaningfully with younger generations while upholding religious traditions, he said. They should also be able to navigate complex social issues harmony in the Republic's multireligious society, as well as provide thoughtful guidance on emerging social and ethical challenges, he added. The new scholarship complements the existing Syed Isa Semait Scholarship (SISS), which awards recipients up to $240,000 and requires them to serve a six-year bond at Muis, the Syariah Court or the Registry of Muslim Marriages upon graduation. At the ceremony, three students were presented with the SISS, named after Singapore's second mufti, who died on July 7, 2025. Since its inception in 2022, the scholarship has been granted to six recipients. The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Syed Isa, who served as Singapore's mufti between 1972 and 2010, with a video presentation of his contributions. Singapore's current mufti, Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, said at the event that the naming of the scholarship after Sheikh Syed Isa goes beyond merely recognising his role as an illustrious religious leader. 'The Syed Isa brand is much more than that. It is as much about the spirituality of the man and his character, his humility and kindness, as it is about his formal role,' he said.
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
New Paper
07-07-2025
- Politics
- New Paper
Ex-massage therapist jailed for teaching doctrine against Islamic laws
A former massage therapist was sentenced to four months' jail on July 7 on one count of teaching a doctrine contrary to Islamic laws. District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan had earlier convicted Mohd Razif Radi, 67, of the offence under the Administration of Muslim Law Act following a trial. Stressing that Razif's teachings were linked to sins in Islam, the judge said on July 7 that the offender had told his followers he purportedly had supernatural powers. The judge also said Razif's offence involved a high degree of premeditation and had impacted multiple victims. He added that Razif's actions had triggered unease and significant public outcry. Razif, who had never been an Islamic teacher under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme, taught his followers that gambling could be made permissible and that a man and a woman could be validly married through a "spiritual marriage". The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has stated on its website that gambling is prohibited in Islam. It said a spiritual marriage is one that occurs without several elements, such as witnesses, a formal solemnisation and dowry. Muis added: "In most cases, there are no limitations on the number of women 'married' to a man through such deviant spiritual marriages. Such acts occur either between followers of a particular teaching or between the teacher and his students." Razif, who is Singaporean, had also claimed he could summon the spirit of one "Mbah", who was purportedly Prophet Muhammad or from the Prophet's line. During the trial, a man, who cannot be named due to a gag order, told the court in June 2024 that he had attended two of Razif's lessons held at another person's home in Teck Whye in either 2004 or 2005. The man testified that according to Razif, gambling proceeds from 4-D and Toto could be "cleansed" and used as capital for businesses. The witness also told the court that, at times, Razif would get "possessed" and take on the role of one "Mbah", adding: "I expected a religious class, but it became like somebody entered (Razif's body). So, I became confused." The man said Razif usually spoke with a Singaporean Malay accent but when Mbah purportedly took over his body, he spoke with an Indonesian accent. The witness told the court: "The women would be stunned. They cried and kissed (Razif's) hand and were overly respectful... This is against (our religion)." During the trial, another man, who also cannot be named due to a gag order, told the court he had found out that Razif needed 13 wives. The former follower added: "He suggested that we do a (spiritual marriage) and look for ladies out there to pursue his belief to get these 13 wives." The man also testified that he was present when Razif took a female business owner as his "wife" in one such spiritual marriage. The man told Judge Shaiffudin that he and his then wife attended Razif's classes together from 2004 to 2007. The woman continued to attend them after he stopped doing so. She later became cold towards him and wanted a divorce in 2008. The divorce was finalised two years later, and their daughter was three years old at the time. The woman now has full custody of the girl, the court heard. The man did not state if the woman became one of Razif's spiritual wives, but she later set up a business with the former massage therapist. The witness told Judge Shaiffudin that he later found out that the marriages of other men had also ended in a similar manner. Razif, who took the stand in November 2024, denied multiple allegations against him, saying that he had not conducted religious classes. He also denied taking on the role of "Mbah" during such meetings. He said he had never heard of "spiritual marriages" before the start of the court proceedings against him. On July 7, Deputy Public Prosecutor Sruthi Boppana urged the court to sentence Razif to between five and seven months' jail, adding that his offence had led to the breakdowns of familial relations among his followers. She also said his offence was motivated by self-interest. Defence lawyer Simon Tan, however, pleaded for his client to be given a fine. Mr Tan told the court that Razif is in his twilight years and had stopped the classes since 2012. Razif still has one more pending charge and the court heard on July 7 that he will not admit to it. In 2023, he was charged with operating a Muslim religious school that was not registered with Muis. He allegedly committed the offence at an eatery called Lina's Cafe in Jalan Pisang near Arab Street from around 2017 to around 2020. The pre-trial conference for this charge will take place in August.
