Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura Friday Sermon 21 September 2012 / 4 Zulkaeedah 1433 Following The Footsteps Of Maulana Abdul Aleem Siddique Champion of Inter-Religious Relations

My dear blessed jemaah, Let us increase our taqwa to Allah s.w.t. Strengthen our relationship with Him by performing all of His commandments and avoiding all of His prohibitions. May Allah continue to guide us towards success in this world and in the hereafter.

My beloved brothers, It will not be complete if we talk about esteemed Muslim scholars without mentioning the intellectuals and ulama who have left a deep impact in our own society. These scholars and intellectuals have contributed much to the development of Islam as well as to our country, and the legacy of their contributions remained to this day.

Their contribution to the community is a noble legacy, and the benefits can still be enjoyed to this day. In fact, their legacies and contributions have been commemorated and documented in a book published by Pergas entitled: ‘ Obor Ummah, Jejak Tokoh Agama Islam di Singapura’ translated as ‘The Torchbearers of Our Community: In the Footsteps of Religious Personalities in Singapore.’

Therefore today, I wish to share with you about the life and legacy of a distinguished Muslim personality, whose contributions to Islam and to Singapore, are firmly embedded in the pages of our history. He is none other than Al-Marhum Maulana Abdul Aleem Siddique.

India is the original birthplace of Al-Marhum Maulana Abdul Aleem Siddique. He was born on 3 April 1892 in Meerut, India. By the age of 19, he obtained a degree in Usuluddin and thereafter continued his studies in the sciences of the Al-Quran, Hadith, Tasawwuf and Islamic Law in Mecca and Medina.

Al-Marhum Maulana Abdul Aleem has travelled for 40 years to many parts of the world to spread the teachings of Islam. He is considered as the pioneer in the field of dakwah to a cosmopolitan society, by engaging in inter-faith dialogues to build religious harmony. In fact, he was the driving force behind the establishment of Persatuan Seruan Islam SeMalaya in the year 1932, which is now known as ‘Jamiyah.’

In addition to that, along with other religious leaders, Maulana Abdul Aleem Siddique was successful in winning the support of the then British government to establish the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) which was registered in 1949.

Among others, this was aimed at building and strengthening religious harmony in Singapore. His contribution is not limited to Singapore. Al-Marhum was also responsible for setting up Canada’s very first mosque, the Al-Rashid Mosque, located in Edmonton, Alberta which was completed in 1938.

Let us reflect upon the magnitude of the contributions and struggles of this eminent scholar. His contributions are surely inspired and guided by the dakwah spirit of Rasulullah s.a.w. His contributions are not merely to convey the teachings of ‘La Ilaha Illa Allah’ to humankind, but also as a symbol of human dignity, as well as a torchbearer of universal peace.

This is the teaching contained in the Al-Quran, to honour humankind so that each and every one of us can enjoy the peace and freedom to choose how we live our lives on this earth. Allah s.w.t. says in surah Al-Israa’ verse 70: Meaning: “And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam, and carried them on the land and sea, and provided for them of the good things, and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.”

My dear beloved brothers, The vision and far-sightedness of Al-Marhum Maulana Abdul Aleem Siddique is something that we should admire. Al-Marhum Maulana Abdul Aleem is of the view that peace and prosperity in the relationships between race and religion is a crucial element in ensuring the harmonious development of a country

In fact, the initiative proposed by Al-Marhum was way before Singapore’s independence and long before the existence of the ‘racial harmony’ initiative. The example shown by Al-Marhum Maulana Abdul Aleem in leading the efforts of good inter-religious relations is an excellent one, particularly since Islam views highly on the existence of peace and well-being in any given society.

However, this is not a new initiative because long before this, Rasulullah s.a.w. have established a constitution known as the ‘Charter of Medina’. This Charter is aimed, among others, to develop Medina as a peaceful and successful city based on mutual understanding. This is to prevent ideological differences from causing a division in a multi-racial and a multi-religious community.

My dear blessed jemaah, Certainly, the life of Al-Marhum Maulana Abdul Aleem must be an inspiration to us all. Al-Marhum truly understood the meaning of Islam as a religion that promotes good and noble moral values. It is a religion that encourages its believers to possess honourable characteristics, a modest nature and the love of doing good to humanity.

Just as Al-Marhum was inspired to contribute for the well-being of the general community, so should we. With the guidance of our faith, let us continue our good efforts in respecting our neighbours, friends and acquaintances.

Enliven the culture of co-operation in helping not only brothers of the same faith, but also of mankind. That is in line with the personality of our beloved Prophet s.a.w. as a messenger and mercy to the worlds. Allah s.w.t. says in surah Al-Anbiyaa’ verse 107: Meaning: “And We have not sent you, [Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.], except as a mercy to the worlds.”

My dear beloved brothers, Clearly, Maulana’s attitude should reflect how we, as Muslims, should conduct ourselves. How our actions and behaviours represents Islam. We should not be Muslims only through our speech or through our comments, but also through our deeds. Even in the face of tremendous trials and waves of challenges, we should always remain united as one community to be the catalyst of peace, security and prosperity.

These are the characters that we must have as Muslims. We must not only be rigorous in performing our worships and duties entrusted to us by Allah, but at the same time, we must also maintain good relationships with others. With this, we can uphold the teachings and essence of Islam. Good characteristics and noble personalities will protect the good name of Islam and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Through wisdom, maturity and strong principles, we will be able to uphold our faith and love for Allah s.w.t. and Rasulullah s.a.w.

My dear brothers, We believe that Allah s.w.t. will increase the station of those who are of strong faith and with honourable conduct. Therefore, let us continue with our good deeds and contributions for the benefit of the public good. Do not allow anything to discourage our will to continue upholding the sunnah of Rasulullah s.a.w. as a mercy and blessings for the worlds.

May we be able to follow the footsteps of our scholars who have preceded us. May we be granted the resilience of faith, the strength in our hearts and the steadfastness in continuing to contribute for the betterment of our community and of humankind. May Allah bless the struggles of our earlier scholars, and place them among the Siddiqin, Syuhada’ and Solihin. Amin, Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.