AhlulBayt News Agency - Singapore's top Muslim religious leader, Mufti Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, has condemned the recent spate of suicide bombings and attacks across the world as vile acts which have nothing to do with Islam.
In a statement on Tuesday (July 5), he commented on the "many senseless attacks" that had taken place in the past month during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
These included attacks in Orlando in the United States, Kabul in Afghanistan, Istanbul in Turkey, Dhaka in Bangladesh, Baghdad in Iraq, Malaysia's capital of Kuala Lumpur and Surakarta in Indonesia, and most recently on Monday (July 4) in Medina in Saudi Arabia outside the Prophet's Mosque.
The mosque is one of Islam's holiest sites, and is where the Prophet Mohammed is buried.
"These vile attacks were caused by misguided people who commit atrocities and violence blemishing the name of Islam, a religion that places great emphasis on the sanctity of human lives," he said on the eve of Eid festival marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the innocent victims and their families. The fact that the attacks took place during Ramadan, in which Muslims are taught to be close to the Creator and to seek His blessings through doing good deeds and refraining from evil, show clearly these attacks have nothing to do with Islam."
"These are outrageous and evil attacks against humanity," he added.
He noted that in Singapore, the Muslim community has come together to help others and to bring some joy to the less fortunate in their daily struggles, "in the true spirit of Ramadan".
"My spirit is refreshed too, as I see Singaporeans from other faiths come together to understand us through our communal iftars held at our mosques and other organisations and joining hands to do good for the betterment of our society," he said in his statement.
"This is the embodiment of the true teachings of Islam and all religions. This is the spirit that we should continue to harness that can help further strengthen us as a society."
The Mufti urged Muslims to continue to do good and be caring and peace-loving and the Ramadan fasting month draws to a close, and in the days ahead.
Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram was one of several leaders in Singapore who issued statements on Tuesday to condemn the attacks. Others included Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim, and Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam.
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source : Straits Times
Tuesday
5 July 2016
7:50:15 AM
764237
Singapore's top Muslim religious leader condemns attacks by misguided people who blemish name of Islam
Singapore's top Muslim religious leader, Mufti Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, has condemned the recent spate of suicide bombings and attacks across the world as vile acts which have nothing to do with Islam.