Mr Lee viewed this foundation as 'a further effort to spread the Muslim community's message of peace and an inclusive spirit of shared blessings for all'. -- ST PHOTO
IN 2005, several mosque chairmen sat down to think up projects that would do good for all and change misconceptions of the Muslim community.
Four years on, their Rahmatan Lil'Alamin - or Blessings To All - team has actively set up soup kitchens, fixed meals for the elderly, cleaned beaches and raised over $1.6 million for disaster relief in China's Sichuan province, Myanmar and elsewhere.
On Saturday, the good work gained fresh impetus with the launch of the Rahmatan Lil'Alamin foundation.
It was launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Saturday night at a dinner celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).
Mr Lee viewed this foundation as 'a further effort to spread the Muslim community's message of peace and an inclusive spirit of shared blessings for all'.
The foundation along with efforts like Muis' Harmony Centre - a venue for inter-faith dialogue and engagement - 'help to cement our racial and religious cohesion for future generations', he told 300 community and religious leaders from various faiths.
Agreeing, Mr Abdul Mutalif Hashim, executive chairman of the Darussalam Mosque in Clementi, said the foundation 'will better enable the community to put values like compassion into action, across religious lines'.
Mr Lee also paid tribute to Muis' work in looking after the religious needs of Muslim Singaporeans since 1968 and its leadership role on difficult issues such as organ donation and terrorism.
He noted that the statutory board had challenging beginnings. It faced sceptical segments of the community who wondered if Muis could give religious guidance and deliver results.
'Muis has worked hard over the years to win over the trust and confidence of the Muslim community,' said Mr Lee, in outlining its achievements.
