ABOUT 6,000 people thronged the Al-Istighfar Mosque in Pasir Ris to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa and the end of the Muslim fasting month on Sunday.

In his Hari Raya sermon, the Mufti of Singapore Syed Isa Semait called on Muslims to show compassion to all.

'This modern world, with its advancements and luxury, with its speed and facility, with its economic progress and its expanse, has and will continue to provide new contexts and meanings to rahmah, or compassion,' he said.

'The value of compassion remains relevant till this day. In fact, it will become more critical and much more needed in our lives today.'

Showing compassion to neighbours and colleagues from all cultures and religions was also important given the increasingly diverse society, he added.

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim, who is also the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, was there to join fellow Muslims in performing the Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayers.

Speaking to reporters, he urged Muslims and non-Muslims to share and show compassion to those affected by the downturn.

'Given the challenges of the modern economy, there will be people who face a lot of difficulties and therefore we must be there to help them,' he said.

Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.