Prevent those who might commit evil from carrying out such acts: Muis sermon

SINGAPORE - This is an extract from the Friday sermon prepared by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and delivered at mosques in Singapore today.

"My brothers,

We have been informed on the news that one youth was detained for his involvement in terrorism ideology. This reality reminds us of the important role played by family members in guiding their family. We need to ensure that our children are not only practising the religion and understand it, but we are also responsible in ensuring that the religious education that is received by us and our family are the correct teachings.

This becomes more imperative in view of the current ISIS terrorist group who misuses the name of Islam to commit killing and terrorism (including) through the active use of social media.

As parents, individual, family and community, we must ensure that our children and family members are equipped with deep religious knowledge. This is to develop self-resilience for them to differentiate and to reject any form of deviant or radical ideas, especially those that support terrorism and are not in line with Islamic teachings.

We must also be conscious of the changes in behaviour and attitude of our children or family members. This is especially if we have witnessed changes in their attitudes and religious outlook which seem to be tilted towards radicalism. For example, when they start to be rigid in giving views on issues related to religion-associated political thought, such as the discussion on establishment of an Islamic State, or the caliphate and so on. These issues require critical research and reading, to ensure that one is able to acquire the correct understanding of these issues.

If we are unable to advise or guide them, we must refer them to those who are capable in tackling this. Ensure that we get the assistance of counsellors or religious teachers that are certified by the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS) or through consulting religious officers at mosques or from the Office of The Mufti. Do not let them be misguided as that will only harm themselves, us and the community-at-large.

Indeed, it is our responsibility to help our brethren, whether he/she is the one committing evil or the victim of an evil act. How do we help those who commit evil? Prophet Muhammad explained that we help those who are committing evil by preventing them from continuing the evil act.

May Allah keep us, our family, our community and our country free from such evil elements. May Allah continue to bless us with love and blessings from Him for all of us in this world and in the hereafter."

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