Singapore

Islam in Singapore is the second-largest religion after Buddhism, and it plays an important cultural and social role in the city-state’s multi-religious society.

Overview:

  • About 15% of Singapore’s population are Muslims (approximately 800,000 people).
  • The majority of Singapore’s Muslims are ethnic Malays, who make up around 85% of the Muslim community.
  • Other Muslim groups include Indians (especially Tamil Muslims), Pakistani Muslims, Arabs, and a small number of Chinese converts.

History of Islam in Singapore:

  • Islam arrived in the region through Arab and Indian traders long before British colonization in the 19th century.
  • Singapore’s Malay population, as indigenous people of the Malay Archipelago, have been Muslim for centuries.
  • Indian Muslim immigrants (from Tamil Nadu and elsewhere) settled during British rule, contributing to Islamic life.

Islamic Institutions:
Singapore has over 70 mosques, including:

  • Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) – the largest and most famous, located in Kampong Glam.
  • Masjid Al-Falah, Masjid Abdul Gafoor, and others serve different Muslim communities.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) governs Muslim affairs, including mosques, religious education, and halal certification.

Religious Life:
Muslims in Singapore freely practice their religion:

  • Five daily prayers in mosques.
  • Friday Jumu’ah prayers are well-attended.
  • Ramadan fasting, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha are major festivals.

Halal food is widely available, with MUIS-certified halal eateries across the country.

Islamic Education:
Islamic education is supported through:

  • Madrassas (Islamic religious schools)
  • Mosque-based religious classes (madrasah part-time schools) for children and adults
  • Secular public schools also provide Islamic religious education for Muslim students as part of the curriculum.

Sharia Law:
Singapore maintains a dual legal system in family matters for Muslims:

  • Syariah Court handles Muslim family law, including marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
  • All other matters (criminal, commercial) follow the secular civil law system.

Islamic Culture in Singapore:

  • The historic district of Kampong Glam is the center of Malay-Muslim culture, featuring halal food, shops, and cultural institutions.
  • Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr) is a national public holiday, marked by bazaars, decorations, and family gatherings.

Religious Freedom:

  • Singapore promotes religious harmony and multiculturalism, but also strictly regulates religious expression to ensure social order.
  • Muslim missionaries and preachers are closely monitored to prevent extremist teachings.
  • Proselytizing Muslims is discouraged by law.

Challenges & Trends:

  • Muslims face integration pressures in a secular society.
  • Growing interest among young Singaporean Muslims in global Islamic movements, balanced with local moderation.
  • The state supports moderate, peaceful Islam and discourages foreign extremist influences.

Singapore
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .sg
Country Code: +65