Voice of Islam : January - April 2023 Issue

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VOICE OF ISLAM

Content Page
Education
Feature Story
4
Little Huffaz Expands to ECE Centres
17
Al-Quran Personality Award
5
Gift-A-Meal – A Ramadan Project
– A Recognition to the President
Pg 8
6
Enhancing Standards – Accreditation
& Collaboration
Homes
18
of Jamiyah
Photo Gallery
The Colours of Jamiyah
7
Where Hearts Bond – Family
Excellence Circle
Cover Story
8
Let’s Grow@JNH - 20th Anniversary
20
Celebrating the Past, Embracing
Celebration
the Future - 90 Years of Service
Pg 12
9
Active Engagements – The Community
TouchPoints
Dakwah
22
23
I Am Jamiyah
Congratulations to the Achievers
We Cheered & Danced - Chingay
10
Ramadan – The Sweetness of
Parade 2023
Worshipping Together
Community Outreach &
Development Department
24
Tribute
Dr Kutbuddin Dohadwala
- Honouring A Legacy of Selfless
11
Strengthening Families - One
Service
Pg 16
12
Community at A Time
Our Relief Assistance - Malaysia’s
Massive Floods
25
Jamiyah Connects
Seerah : An International Roving
13
Fundraising
Together – We Can Do More
Exhibition in Canada
Feature Story
Interfaith Relations
26
The Singapore Muslim Festival
2023 – A Historical and Virtual
14
Exemplary Interfaith Award 2023
Experience
Pg 24
15
– An Initiative by Jamiyah
Women & Family Department
Rhapsody of Mothers - 29th Exemplary
27
The Muslim World
News and Views - Islam and
Muslims around the World
Mother Award
Volunteers
28
The Story of Jamiyah
Malay
16
From Compassion to Action – A Big
30
Arabic
Thank You from Jamiyah
32
Tamil
34
Mandarin
Pg 28
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VOICE OF ISLAM

Snippets
Alhamdulillah. Ramadan 2023 at Jamiyah Singapore
was truly a blessing for all ages! From Tarawih prayers at our
reopened Masjid@Jamiyah to exciting programmes for the
young and old, we were able to fully embrace faith and blessings
from Allah SWT.
Page 10
We celebrated the crowning of the 29th Exemplary Mother Award
and the 4th Exemplary Young Mother Award at this annual event.
The true heroes of our society aren't the ones in capes but the ones
with determination, love and compassion - our mothers. We salute
these amazing women for their selflessness and resilience and we
hope their stories of love and sacrifice will inspire us all.
Page 15
Ninety years of service, love and dedication to the community!
It's been an honour celebrating Jamiyah Singapore's 90th
Anniversary with the most dedicated community leaders, donors,
volunteers, staff and supporters. We are humbled and grateful for
the support we received throughout the years. Here's to another 10
years of serving the community!
Page 20
The SEERAH International Roving Exhibition took Canada
by storm, bringing Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) legacy to
life through an immersive virtual experience and showcasing
his rare artefacts. Jamiyah Singapore once again showed its
commitment to educating and bridging communities through
this extraordinary exhibition.
Page 25
60,000 visitors to The Singapore Muslim Festival 2023 stepped
into the world of Muslim history and culture, where traditions
were celebrated, and the community coming together! The Seerah
Exhibition, Singapore’s Edition transcended through the virtual
reality experience. With 200 vibrant booths showcasing F&B and
Muslim lifestyle products, unforgettable memories were created.
Page 26
VOICE OF ISLAM
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Editor's Message
Editorial Board
Advisers
Datuk Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar
Dr H M Saleem
Editor
Dr Hussin Mutalib
Secretary
Zalinah Jantan
Members
Fauzi Mohamed
Hassan Salleh
Roza Ahmad
Shahrul Faizie
Vikneswari Kathirgamu
JAMIYAH SINGAPORE
31 Lorong 12 Geylang
Singapore 399006
Tel: +65 6743 1211
Fax: +65 6745 0610
Email: info@jamiyah.org.sg
Website: www.jamiyah.org.sg
Follow Us
jamiyahsg
Assalamualaikum and Greetings!
We are indeed happy to be able to produce this VOICE OF ISLAM (VOI)
Bulletin again after a hiatus brought about by the recent COVID-19
pandemic. Being the official mouthpiece of Jamiyah Singapore, the VOI is
an important medium and channel for us to share news and views about
Jamiyah with you: our readers, donors, supporters, and volunteers.
This particular issue of VOI is significant in more ways than one. Other than
our usual information about Jamiyah's numerous events and activities –
which, thanks to the staff, continue online mainly during the pandemic
- in this issue, you will find the many large-scale programmes that were
organised to commemorate our special 90th Anniversary.
Yes, we are now 90 years old! Despite this longevity, we are determined
to continue our multifaceted services and contributions to the local
Muslim community, and Singapore's society as a whole. Caring for all, we
are especially keen to help the less fortunate and less able members of
our society, irrespective of age, gender, race, or religion. After all, formed
nine decades ago as a "missionary" (dakwah) organisation, our approach
to dakwah is manifestly holistic and all-encompassing, going beyond its
traditional, confined ways.
To mark our 90th Anniversary, we initiated several major events and
activities. These include the following: publishing two commemorative
books; hosting a 90th Anniversary Gala Dinner; organising a Muslim
Festival centering on the Seerah of our Prophet (PBUH) not only in
Singapore but in Canada; and hosting two award schemes - our annual
Exemplary Mother Award, and a new nationwide commendation scheme,
the "Exemplary Interfaith Award".
In line with a new Editorial Board team, we are also introducing new
columns for your reading pleasure. We hope you find these project and
event updates useful.
If you wish to contact us, just email to: info@jamiyah.org.sg
Till next issue, Happy Reading!
Editor
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VOICE OF ISLAM

Early Childhood
Care & Education
Centres
Little Huffaz
Expands to ECE Centres
The voices of children as young as four reciting Al-
Hijaiyah (Arabic alphabet) echo across the Jamiyah
early childhood settings. The ‘Little Huffaz’, as they
are fondly known, are gradually gaining greater
competencies as it is a programme that provides a
systematic methodology for the memorisation and
recitation of the Quran with Tajweed.
received. One of the parents at Jamiyah Child Care
Centre @ Ang Mo Kio commented, “My child recites
with better Tajweed, and I am proud of her. I am glad
that the programme is accessible easily in my child's
school.”
Incepted in 2018 and a brainchild of the Jamiyah
Education Centre, the Little Huffaz Programme
reaches out to children between the ages of 4 and 6
to enable them to memorise and recite 38 Quranic
surahs (chapters) independently by the end of the
3-year programme.
Learning with friends is fun! Ustazah is eliciting a child’s prior
knowledge while other children are listening attentively.
Our Hands Reveal Our Intelligence! A Little Huffaz is in deep
concentration forming Arabic alphabet with play dough.
The programme has now been extended to the
children at Jamiyah Child Care Centre, Global Child
Development Centre at Tampines (GCDCT) and
Woodlands (GCDCW). The programme has been well-
Teachers (Asatizahs) employ a wide range of childcentred
teaching methodologies. These include
Talqeen, a tried and tested method to develop
accuracy in pronunciation and fluency in reading.
The Talqeen method sees children repeat the verses
being read by the teacher. Considering that children
learn best through play and refinement of the
senses, the programme weaves songs, movement
and hands-on learning in its three learning domains,
namely, Tajweed, Muqaddam and Qu’ran.
Alhamdulillah, we are able to expand our Little
Huffaz Programme to our Early Childhood Care
& Education Centres and give these children the
opportunity to learn the Quranic Surahs at an early
age.
VOICE OF ISLAM
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Jamiyah
Kindergarten
Gift-A-Meal
A Ramadan Project
A fundamental guiding mission of 'Gift-A-Meal'
was to inculcate amongst Kindergarteners
the kindergarten’s three core principles: Care,
Compassionate and Considerate.
Children are engrossed in creating donation bottles by using
recycled materials.
A child is in deep concentration counting the received Sadaqah.
In 2022, Jamiyah Kindergarten embarked on
yet another heart-warming project: 'Gift-A-Meal'.
The project brought together the kindergarten
community of educators, kindergarteners, and their
families who planned and implemented the Ramadan
Sadaqah (charity) drive for underprivileged families.
During curriculum time, educators facilitated the
kindergarten kids in creating unique donation bottles
using recycled plastic bottles. The idea is to drive
home the message of ‘sustainability’. Kindergarteners
then took their donation bottles home, where their
family and others in the neighbourhood filled the
donation bottles.
Competencies in these principles can only be
attained when they are directly immersed in such
projects. By so doing, the children, educators, and
their families embarked on a journey of inquiry
and self-discovery, with the children discovering
Sunnah’s values while embracing inclusion and
gratitude.
MasyaAllah, as much as SGD4500 was collected! This
amount benefitted 300 underprivileged families
as recipients of Iftar food, the evening meal taken
by Muslims to break their fast during Ramadan. In
fact, the kindergarteners and their educators had
many brainstorming sessions to determine the most
suitable food items for these families.
Iftar food packed with love, ready for delivery to underprivileged
families.
The project also saw the strengthening of reciprocal
partnerships between the kindergarten community
and the children’s families.
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VOICE OF ISLAM

Jamiyah
Education Centre
Enchancing Standard
Accreditation & Collaboration
From left : Mr Waleed Emara, Attache of the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt; Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Non-Resident Ambassador
to the State of Kuwait; Prof Dr Abdelrazak Yosef Desouky, President of Kafrelsheikh University; Prof (Adj) Datuk Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar,
President of Jamiyah Singapore; Tun Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam, Governor of the State of Melaka; and Dato’ Dr Azfar Bin
Mohamad Mustafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore.
The year 2023 is a major step forward in
Jamiyah Education Centre’s (JEC) journey to lay the
foundations that will, Insya Allah, eventually enable
JEC to become a College. This journey was recently
boosted when JEC’s Diploma in Islamic Studies (DPI)
was accredited and recognised by the University
of Melaka (UNIMEL). This recognition will enable
Jamiyah students to pursue Degree level courses at
Universiti Melaka.
JEC’s DPI programme is designed to help students
develop the skills and knowledge necessary to
effectively participate in and contribute to the
discourse on Islam and its application to the modern
world. Courses offered include Islamic finance, law
and philosophy. JEC will also offer the 12-month
bridging programme, the Certificate in Islamic
Studies (SPI), for students who may not have had
access to religious education or sufficient academic
qualifications to pursue a college education.
The recognition by Universiti Melaka is essential to
our plan to be fully accredited by similar institutions
across Southeast Asia, such as the International
Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) and the State
Islamic University of North Sumatra (UINSU).
JEC-Kafrelsheikh University Continuing Academic
Collaboration
Jamiyah Education Centre and Kafrelsheikh
University (KSU) in Egypt signed another
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 2022.
This continuing collaboration will help both partners
organise workshops and courses together, which
was first established in October 2018. Kafrelsheikh
University’s professional educators will offer several
Arabic language programmes for students in
Singapore through a combination of online, offline,
and hybrid methods. The programme is open to
anyone interested in learning more about the Arabic
language and culture, regardless of their current
level of proficiency. Programmes with more formal
certifications, such as Diplomas, Bachelor’s, and other
postgraduate degrees, are also future possibilities
that will be explored.
VOICE OF ISLAM
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Jamiyah Halfway
House
Where Hearts Bond
Family Excellence Circle
Jamiyah Halfway House
(JHH or Darul Islah) organises the
'Family Excellence Circle' (FEC), a
monthly family-gathering event
for its Residents and their families,
as part of the rehabilitation and
reintegration process. These
sessions have helped to foster a
sense of family belonging and
strengthen family relations
and togetherness between the
Residents and their loved ones.
The activities are designed to bring
families closer together through
fun-filled experiences. Excursions
to places of interest, such as the
Singapore Zoo and Gardens by
the Bay, are organised to further
enhance family togetherness.
These outings provide an
opportunity for families to create
lasting memories and enjoy one
another's company in a leisure
and exciting environment.
The monthly FEC gatherings
for 2022 started in September
and culminated in a graduation
ceremony on 29th January 2023.
The ceremony was graced by
JHH's management committee,
including Vice Chairman Mr Zainal
Mustapha and Head of JHH Mr
Mohd Faizal Abas. Representatives
from the group, Bapa Sepanjang
Hayat, and Singapore Prisons
Service were also invited. During
the graduation ceremony, Mr
Mustafa from Bapa Sepanjang
Hayat shared that "a child will look
towards a father as an exceptional
role model". This sentiment
highlights the importance of
positive male role models in
the lives of children. Chef Mel, a
celebrity chef who participated in
the September FEC gathering, also
emphasised the importance of
good communication in all family
interactions.
The FEC gatherings have been
well-received by the Residents
and their families, with a
participation rate of between 80%
and 90% attendance of about 45
participants. Mr Jamal, a Resident
at JHH, shared during the
graduation event that "Jamiyah
Halfway House can assist and
support our reintegration, the
rest is up to us". This statement
demonstrates the positive impact
that JHH Team and programmes
have had on its Residents.
Mdm Anis, the wife of Mr Jamal,
also expressed her gratitude
towards the staff at JHH for their
support and understanding. She
stated that "as a family, we are
indeed grateful for the support
and understanding that the staff
of Jamiyah Halfway House has
given to my husband and to our
family".
FEC gatherings have provided an
opportunity for families to rebuild
healthy family relationships
and create lasting memories.
The collaborative effort and
camaraderie among staff and the
planning and execution of the
programme have been the key to
the success of these events.
Residents and their families listening
intently to the trainer at FEC September
2022 – Art Therapy Workshop by Kamal Arts
In conclusion, the monthly familybonding
sessions organised by
JHH have been instrumental
in bringing Residents and their
families closer together. This is
indeed crucial in supporting the
Residents on their road to recovery
from addiction and reoffending.
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VOICE OF ISLAM

Jamiyah Nursing
Home
Let’s Grow@JNH
20th Anniversary Celebration
Jamiyah Nursing Home (JNH or Darul
Syifaa) celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2022.
To commemorate the memorable occasion, on 7
September 2022, JNH launched the 'Let's Grow @
JNH' Initiative, a collaboration with West Coast
Constituency.
Together they co-created an Orchid Garden during
the Covid-19 lockdown to keep the Residents
physically and mentally active, maintain social
interaction and camaraderie amongst. Volunteers
got the elderly Residents involved with gardening
activities and growing the orchids.
The Orchid Garden keeps the Seniors physically and mentally
active as they get involved in looking after the orchids.
of Health, Agency for Integrated Care, South West
CDC and West Coast Grassroots Organisations had
a symbolic potting ceremony at the 'Let's Grow @
JNH' garden before going on a tour of the garden.
An initiative between Jamiyah Nursing Home and West Coast
Constituency.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic was a trying time for
JNH’s staff and Residents, JNH was fortunate to
have the strong support of community leaders and
committed volunteers. Symbolically, from darkness
to light, the 'Let's Grow @ JNH' initiative was also
JNH's perseverance and relentless effort to overcome
future challenges together.
Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Transport & Minister-incharge
of Trade Relations, was the Guest of Honour at
the event. He and representatives from the Ministry
Mr Jaffar Mydin, Vice-President I and Chief
Operating Officer of Jamiyah Singapore said, "As we
prepare for future changing needs and challenges to
meet the community's needs at Jamiyah Nursing
Home, we continue to adapt our current processes
to align with patient-centric care principles."
Moving forward, Jamiyah Singapore hopes to
expand its services to cater to the ever-increasing
healthcare services needs of the community. JNH
staff is determined to continue to rise to the challenge
and grow with innovation and perseverance.
VOICE OF ISLAM
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Jamiyah Home
for the Aged
Active Engagements
Community Touchpoints
Jamiyah Home for the Aged (JHA or Darul
Takrim), collaborated with Jamiyah Halfway House
(JHH or Darul Islah), on the initiative Come Let’s Go!
on 16 December 2022.
JHA Community Art
JHH, which works closely with the Singapore Prison
Service (SPS), arranged for the SPS Supervisees
to provide critical community touchpoints for the
Residents of JHA to walk to Our Tampines Hub’s
Eco-Community Garden. It consisted of a 1.8 km
walk with two pit-stops for rest and refreshments at
the Festive Walk Hawker Centre.
Children and adults alike took to completing the 5 artworks with
colours using the Batik painting technique at the ‘Our Family Fest
2022’.
During Jamiyah Singapore’s Our Family Fest 2022,
a family carnival held at the Our Tampines Hub
(OTH) on 5 November, JHA rallied the community to
contribute to a Batik Art Collage.
The Residents of Jamiyah Home for the Aged were all set to go for
their walk to Our Tampines Hub together with the SPS Supervisees.
The Come Let’s Go! initiative benefited the Residents
of JHA by getting them involved in the wider
community whilst engaging in physical exercise.
This is part of JHA’s strategic thrust to have its
Residents live well by being physically active.
36 Residents and 18 SPS Supervisees took part and
enjoyed the interaction between the two groups. One
of JHA’s residents, Mr Z, said, “It was shiok to have
these young men bring me out for a walk”, while one
of the SPS Supervisees Ms A, said “Gerek” or cool.
JHA Residents had painstakingly traced 5 Artworks
depicting Mr Ng Eng Teng’s Mother and Child
sculpture. Members of the community were then
invited to rendition the artwork with colours using
Batik Painting techniques.
JHA has a niche Batik Painting Programme, using
Art as therapy. The technique of Batik Painting
allows the Residents to focus their hands and eye
coordination through cognitive engagement.
Some of the artwork has been presented to Guests
of Honour at Jamiyah Singapore’s events. This
programme allows the Residents of JHA to see
themselves transcend from vulnerable elderly to
valuable elderly. It gives the Residents purpose and
increases their self-worth and dignity.
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VOICE OF ISLAM

Dakwah
Ramadan
The Sweetness of
Worshipping Together
The presence of Ramadan is so
meaningful in the life of a Muslim
everywhere. This is because
Ramadan promises tremendous
rewards and benefits that Allah
has provided His servants.
Hubbul Quran, and our offer of food
to Muslim beneficiaries through
Iftar Bento and Meat for Eid. A
total of 13 local and International
Asatizah from Malaysia, Indonesia,
and Egypt participated in these
programmes.
For the Tarawih programmes,
many joined the recitations
and prayers together with
International Qari (Expert
Quranic reciters), including Imam
Mohamed Elmongy and Sheikh
Mostafa Syarqawy of Egypt.
Daily breaking of fast at Jamiyah Islamic
Centre, a way to strengthen our silaturrahim
and share the joy of breaking fast together.
Jamiyah Singapore had organised
and hosted many events that have
been much-awaited by the local
Muslim community. Themed
"Building a Quranic Generation",
many activities were held, such
as Tarawih at Masjid@Jamiyah,
International Nuzul Quran,
Iftar (Breaking of Fast), Quranic
Khatam, Qiyamullail Perdana,
For the daily Iftar event, many
came to Jamiyah Islamic Centre
in Lorong 12 Geylang, to break the
fast together while also listening
to Quranic recitations and other
prayers.
The annual International Nuzul
Quran 1444H/2023M, featuring
local and internationally
renowned Qari and Qariah
was held on the 17 Ramadan at
Jamiyah Islamic Centre. This
year, a special session for children,
Al-Quran Juniors, was held earlier
in the day. This programme
focused on developing a love and
appreciation for the Al-Quran
in children through fun and
interactive activities.
Local & International Qari & Qariah recited
surahs from the blessed Al-Quran to mark
Nuzul Quran, the revelation of the Holy
Book.
Jamiyah’s Mosque was
temporarily closed to the public
for almost 3 years due to the
Covid-19 pandemic. It remained
open only for Jamiyah’s staff and
residents, but thanks to the arrival
of Ramadan 2023, our Masjid@
Jamiyah is now reopened to
enable people to experience the
sweetness of worship every night
of Ramadan.
VOICE OF ISLAM
10

Community Outreach
& Development
Department
Strengthening Families
One Community at A Time
Jamiyah Singapore has expanded its
community services by introducing a satellite
service called Jampacked. This service aims to
provide accessible community services to those in
need, particularly in the heartlands, by focusing on
food ration assistance and community engagement
programmes. The Jampacked Programme serves
as the vehicle for Jamiyah's Family-Centred
Services, responding to the dynamics and changes
in Singapore's social landscape and meeting the
growing community needs.
At least 446 beneficiaries are currently benefiting
through Jampacked@Bukit Batok programme, and
families are empowered with skills and knowledge
so that they are stable, self-reliant, and improve their
social mobility. Children and Youth are nurtured to
be creative, academically successful, future-ready,
and equipped with strong values and knowledge.
Jampacked@Bukit Batok is our flagship centre and
marks the first development of Jamiyah's Family-
Centred Services, strengthening our focus and
commitment to serving the mainstream community.
Powered by Community Outreach & Development
Department (CODD)’s Team, Jampacked@Bukit
Batok serves families in need at Bukit Batok and the
neighbouring community.
The facility boasts a mini food bank where
beneficiaries can choose essential free food items for
each month. They have access to a range of family
programmes and workshops that empower them to
be self-reliant and eventually improve their lives. Our
social service professionals on duty provide advisory
and referral services, including counselling. Ready-
To-Eat Hot Meals are also made available to elderly
families through our vending machine.
The establishment of Jampacked strengthens the
community by helping families and advocating
community mobilisation, and promoting community
spirit. Every community member plays an important
role, be it as a volunteer, donor, sponsor, or supporter
of our cause.
Jampacked@Bukit Batok empowers the beneficiaries to choose and
purchase items they need from the mini foodbank with the credits
given to them each month.
Jamiyah Singapore continues to expand its
community footprint with the upcoming launch of
Jampacked@West Coast and Jampacked@ Radin
Mas in the 2nd Quarter of 2023 to meet the growing
needs of families in need.
We are proud to be able to make a difference in the
lives of those we serve and look forward to continuing
our mission to serve the community.
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VOICE OF ISLAM

FoodBank
Our Relief Assistance
Malaysia Massive Floods
In mid-December 2021, the massive floods that
hit Peninsula Malaysia left thousands of Malaysians
homeless and in dire need of basic necessities. It was
certainly heart-breaking to see those affected being
evacuated from their homes and having their lives
displaced by the devastating floods.
Packing of donated items at Jamiyah Foodbank with the help of
volunteers and staff.
stocked-up items were duly sorted, packed, labelled
and quickly sent to the affected areas.
Thank you to our community partners and donors for the generous
donations in cash and kind.
Concerned about the plight of our unfortunate
neighbours and the urgent need for relief assistance,
Jamiyah Singapore quickly organised a ‘Malaysia
Flood Relief Appeal’ that calls for both monetary
and in-kind donations of essential items. The cash
donation was used to purchase the much-needed
relief items required by the victims such as Food
Essentials (Dry Food Items, Mineral Water, Children’s
Milk Powder); Non-Food Essentials (Candles,
Mattresses, Pillows, Diapers, Cleaning Equipment,
Gas Stoves, Generator Set) and Medicine (Panadol,
Plaster, Face Masks).
We in Jamiyah were deeply moved to receive an
overwhelming and immediate response from our
community partners and the general public from
all races and faiths. Our volunteers and staff worked
hand-in-hand at the Jamiyah Foodbank, where the
Donated items are distributed to the beneficiaries with the help of
the team from Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI).
In Malaysia, we worked closely with our partner,
Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI) – Malacca, to
distribute relief packages to flood victims. Our
utmost appreciation to DMDI-Malacca, the generous
donors, and our tireless volunteers and staff for
their support and assistance. We hope that the relief
effort has brought some comfort to the flood victims
during their time of need and aided in their recovery
efforts.
VOICE OF ISLAM
12

Fundraising
Together
We Can Do More
Fundraising is critical to nonprofit
organisations' efforts to help the community in
need. The funds raised from these campaigns are
often the lifeblood for the organisations to continue
and upgrade their programmes and services for the
beneficiaries.
sedekah (charitable act), especially after the dawn
prayers. It allows families, especially with young
children, to inculcate the spirit of charity within
their family circle. The Fundraising Team delivers
the donation tins to the donors' homes or offices and
collects them when they are full.
At Jamiyah, we are deeply committed to helping the
vulnerable among us, through our Welfare Homes,
FoodBank, counselling, community programmes
and other impactful efforts.
GIRO sign-ups and donations from the public are part of our
fundraising efforts.
The Fundraising Team with Mr Siraj Salman, Vice-President III
(extreme left), Mr Jaffar Mydin, Vice-President I & Chief Operating
Officer (5th from left) and Mr Subramaniam, Director - Fundraising
Dept (2nd from right).
Certainly, the pandemic has significantly impacted
our fundraising efforts, as it has for many
organisations. With restrictions on gatherings and
events, we find innovative ways to raise funds and
support our programmes.
With measures being lifted further and the
community coming together to support one another,
we are now in a position to do so much more. We
are hosting meaningful events once again, such as
Yok! Santai Hujung Minggu (Come! Let's Relax This
Weekend), a collaborative effort between Pasar
Geylang Serai Merchants' Association and Wisma
Geylang Serai; The Singapore Muslim Festival, which
brought together 60,000 patrons to Singapore
Expo over 3 days, and many others. We took the
opportunity to create awareness about Jamiyah
Singapore's myriad of community programmes at
these events.
As the pandemic accelerated the world's dependency
on technological means, Jamiyah, too, evolved and set
up our online donation portal that allows individuals
to donate from the comfort of their own homes. The
convenience provides people with an efficient way to
support our mission, and we are incredibly grateful
for every contribution we receive.
During the last Ramadan, our dedicated Fundraising
Team and volunteers were busy manning booths at
the many bazaars such as Tanjong Katong Complex,
Suntec City, Jurong West and Wisma Geylang Serai
to create awareness and raise funds for Jamiyah.
We are appreciative to the bazaar organisers and
supporting partners for the complimentary booths.
As the Covid-19 measures slowly eased, we encourage
donors to take up Tabung Sedekah Subuh (or Subuh
Donation Tin). The Tabung Sedekah Subuh campaign
allows donors to donate daily as part of their ibadah
13
Your support reaches far and wide for the betterment
of our community. Together, we can create a better
future for all, and we invite you to be a part of this
effort.
VOICE OF ISLAM

Interfaith
Relations
Exemplary Interfaith Award 2023
An Initiative by Jamiyah
The Exemplary Interfaith Award Shield
In today’s increasingly diverse
and interdependent world, there
is a dire need for harmony and
understanding between different
religions and faiths. It is essential
that people of different faiths and
beliefs learn to coexist peacefully
and work together toward
accomplishing common goals.
Jamiyah Singapore has been
known to champion interfaith
peace and harmony since its
establishment in 1932. We are
indebted to our founder, Maulana
Abdul Aleem Siddiqui, and
former Presidents, such as Dato
Syed Ibrahim Omar Alsagoff
and Tuan Haji Abu Bakar Maidin,
for their contributions in this
area. Through their tireless
work, Jamiyah was directly
involved in forming the Inter-
Religious Organization (IRO)
back in 1949. It is thus quite
natural that in celebrating its
90th Anniversary, initiating
an "Exemplary Interfaith
Award" would be a meaningful
way for us to continue this
interfaith tradition. This Award
acknowledges individuals that
have significantly contributed to
promoting understanding and
cooperation between different
religions in this Republic.
The Award was officially
launched at Jamiyah’s 90th
Anniversary Celebration in July
2022 by Senior Minister, Mr Teo
Chee Hean. The main Award will
be given to the most outstanding
individual and a supplementary
award to a local youth who has
demonstrated clear potential for
promoting interfaith harmony
and peace, especially among
youth.
Why an Exemplary Interfaith
Award?
First, to provide recognition
and encouragement for those
contributing much towards
building bridges between
different faith communities.
Often, these efforts go
unrecognised and are not
appreciated.
Secondly, to help raise awareness
of the importance of interfaith
dialogue and coorperation. Many
people are unaware of the efforts
made to promote understanding
and cooperation between
different religions or the positive
impact this can have on society.
Thirdly, by recognising
individuals and organisations that
have contributed significantly
to interfaith dialogue and
cooperation, we can create
opportunities for people from
different faiths and belief systems
to come together and work
towards common goals.
Finally, hopefully this Award
would send a powerful message
of hope and positivity in a world
often seen as divided, contentious
and polarised.
Initiating this first-ever
"Exemplary Interfaith Award" (and
the "Interfaith Youth Leadership
Award") would be, thus, a valuable
positive step towards creating a
more tolerant, understanding and
peaceful society in Singapore and
elsewhere.
VOICE OF ISLAM
14

Women & Family
Department
Rhapsody of Mothers
29th Exemplary Mother Award
The Exemplary Mother Award (EMA), held on 20th
August 2022 at Swissotel The Stamford, marked
another glorious affair by Jamiyah Singapore, with
the crowning of the 29th Exemplary Mother Award
and its 4th Exemplary Young Mother Award.
Mdm Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic
of Singapore, graced the event. In her speech, she
acknowledged the role and contributions of mothers
and the initiative of launching the award itself.
The EMA is an annual event organised by Jamiyah
Singapore's Women & Family Department to honour
and recognise outstanding mothers from all walks
of life and across all races and religions. The event
has become a hallmark of Jamiyah Singapore and is
eagerly anticipated by the community every year.
From left : Mdm Aisah Osman, Chairperson of Jamiyah Singapore’s
Women & Family Department; Ms Claire Chiang, Chairperson of
the Panel of Judges; Mdm Parimala, Winner of the 29th Exemplary
Mother Award; Mdm Halimah Yacob, President of Singapore,
Prof (Adj) Datuk Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar, President of Jamiyah
Singapore and Ms Sim Ann, Adviser to the Panel of Judges.
The 'Exemplary Young Mother Award' (EYMA)
honours mothers under 40 years of age who have
shown exceptional abilities in juggling their daily
jobs while dedicating themselves to community
service and their families.
Rhapsody of Mothers was the theme dedicated to the
29th Exemplary Mother Award. It was symbolic as we
celebrated and became effusively enthusiastic about
the multiple roles of a mother. Poetic renditions in
both the opening act and well-known local artistes
performances livened up the 400-guest Hi-Tea event.
From the numerous nominations, the eventual
winner for the 29th EMA is Mdm Pandithurai
Parimala. A single mother and a survivor of marital
conflict due to her husband's substance abuse issues
and violent temperament, she single-handedly
raised her 7 children. She underwent physical trauma
during pregnancy which caused her 3 children
to have congenital developmental issues. Despite
lacking support from her extended family, she is now
a pillar of strength to her kids.
From left : Mdm Aisah Osman, Chairperson of Jamiyah Singapore’s
Women & Family Department; Ms Claire Chiang, Chairperson of
the Panel of Judges; Mrs Sheeren Aziz-Williams, Winner of the 4h
Exemplary Young Mother Award; Mdm Halimah Yacob, President
of Singapore, Prof (Adj) Datuk Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar, President
of Jamiyah Singapore and Ms Sim Ann, Adviser to the Panel of
Judges
And the winner goes to Mrs Shereen Aziz-Williams.
A confident and well-spoken young mother, she is
self-assured, friendly and loving; the epitome of a
modern young Singaporean woman and mother.
Her ability to strive in a foreign country, make great
strides in her career and at the same time, take care
of her family is truly inspirational.
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VOICE OF ISLAM

Volunteers
From Compassion to Action
A Big Thank You from Jamiyah
Noh Alam Shah, Faritz Hameed, Aqhari Abdullah,
Indra Sahdan Daud and Ridhuan Muhammad are
familiar names in Singapore’s football. But do you
know that they are among Tanjong Pagar United’s
players, sports trainers, logistic officers, and
officials who had readily volunteered with Jamiyah
Singapore?
areas and locations within the Jamiyah network
where our volunteers can contribute their time and
expertise to making a difference in the lives of the
underprivileged. These include our Nursing Home
(Darul Syifaa), Halfway House (Darul Islah), Home for
the Aged (Darul Takrim) and our Jamiyah FoodBank.
One of our regular groups of volunteers is
BravoZuluSG, our last-mile home delivery partner,
who has been providing home delivery of our food
ration distribution exercise since 2021. Using their
own vehicles, they delivered the food rations to more
than 40 homes each time.
Officials and players of Tanjong Pagar United Football Club (TPUFC)
set aside time to do sorting and packing at Jamiyah FoodBank.
On 26 and 27 March 2022, they packed food rations
at Jamiyah FoodBank in Tannery Lane and our
mini-foodbank, Jampacked@Bukit Batok. The food
rations were distributed to the underprivileged and
low-income families who are under Jamiyah’s care.
Giving back to the community has always been the
football club’s aim in its community outreach efforts,
and the players and officials were more than happy
to play their part.
Jamiyah Singapore has always been providing
a volunteering platform for those who want to
contribute and give back to the community,
especially the less fortunate. There are several
Volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
and Lonza painted some of the common rooms at Jamiyah Home
for the Aged (Darul Takrim).
We are also thankful for the volunteering work done
by our friends from the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints and Lonza. In July and August
2022, they brought cheer to the residents of Jamiyah
Home for the Aged (Darul Takrim) when they helped
to revamp and spruce up several activity rooms at
the Home such as the physio room.
We are grateful to our existing volunteers’ strong
and constant support and look forward to a closer
collaboration with them.
VOICE OF ISLAM
16

Feature Story
Al-Quran Personality Award
A Recognition to the
President of Jamiyah
From left : Datuk Seri Haji Ahmad Maslan, Deputy Minister of Finance of Malaysia;
Prof (Adj) Datuk Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar, President of Jamiyah Singapore; Dato'
Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and Datuk Abdul
Latiff Mirasa, Executive Chairman of Restu Foundation and Chief Executive Officer
of Nasyrul Quran.
From left : Prof (Adj) Datuk Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar,
President of Jamiyah Singapore; Dato' Seri Dr Ahmad
Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia
and Datuk Abdul Latiff Mirasa, Executive Chairman
of Restu Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of
Nasyrul Quran.
The Al-Quran Personality Award was recently
awarded to a few prominent Muslim leaders,
including Prof (Adj) Datuk Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar,
President of Jamiyah Singapore. The Award is to
acknowledge Datuk Dr Mohd Hasbi’s outstanding
services in cultivating the love of Al-Quran, and
was given by the Restu Foundation, a non-profit
organisation that pioneered the publication of Al-
Quran Mushaf Malaysia. As the President of Jamiyah
Singapore, Datuk Dr Mohd Hasbi has led several
programmes and projects focusing on Quranic
education and disseminating Islamic values.
For this year’s award, awardees received the award
from Dato' Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy
Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the Personality Quran
Awards Dinner and Al-Quran Waqf Fund Collection
2023M/1444H on 30 January 2023 at Putrajaya.
Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also witnessed the
MoU Signing Ceremony between Yayasan Restu and
Jamiyah Singapore. Yayasan Restu is a Malaysian
non-profit organisation that runs education and
Dakwah activities, including publishing and printing
of the Al-Quran in English, Arabic, Malay, Mandarin
and Tamil.
The MoU affirms the cooperation and support
between the two parties in the provision of social
and community services and programmes in line
with the teaching of Islam. The first such joint
project is the provision of Islamic-related items at
the Singapore Muslim Festival 2023 organised by
Jamiyah Singapore.
Congratulations, Datuk Dr Mohd Hasbi, and we look
forward to other future collaborations with Yayasan
Restu!
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VOICE OF ISLAM

The Colours
Launch of Musings in the Dunes, an English
transcreation of the compendium of Tamil
Poems by Dr H M Saleem, Principal Director
– Organisational & Interfaith Relations of
Jamiyah Singapore, on 10 December 2022.
Moga Ceria – A Memoir By Husin Saaban,
was launched by Assoc Prof Dr Faishal
Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry for
Home Affairs & National Development,
during The Singapore Muslim Festival.
Mr Husin is a household-name comedian,
scriptwriter, dramatist, producer, singer and
media presenter who is also a Fundraising
Executive at Jamiyah Singapore.
Both the young and old had a ball of a time
at Jamiyah Singapore’s Our Family Fest at
Our Tampines Hub in November 2022.
Jamiyah Singapore distributed Relief Aid to the victims of the West Java Earthquake in Cianjur, Indonesia in December 2022.
Jamiyah Childcare Centre (JCCC) was invited
by AWWA, a social service agency, to join their
Dragon Boat Celebration on 3 June 2022,
where they paraded with the dragon props &
costumes around the community garden and
block together with the seniors.
VOICE OF ISLAM
For this year, 2,650 families from 15
constituencies each received a Hari Raya
'Meat-For-Eid' gift pack from Jamiyah
Singapore, consisting of 1kg basmati rice,
2kg meat (mutton or beef), 2 whole chickens,
rendang paste, ketupat (traditional Malay
rice cakes), dates, and serunding (coconut
floss).
18
In February 2022, Jamiyah Halfway
House (Darul Islah) officially opened a
newly refurbished computer classroom
at the Halfway House. The refurbished
computer classroom is part of the IT
Skills Programme, an initiative between
Darul Islah, Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF) and
Acronis.

Photo Gallery
of Jamiyah
Jamiyah Singapore hosted a Festival Budaya
Melayu at Our Tampines Hub in November
2022, showcasing Malay cultural arts
performances such as traditional dance, Dikir
Barat, and many more.
Al-Jawaher, the evergreen Nasyid group, launched their first English-Arabic song, “Bring
Me Close To You” in KL in February 2023. This is a collaboration between Jamiyah Singapore
and Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI). The single was launched by Tun Seri Setia (Dr) Haji
Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam, Governor of the State of Melaka and President of DMDI.
Jamiyah Education Centre (JEC), held its first
in-person convocation ceremony since the last
one in 2019, on Saturday, 25 June 2022. A total
of 83 students graduated from the programmes
Little Huffaz, Weekend Madrasah, Diploma in
Islamic Studies and Degree in Family Law.
West Grove Primary School had a food drive at the
school in April to collect food rations for Jamiyah
FoodBank. Jamiyah regularly works with various
schools and corporates to organise such food drives
so that more families can benefit from the food ration
distributions.
The staff and residents of Jamiyah
Nursing Home, Darul Syifaa,
were excited to receive officials
and volunteers from Singapore
Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU)
as part of their Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) programmes
on 17 May 2022.
Residents of Darul Takrim attended Pesta Raya: Fenomena 2022 concert on 27 May 2022 at The Esplanade. On 28 May, the residents were
invited by Tampines Changkat CC to enjoy renditions of Golden Oldies at East Spring Primary School.
VOICE OF ISLAM
19

Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future
90 Years of Service
Jamiyah Singapore has certainly come
a long way since its founding by Maulana Abdul
Aleem Siddique in 1932. Over the past 90 years, it
has been a beacon of hope and a source of support
for the community, regardless of race or religion. Its
commitment to serving the community is evident
in its Welfare Homes and FoodBank, its various
community programmes, and its services over the
years.
The celebrations started with the launch of its
90th Anniversary logo, designed to depict the
infinite capabilities of Jamiyah's achievements and
developments in contributing to the welfare of the
Muslim community and mankind for 90 years and
counting.
Hence, the curved "90" logo was inspired by an
infinity symbol representing something unlimited,
endless, and boundless.
organisation's commitment to honouring its rich
history and legacy while looking towards the future
and continuing to serve the community.
By celebrating the past, Jamiyah Singapore
acknowledges the contributions of its founders,
leaders, volunteers, and supporters over the past
90 years. It recognises their dedication to serving
the community and promoting interfaith harmony,
which has been a hallmark of Jamiyah's work.
At the same time, by embracing the future, Jamiyah
Singapore looks forward to continuing its mission
and values in the years to come. It recognises that
the world is constantly changing and that new
challenges will arise that require unique solutions.
Jamiyah is committed to adapting to these changes
while remaining true to its core principles.
The highlight of the 90th Anniversary celebrations
was the Gala Dinner, held on 15 July 2022. The event
was graced by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean as
the Guest of Honour and attended by many other
distinguished guests. Prime Minister Lee was
planning to attend but sent his apologies because of
a last-minute important overseas appointment.
The curved ‘90’ in the 90th logo depicts unlimited potential to
contribute to the Muslim community for 90 years and beyond.
The colours of gold and black symbolize generosity, compassion,
and formality. Celebrating the Past. Embracing the Future reflects
Jamiyah's commitment to honouring its legacy while venturing
into the future.
The theme of "Celebrating the Past. Embracing
the Future" is a fitting one for Jamiyah Singapore's
90th anniversary celebrations. It reflects the
During the event, Jamiyah launched its ‘90th
Anniversary Book’ and the ‘Interfaith Harmony
Book’, which chronicled its 90 years of service and
its journey towards promoting interfaith harmony,
respectively.
The inaugural ‘Exemplary Interfaith Award’ was also
launched to recognise and acknowledge individuals
who contributed significantly to interfaith harmony
in Singapore. The Award Ceremony is scheduled for
July 2023.
VOICE OF ISLAM
20

Cover Story
An evening of celebrations with the people that matter most. Thank you for the memories!
Guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner at
Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. Special
performances included Sand Art by Mystifying
Imran, Dance by Sri Warisan and Traditional Music
by Sri Mahligai.
There were also cheque presentations from our
donors, and Jamiyah also took the opportunity to
thank our International Partners for their support.
The night ended on a high note with a performance
from the staff of Jamiyah Singapore, singing
an original song composed by one of our staff,
specially for our 90th Anniversary. The song titled
“Bersamamu” or “With You” conveys our appreciation
to everyone – donors, partners, volunteers, and staff,
for coming together to help the community.
Following the Gala Dinner, Jamiyah Singapore
also organised a series of other events to celebrate
the significant milestone and showcase the
commitment to our vision and mission. These events
include Seerah: An International Roving Exhibition
in Canada, the 29th Exemplary Mother Award, The
Singapore Muslim Festival 2023 and Ramadan with
Jamiyah Singapore. You can read about these events
in this issue of VOI.
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VOICE OF ISLAM

I Am Jamiyah
Congratulations
to the Achievers
Ms Sundararaj Evangeline Jeba Sheeba, Nurse
Clinician from Jamiyah Nursing Home (Darul
Syifaa), was one of the 125 nurses presented with the
Nurses' Merit Award (NMA) by Minister for Health, Mr
Ong Ye Kung, on 6 July 2022.
Mr Muhammad Hidayat Bin Abdul Hamid,
Operations Executive, is an integral staff at Jamiyah
FoodBank. Known among suppliers, volunteers and
beneficiaries, he always thinks ahead and gets things
done, even if it is a last-minute request.
Launched in 1976, the NMA is awarded to nurses
who have displayed noteworthy and exceptional
performance, participated in professional
development, and contributed to raising the nursing
profession. Nurses are nominated for the award by
their healthcare institutions and selected by a panel
set up by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Ms Sheeba has been a nurse for 22 years, and all of
us at Jamiyah Singapore are proud of her dedication
and commitment.
For the 2022 and 2021 audits, Mr Hidayat played
a pivotal role in ensuring that the audits went
smoothly through meticulous planning and
systematic inventory management.
He obtained an Executive Certificate in Warehouse
Management from the Singapore Institute of
Purchasing & Materials Management with a High
Distinction in the ‘Effective Warehouse Practices’
module. Well done!
VOICE OF ISLAM
22

I Am Jamiyah
We Cheered &Danced
Chingay Parade 2023
The many hours of practices provided a fantastic
opportunity for Jamiyah's team, consisting of people
of different backgrounds, ages and cultures, to bond,
have fun, and make new friends.
This year was Jamiyah Singapore's 7th year
participating in both the physical and online Chingay
Parade Shows. As a close partner of the People's
Association (PA), Jamiyah supports PA's nationbuilding
initiatives, including this Chingay Parade.
This year's theme was Embrace Tomorrow.
The Chingay Parade 2023 was a unique experience
for everyone involved, and it allowed Jamiyah to
demonstrate its commitment to promoting social
and welfare services in Singapore. The parade also
highlighted the importance of unity and diversity in
building a harmonious society.
It was a great honour to be part of this wonderful
show which brings people together through the
spirit of volunteerism and performances.
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VOICE OF ISLAM

Tribute
Dr Kutbuddin Dohadwala
Honouring A Legacy of
Selfless Service
knowledge - following in the footsteps and example
set by Dr Kutbuddin himself.
At the event on 26 November 2022, two students, Mr
Fahim Shaik Ansari Ahamed and Ms Tiara Qistina
Tho, received the Award from Guest of Honour, Dr
Tan Wu Meng, MP of Jurong GRC and Advisor to
Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisations (Clementi).
Both students are currently pursuing a Bachelor in
Medicine & Surgery at NTU Lee Kong Chian School
of Medicine.
The late Dr Kutbuddin's played an instrumental role in setting up
the Jamiyah Free Medical Clinic in 1975.
To honour and celebrate Dr Kutbuddin’s lifelong
selfless service to Jamiyah, Jamiyah hosted the
inaugural Jamiyah Singapore-Dr Kutbuddin Medical
Studies Award.
The late Dr Kutbuddin Dohadwala was a stalwart of
Jamiyah Singapore and played a key role in setting
up the ‘Jamiyah Free Medical Clinic’ way back in
1975. He dedicated 50 years of his life to volunteering
with Jamiyah Singapore.
The Award aims to inspire and support future doctors
and medical practitioners in their education journey.
It seeks to inculcate in the recipients the importance
of giving back to the community with their medical
From left: Mr Talib Dohadwala (son of the late Dr Kutbuddin), Mr
Fahim Shaik Ansari Ahamed, Ms Tiara Qistina Tho, Dr Tan Wu
Meng, (MP for Jurong GRC) and Datuk Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar.
The event was a heartfelt gathering of Jamiyah
staff, families, and friends of the late Dr Kutbuddin.
Everyone who knows Dr Kutbuddin reminisced
about the legacy of a humble doctor whose passion
for helping the underprivileged knew no bounds.
Jamiyah Singapore is privileged to work with Mr
Talib Dohadwala and Mr Taha Dohadwala, sons of Dr
Kutbuddin, to honour his legacy in this meaningful
initiative.
VOICE OF ISLAM
24

Jamiyah Connects
Seerah
An International Roving
Exhibition in Canada
The Malay Diaspora Community of Canada
(DMCC), acting as the Secretariat of the Dunia
Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI), recently hosted a unique
exhibition titled 'SEERAH: AN INTERNATIONAL
ROVING EXHIBITION', featuring artefacts related
to the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Held
from September 23 to 25, 2022, at the Toronto
International Convention Centre, Hall 4, this
exhibition marked the first time such an event was
held in North America.
Visitors taking the opportunity to take photos with the beautiful
and resplendent Kiswah, the cloth covering the Kaabah.
Rustam, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka, Malaysia,
who is also the President of DMDI, along with Mr
Rudy Cuzzetto, Regional Member of Parliament for
Mississauga-Lakeshore, Canada.
One of the main attractions of the exhibition was
the Virtual Reality experience that allowed visitors
to be “transported” to historical places related to
the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This unique
experience drew the attention of many visitors who
eagerly lined up for a chance to experience it.
Seerah : An International Roving Exhibition hosted by the Malay
Diaspora Community of Canada (DMCC) featuring artefacts of
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The exhibition, which displayed 23 artefacts, provided
a glimpse into the life of the Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) in 600 AD in the Arabian Peninsula. The
Chairman of the Exhibition Organizing Committee,
Mr Muhamad Nor Saad, delivered the welcome
speech, and the exhibition was inaugurated by His
Excellency Tun Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Ali bin Mohd
The exhibition received more than 5,000 visitors, who
praised the event and provided a very encouraging
response from the community in Canada. Many
attendees expressed their desire to see more events
like this hosted in Toronto and other regions. The
Canadian DMDI Secretariat and The Malay Diaspora
Community of Canada (DMCC) hope that the success
of this exhibition will encourage DMDI Secretariats
in other countries to host similar events in the future.
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VOICE OF ISLAM

Feature Story
The Singapore Muslim Festival 2023
A Historical and Virtual Experience
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic,
the Singapore Muslim Festival made a grand return
to the Singapore Expo in March 2023, bringing with
it a renewed sense of community and togetherness.
complemented by the Kiswah Uthmaniyyah, the
Ottoman Cloth draping of the Kaabah, and a Replica
House of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
For the first time in Singapore, visitors could step
into the time of the Prophet through Virtual Reality.
Patrons could choose either a motion seat or just
the goggles to experience two key events from
the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) time. It was an
innovative and exciting way to engage with history
and deepen one's appreciation for the Prophet's life
struggles and contributions to Islam.
More than 60,000 visitors thronged the 3-day mega event
especially for the chance to view Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s
artefacts.
The festival's opening ceremony was presided over
by His Excellency Abdullah Mohammed A. Almadhi,
Ambassador of The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
to Singapore, who helped launch the three-day event
in style.
The festival also showcased performances from
international artistes such as Iman Farrar (UK),
Raihan (Malaysia), and Agus Idwar (Indonesia),
among others, and insightful talks from renowned
speakers such as Datuk Al-Sheikh Afeefuddin Al-
Jailani (Malaysia), Ustaz Nuzhan Halim (Singapore),
and Imam Dr Hamid Slimi (Canada). A wide range
of Halal food & beverages, Islamic-related products,
and merchandise were also available, giving visitors
plenty to choose from and enjoy.
The Singapore Muslim Festival 2023 had something
for everyone, with a wide array of historic, innovative,
and exciting programmes and activities that aimed
to enhance visitors' understanding and appreciation
of Islam. Some of the festival's main highlights
included the Seerah: International Roving Exhibition
and Virtual Reality Experience. It was a unique
opportunity for patrons to reflect on the legacy
of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and view upclose
his artefacts, such as his turban, walking stick,
hair, and many others. These artefacts were further
For the first time in Singapore, The Singapore Muslim Festival
featured a virtual reality experience where viewers are transported
back in time, 1400 years ago.
Overall, the Singapore Muslim Festival 2023 was a
resounding success, providing a much-needed boost
to the community and showcasing the best that
Islam has to offer.
VOICE OF ISLAM
26

The Muslim World
News and Views
Islam and Muslims
around the World
Australia
The first Muslims arrived in
Australia around the 16th or 17th
century, even before European
settlement.
Canada
With Islam becoming the second
most commonly practised
religion in Canada – Muslims
there numbering about 1.8 million
- companies are encouraged
to offer flexibility in working
hours during Ramadan and have
policies that acknowledge the
religious diversity of Canadians.
Europe
The Pew Research Centre found
that people's views about Islam
and Muslims in Europe vary. The
most favourable view seems to
be in France, Britain, Germany,
Netherlands, and Spain.
Greenland
The longest fasting by Muslims
in the world takes place in
Greenland's Nuuk City, with 15
hours and 21 minutes.
India
Muslims comprise about 14% of
the total population, making India
now the home to one of the world's
largest Muslim populations,
surpassed only by Indonesia.
Russia
With about 20 million indigenous
Muslims living in the Russian
Federation (out of the total
population of 140 million),
Muslims comprise about 15 per
cent of the total population, and
the figure is rapidly increasing.
Scandinavia
The recent discovery of the word
'Allah' in the funeral clothes of
the Vikings raises new questions
about the influence of Islam in old
Scandinavia.
Somalia
Somalia has the largest number
of Muslims throughout Africa,
with 99.8% of Somalis professing
the religion of Islam.
USA
An inter-faith Iftar was held
at the Royal Albert's Palace in
New Jersey, attended by 400
Muslim families from the US and
Canada and 150 leaders from
various organisations and faiths.
Teraweeh prayers were also held
in a number of cities in the USA,
including in Times Square, which
was telecast 'Live'.
United Kingdom
The Muslim Mayor of London,
Sadiq Khan, switches on London's
first Ramadan lights in Piccadilly
Circus.
Sources: www.middleeastmonitor.com , www.islamchannel.tv , www.english.alarabiya.net, Seferagic, BBC, The Guardian,
worldpopulationreview.com, liverpoolecho.co.uk, Birmingham.mail.com.uk, en.wikipedia.org, worldatlas.com, muslimcentral.
com, express.co.uk, islam-australia.com, mup.com.au
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The Story of Jamiyah Singapore
(Episode 1)
In
Malay Arabic Tamil Mandarin
Kisah Jamiyah Singapura
Episod I: Permulaan - 1930-an
Nota Editor:
Ruangan ini ditumpukan kepada usaha kami untuk mengongsi infomasi yang lebih lengkap tentang Jamiyah Singapura dari
permulaannya sehingga hari ini. Untuk setiap keluaran Suara Islam (VOI) ini, insya Allah kami akan memaparkan catatan ringkas
mengenai perkembangan kronologi dan pertumbuhan Jamiyah dalam beberapa dekad yang lalu hingga kini. Dalam isu ini, kami
ingin mengajak pembaca memahami selok-belok ‘permulaan’ Jamiyah, khususnya pada dekad 1930-an apabila idea-idea pengasas
Jamiyah mula berakar umbi; begitu juga dengan beberapa peristiwa penting yang berlaku ketika itu serta nama-nama tokohtokoh
yang terlibat. Dalam isu-isu berikutnya, kami akan meneruskan ‘Kisah Jamiyah Singapura’ ini dengan mengetengahkan
perkembangan penting lain dalam dekad-dekad berikutnya.
Jamiyah Singapura - Persatuan Dakwah
Islamiah Singapura - bukan sahaja merupakan
pertubuhan Islam yang terbesar di Singapura, tetapi
juga mempunyai sejarah yang agak lama kerana
ditubuhkan sebelum Kemerdekaan Singapura pada
tahun 1965.
Semuanya bermula dengan aspirasi berwawasan
seorang sarjana Islam dan aktivis keamanan antaraagama
global bernama Abdul Aleem Siddique.
Walaupun asal-usul kelahirannya adalah di benua
India, pandangannya adalah universal, pandangan
yang tertumpu kepada aspirasi murni demi menjalin
perpaduan Islam dan keharmonian berbilang agama.
Sebagai pengembara antarabangsa yang
menghabiskan sebahagian besar hidupnya di
Meerut, Karachi, Kaherah, Makkah dan Madinah,
kestabilan Malaya dibawah jajahan British ketika
itu secara amnya dan Singapura sebagai bandar
komersial, kewangan dan berbilang kaum,
mendorong Maulana Abdul Aleem Siddique untuk
memilih Singapura pada tahun 1928 sebagai ibu
pejabat usaha perdamaian antarabangsanya.
Dengan sokongan kerajaan kolonial dan masyarakat
Islam, inisiatif beliau mendapat sambutan yang
menggalakkan, menjadikan beliau akhirnya dikenali
sebagai ‘Duta Kembara Keamanan’.
Di Singapura, memandangkan penduduk Islamnya
yang berbilang kaum yang kebanyakannya
cenderung mengekalkan amalan agama mereka
dari tanah air asal mereka, Maulana merasakan perlu
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Malay
Mustan, dengan Dr H. S. Moonshi dan Haji S. M. Meera
Mohideen Maricar sebagai setiausaha bersama.
Jawatankuasa Pengurusannya dipelopori tokohtokoh
seperti Syed Abdullah Balfoqih, Haji Abbas
Taha, Sh. Hussain Khatib, Packeer Mohideen Sahib,
Imam Mohd Ghowheri, Wanjor Abu Bakar, Syed
Alwee Alsree, dan Sheikh Ali Mattar. Secara ketara,
bukan sahaja beberapa ahli perintis ini memberi
nasihat kepada kerajaan kolonial melalui Lembaga
Penasihat Muslim ketika itu, tetapi mereka juga
mencadangkan penubuhan sebuah Majlis Agama
Islam, yang akhirnya melahirkan Majlis Ugama
Islam Singapura (MUIS).
untuk menyatu-padukan mereka. Beliau juga mahu
umat Islam mempunyai landasan yang sama untuk
hidup sebagai orang Islam yang tidak berpecahbelah,
yang mampu menyebarkan mesej keamanan
kepada orang lain, termasuk yang bukan Islam.
Oleh itu, semasa lawatannya ke Singapura pada
tahun 1931, beliau memulakan perbincangan serius
yang akhirnya membawa kepada termeterainya
penubuhan Persekutuan Seruan Islam Se Malaya
pada tahun 1932.
Yakin akan kepentingan misi yang beliau
pelopori, ramai pemimpin Islam tempatan dan
ahli perniagaan tampil membantu beliau untuk
menubuhkan persekutuan tersebut.
Sambil Maulana memegang peranan sebagai
Pengasas dan Penaung, terdapat beberapa ahli
Jawatankuasa Pengasas yang lain, antaranya,
nama-nama berikut: Syed Abdul Rahman Aljunied
(Presiden), Sirajuddin Noordein (Naib Presiden I),
dan lain-lain seperti Syed Abu Bakar Taha Alsagoff,
Haji Ibrahim Sahib, Haji Ahmad Salleh Angullia,
Tengku Abdul Kadir, Qadi Haji Zubir dan Haji Kader
Sementara Maulana Abdul Aleem Siddique
menetapkan asas kepada Jamiyah, orang yang
menggantikannya dan kekal menjadi Presiden
Jamiyah dari 1933 hingga pertengahan 1967 ialah
Dato Syed Ibrahim Omar Alsagoff. Beliau mengetuai
Jamiyah selepas tempoh singkat kepimpinan Syed
Abdul Rahman AlJunied (sebagai Presiden pertama,
1932-33),
Dato Syed Ibrahim bekerja keras semasa 34 tahun
sebagai Presiden untuk menjadikan Jamiyah dikenali
dan dihormati. Ini mampu beliau lakukan menerusi
kepintarannya, rangkaian luas dengan parapemimpin
utama tempatan dan antarabangsa, dan
inisiatif beliau dalam mendapatkan dana daripada
dermawan terkemuka. Beliau juga memainkan
peranan penting dalam mengundang cendekiawan
Islam terkenal untuk menyumbang artikel yang
amat bernas dalam beberapa penerbitan Islam awal
Jamiyah yang mempunyai jangkauan antarabangsa.
(Akan disambung dalam Isu VOI seterusnya - Episod
II: 1940-an dan 1950-an)
Sila klik kod QR untuk buku Jamiyah
Singapore’s 90th Anniversary
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Arabic
ة مقتنعا ماية مهمته،‏ خرج ملعديد من قادة ملتمع ملسلٍ‏ مللي يرجال ملعمال للمساعدة ف ىنشاء هذه
ملمعية.‏ ياينما يتول ملولن دير ملااس يملرمعي،‏ فإن ملقومعد ملاااية للجنة ملااسة تتضمن ملشخاص
ملتالية:‏ ملايد عبد ملرحن ملنيد ‏(ملرئيس)،‏ ايمج ملدين نوردين ‏(نئب ملرئيس مليل)،‏ يآخرين مال ايد كاو
اكر طه ملسقاف،‏ يىاج ىارمهيٍ‏ صاىب،‏ يىاج كحد صال كنوليا،‏ يتنكو عبد ملقادر،‏ يملقاضي ىاج اي
يىاج قادر مستان،‏ مع ملدكتور ح.‏ س.‏ مونشي يىاج ىس كم ميم مهيدين مركر كأمناء مشتكي.‏ يشلت لنة
مسدمرة ايد عبد ا الفقيه،‏ يىاج عباس طه،‏ يملشيخ ىسي ملطيب،‏ ياكر مهيدين صاىب،‏ يمسمام ممد
غوهري،‏ يينور كاو اكر،‏ يايد علوي ملسري،‏ يملشيخ علي مطر.‏ ياشكل ملحوظ،‏ ل يقدم اعض هالء
ملعضاء ملرمئدين ملشورة للحكومة ملاتعمارية فحسب من خلل مالس ‏(كي مالس ملاتشارة)‏ ملسلمة
ملتعاقبة،‏ ال مقتىوم كيضةا ىنشاء ملس دين ىالمي،‏ ملذي كنب ف ملنهاية ملس كَغاما ىالم انغافورة
ة رئيسا للجامعة من عام ١٩٣٣ ىل
اينما يضع مولن كاس ملمعية ، كان ملرجل ملذي خلفه ياقي ليصبح
منتصف عام ١٩٦٧ هو دمتو ايد ىارمهيٍ‏ عمر ملسقاف.‏ قاد ملمعية اعد فتة قصية من ملقيادة من قبل ايد
عبد ملرحن ملنيدكأيل رئيس (١٩٣٢-١٩٣٣) ، عمل دمتو ايد ىارمهيٍ‏ بد خلل ٣٤ ة عاما من رئاته لعل
ملامعة مم ة ا مألوفةا.‏ ت ذلك من خلل ارمعته ، يشبكاته ملوماعة مع كبار ملقادة ملليي يملديليي ، يمبادرمته ف
تمي ملمومل من ملسني ملباراين.‏ كما كان له دير فعال ف دعوة علماء ملسلمي ملعريفي للمسااة مقالت
ثقبة ف منشورمت ملامعة مسالمية ملبكرة ملتكان لا منتشار ديل.‏
‏(يَستكمل ف ملعدد ملتال - مللقة ملاانية:‏ ملراعينيات يملمسينيات)‏
Please use photos from the 90 th book (but different ones)
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Tamil
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Mandarin
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Jamiyah Islamic Centre
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