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Published by
Darul Arqam Singapore
Muslim Converts’
32
Issue 02
Association of Singapore 2 0 1 4
themuslimreader
MCI (P) 111/07/2014 ISSN 1793-7752
RELIGION
THEN&NOW
Published by
Darul Arqam Singapore
Muslim Converts’
32
Issue 02
Association of Singapore 2 0 1 4
themuslimreader
MCI (P) 111/07/2014 ISSN 1793-7752
Congratulations
YODA Team One
Al-Nawwas bin Sam’an (RA) reported that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: Righteousness is good character, and sin is that which wavers in your heart and which you do not want people to know about. Forty Hadith Compiled by Imam Nawawi Number 27 Related by Muslim
contents
Religion, Then and Now
FEATURES REGULARS LEAP OF FAITH
06 Religion, Then and Now 05 Samara Mosque 41 Rizq and Baraqah as I
[by Dr Yamin Cheng] 14 What Defines the Muslim Understand It
17 Why New Zealand Needs Business Mentality [by Sim Khadijah
a Foster Home for Muslim [by Umar Munshi] Mohammed]
Children 30 The Growth of the Halal 47 Being Thankful
[by David Zachariah Trade [by Lee Swaleha Afandi]
Blocksidge] [by Hyder Gulam] 49 The Ordinary Convert
33 When Caring for the 57 The First Advice from [by Nadia Mak @ Candy
Environment is Caring for Luqman the Wise to His Son Mak]
Ourselves [by Syed Ahmad Semait]
[by Sharifah Zubaidah A [translation by Shaffiq
Kader Aljunid] Selamat]
common terms
ABBREVIATIONS IN TMR DA: Darul Arqam Singapore / The Muslim SAW: Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wassallam –
AS: ‘Allayhis Salam – Converts’ Association of Singapore Meaning: Peace be upon him;
Meaning: Peace be upon him; Used for Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Used for Prophet who came before RA: Radiyallahu ‘Anhu/‘Anha/‘Anhum –
Prophet Muhamad (SAW) Meaning: May Allah be pleased with him/ SWT: Subhanahu Wa Ta‘ala –
her/them; Used for Companions of Prophet Meaning: Glorified and Exalted One;
Muhammad (SAW) Used for Allah (SWT)
TERMS IN THIS EDITION
Alhamdulillah: Praise be to God Insha’Allah: If God wills Arabic terms have been represented
Amanah: Trust Madrasah/Madrassa: Islamic School by simple Roman alphabets, and their
meanings briefly provided, to ease your
Da’wah: Invitation to understand Islam Masha’Allah: God has willed it reading. For accurate pronunciation and
Deen: Religion; way of life Rizq: Sustenance detailed meanings, it is highly advised to
Hadith: Narrations about the words and Shariah: Islamic Laws refer to the original spelling and meanings
deeds of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Shukr: Gratitude in Arabic.
Halal: Permissible Sunnah: Practices of Prophet Muhammad
Haram: Forbidden (SAW) TMR contains some of Allah’s names and
Hijab / Tudung: Headgear that covers Ummah: Community Quranic verses. Please do not dispose in
the trash. Kindly keep, shred or recycle the
hair and neck Ustadz (Ust): Teacher magazine.
Iman: Faith; Belief Zakat: Alms-giving
the muslim reader
01 volume 32 • issue 02/2014
contents
LIFESTYLE 38 1,001 Things You Never HOUSE OF ARQAM
21 Hidden Charm with Knew 12 Annual General Meeting
Flavourful Desserts [by Abdul Ghafar Abdul 2014
[by Siti Zubeidah Kadir] Kadir] [Photographs by Razali
26 Arabic for Beginners: 51 Discover Ariff series - Tompang]
The Family Introduce Children to Daily 13 Council Members and Title
[by As-Souq] Life Lessons of Office for 2014
36 The Importance of Two [by Nur Azeemah Kadir]
Languages 63 Remembering Omar (RA)
[by Nur Azeemah Kadir] [by Siti Zubeidah Kadir]
managing editor contributors special thanks design & layout copyright
aishah hussein abdul ghafar abdul kadir sheikh alaa elsayed adzen touche © 2014 darul arqam
candy mak @ nadia mak as-souq singapore. all rights
carol ‘aliya widjaya david zachariah reserved. the contents
associate/lifestyle editor david zachariah blocksidge disclaimer of this publication may
siti zubeidah kadir blocksidge mufti dr fatris bakaram the publisher and editor not be reproduced in any
hyder gulam kristiane backer are unable to accept form or by any means,
lee swaleha afandi muhd irfan maslan any liability for errors or either in its entirety, or
consulting editor nazeera mohamed pustaka nasional omissions that may occur even partially, without the
dr yamin cheng nur azeemah kadir qurrah shumar and any consequences documented permission
sharifah zubaidah a kader razali tompang arising from the use of of the publisher.
aljunid yoda information contained
technical advisor sim khadijah mohammed in this magazine. the
zainal abidin nordin siti zubeidah kadir views expressed do not
umar munshi cover photo necessarily reflect those
dr yamin cheng muhd irfan maslan of the publisher and
editor. the publication
of advertisements and
printed in singapore by publisher advertorials within
khl printing pte ltd darul arqam singapore the magazine does
32 onan road, the galaxy not constitute any
the muslim reader is singapore 424484 endorsement by the
published three times in phone: +65 6348 8344 publisher and editor of
a year by darul arqam fax: +65 6440 6724 the contents therein.
singapore. www.darularqam.org.sg
the muslim reader
02 volume 32 • issue 02/2014
contents
HOUSE OF ARQAM 45 Lectures by Sheikh Alaa 61 Lectures by Kristiane Backer
23 YODA – Champion of SMYD Elsayed [Photographs by Muhd
2014 [Photographs by Muhd Irfan Irfan Maslan]
[Photographs by Muhd Maslan] 62 In Conversation with Mufti
Irfan Maslan] 46 Congratulations to the 2013 Dr Fatris Bakaram
24 Singapore Muslim Youth Al-Mawrid Essay Winners [Photographs by Razali
Debate 2014 53 YODA Celebrate Cultural Tompang]
[Photographs by Muhd Diversity
Irfan Maslan] [Text by Nazeerah
Mohamed / Photographs
by Qurrah Shumar]
editorial note
Religion, Then and Now
This edition of TMR features a dual cover - the normal TMR cover moves to the back to make room for the
special front cover that highlights the winning team of debaters who represented the Youths of Darul Arqam
(YODA) Team One this year in the Singapore Muslim Youth Debate (SMYD). In its fifth instalment, SMYD,
which is organised annually by YODA, brought 13 teams from various institutions and organisations on a
national platform to debate on issues relevant to the Singaporean Muslim youths. TMR congratulates YODA
Team One, the Champion of SMYD 2014, as well as the organising committees of SMYD through the years
that worked to bring this event to the community and give the youths the opportunity to openly engage in
debates about Muslim issues with English as the language medium.
TMR, in this edition, looks at the difference in the views on religion that we experience today as compared to
yesterday. In the main feature, Dr Yamin Cheng reminds us of how mankind has been religious all along, since
day one of their existence, regardless of how they may think that religion is only ‘something out of the many
things’ in their lives. If our eyes truly see, Islam is embedded within and around us.
With the call towards positive activism amplified today, TMR brings into focus the efforts of our New Zealand
brothers and sisters who are raising funds to build their first Islamic orphanage and foster home for the
Muslim children. Find out inside on how you can help in their charitable efforts to build a robust community of
Muslims there.
Insha’Allah, may Allah (SWT) bless them (and us) with the strength to be the positive changes of our times.
managing editor
aishah hussein
aishah@darul-arqam.org.sg
the muslim reader
04 volume 32 • issue 02/2014
Samara Mosque
Samara Oblast, Russia
Located on the street of Stara Zagora, the Samara Mosque
was opened on 28 November 1999. With an area of
3,600 square metres, it can accommodate about 5,000
worshippers at a time, and includes a Madrassa with a
capacity for 60 students.
Local Samaran architect, named Rasim Valshin, designed
the mosque, with carpets from Tajikistan lining the halls
of the buildings. The minaret stands at 67 metres while an
apple orchard decorates the compounds.
It is claimed that the Samara region of Russia is home to
more than 200,000 Muslims.
the muslim reader
05 volume 32 • issue 02/2014
feature
RELIGION
THEN&NOW
Seeing religion, as it appears to us -
a total and complete way of life, no matter
in the past or in modern times.
text by YAMIN CHENG
the muslim reader
06 volume 32 • issue 02/2014
feature
RELIGION
IS SOCIETY, POLITICS, ECONOMICS,
CULTURE, EDUCATION, ART, AND
EVERYTHING THAT
HAS TO DO WITH HUMAN LIVING,
ALL AT ONCE
O
nce upon a time, in of society as a whole, so that this dimension of human life, giving us
many societies of the behaviour will be the ‘outward the story of our life - about where
world, it would appear sign of inner grace,’ that is to say, we come from, what we are doing
strange and awkward a visible sign of the Protestant in this world, and where we will
for someone living in believer that he has been elected be going after we die. It is only in
those times to be told that religion for eternal bliss and avoid eternal modern times like ours that the
is only one aspect and activity of damnation in the next life. This view of religion, as the need of the
the human life. For that person, understanding of capitalism is so oppressed, the assurance of the
religion is everything. Religion unlike today’s understanding of it weak-minded, and the salvation of
is society, politics, economics, that when one thinks of capitalism the hapless, comes about.
culture, education, art, and today, one thinks of greed and
everything that has to do with selfishness, rather than austerity Religion is equated with myth,
human living, all at once. Religion, and charity. superstition, and things primitive. It
Cosmos or Universe, Nature or is a thing of the past and can never
Environment, Society and Family, This goes to show that, as some feature in modern life that hails
Culture and Ethics, Self and the will argue, modern societies look at reason and science as liberation
Body are inseparable from one religion in ways different from those from religion. Religion is seen as
another. Rather, they are all related of their forefathers. If at one time, old things, old ways, and all things
as a web or chain of relationship, religion is everything and means outdated and obsolete, and these
becoming mirror reflections of everything to a person, today, things, at best, serve only as
one another, and functioning as religion is only something out of precious mementos for museum
analogies for thought, feeling, and many things and is only meaningful display, reminding us how they have
language. Even today, such as in time of need. come to shape mankind’s
in the Malay language, one finds Dark Ages.
in the peribahasa, or idiom, that Associations with the Past
someone is an alim-alim kucing, Religion, for many of us today, is When we turn to even a modern
a ‘pious-looking cat,’ if he is a oftentimes associated with the thinker such as Emile Durkheim,
pretender. past, and the past is always more whom every student of sociology
primitive and less progressive than knows, we will be astounded to find
Max Weber, a famous German the present. that the way Durkheim describes
sociologist, in his study of the religion is as applicable to modern
relationship between the Protestant Religion, on its part, has existed societies as it is to past or even
ethics and capitalism, tries to from the day our forefathers made primitive societies.
show how capitalism is basically their presence in this world. From
a religious behaviour, a behaviour the time the first human emerged For Durkheim, the essence of
that encourages a person to on earth until today, religion religion is the ‘sacred’, a quality
recycle one’s profit for the benefit has always featured as a crucial that holds everything together
the muslim reader
07 volume 32 • issue 02/2014
feature
THE PAST AND
THE PRESENT
MAY APPEAR TO
US AS DIFFERENT
INSTANCES OF
EXISTENCE, ONE
CONSIDERED
LESS AND THE
OTHER MORE IN
CIVILIZATIONAL
ACHIEVEMENTS.
in a unity so that if this quality is this characteristic of religion. Take, left religion behind in the name of
lost, then everything will collapse for example, a football club. The progress and enlightenment.
and become separate entities that club’s emblem brings together its
do not have a common identity. fans into a unity of the club’s image Religion, if it has been thought of as
For primitive people, the sacred so that if the emblem is tarnished a thing of the past, can be thought
appears as the ‘totem’, a name for in any way, the fans would react of as a thing of the present, if only
the sacred as the unifying principle to the incident, sometimes even to we understand how the connection
and function of whatever there is the point of going into a fight. This is made, such as between a mosque
in existence. Because the totem shows that the emblem is actually and a restaurant. The restaurant is
cannot be seen or touched, an a totem and holds a special place a place of worship the same way
emblem, which is a visual image, is in the minds and hearts of the fans, the mosque is a place of worship,
used to represent the totem. This so special that it acquires a ‘sacred’ because a place of worship is a
emblem usually takes the form of status to the extent that doing place where goodness happens,
an animal. If the emblem is a lion, anything harmful to the emblem and eating food that is healthy to
then the sacred is visualised as a means also incurring the wrath of the body is an act of goodness. To
terrifying and brave power. This the club and its fans. quote what Clifford Geertz says
emblem becomes the emblem about what planets and pendulums
of a group or clan, so that all the Common between the past and the have in common: ‘Look at them
members in that group or clan present in the proper light, their very
visualise the sacred as a lion. The past and the present may differences connect them.’
Following this, the members of appear to us as different instances
the group or clan also visualise of existence, one considered less Many Muslims will find it strange,
themselves as a lion, and their and the other more in civilizational and obviously very odd, to regard
behaviour and movement imitate achievements, but if looked at in a restaurant as a place where
that of the lion. the proper light, there are many religion happens, the same way
things in common between the past religion happens in a mosque.
Although modern people no longer and the present that made religion This perception is made more
think of religion this way, yet, in as vibrant and relevant even for pronounced with the presence of
many ways, their behaviour reflects those who think the modern has Western fast-food outlets that have
the muslim reader
08 volume 32 • issue 02/2014feature
swarmed Muslim societies. Young the restaurant should not expect be nutritious and of good quality,
people like to frequent places Muslim customers. the place has to be hygienic and
like Pizza Hut, Burger King, A&W comfortable, and the services have
and other such places, and eating Apart from names, as long as to be prompt and appealing. It
pizzas, hot dogs, and burgers have the food is halal, or permissible is these ‘extras’ that made many
become a local habit these days. from the viewpoint of the Islamic people, young and old alike, and
But these places carry with them dietary laws, the restaurant especially the little ones, to want to
Western names and, historically can be considered a religious come to Western-style restaurants
and culturally, Western things are place for Muslims. There is a to eat because they have the recipe
foreign to the Muslim experience misunderstanding however to attract people to their places.
of religion. So what have Pizza Hut regarding what halal is. Halal is not They have quality control.
and Burger King to do with religion? pork-free. Whether it is beef or
chicken, halal beef or chicken refers 3 Categories of Daily Living
Names and Identity to cows and chickens slaughtered Muslim scholars, right from the days
Eating outlets with Western names according to the Islamic rituals for when Islam blossomed to become
nonetheless can be places where slaughtering. The writer chanced a world civilization, have classified
religion happens, the same way a to visit Sentosa Island many years Islamic daily living into three broad
Muslim restaurant that has a Muslim ago and was looking for a halal categories. These are daruriyyat or
name. While names are important eatery. Incidentally, he saw two necessary, hajiyyat or desirable, and
because they reflect what identity eateries adjacent to one another. tahsiniyyat or premium lifestyle.
a restaurant carries, as long as One had this sign: Non-Halal To be able to savour a piece of
the name is not one that touches Food Not Permitted Here. That’s chicken so that one could go on
on the sensitivities of the Muslim comprehensible enough. The other living is daruriyyat. But nobody
faith, they should not be a problem. read: Halal Food Not Permitted wants to eat just to avoid being
Muslims in Singapore and Malaysia, Here. Sounds anything? hungry. They want to see the
for instance, are sensitive to dogs, chicken properly cooked, tastes
but they have no problem eating But for a restaurant to be a religious juicy, the meat is tender, and, of
hot dog. But if the restaurant is place, it is not enough for the food course, nice to see and wets the
called ‘Doggy Restaurant’ then to be halal. The food must also appetite. This is hajiyyat. But above
The entrance to
an Islamic halal
food restaurant
in Shanghai,
China. The
restaurant caters
to Shanghai’s
minority Muslim
community,
mainly Uighurs
and some Huis.
Photo: Imran
Ahmed
the muslim reader
09 volume 32 • issue 02/2014feature
MEALS AND
RESTAURANTS
COULD BE
RELIGIOUS
THINGS BECAUSE
THEY SERVE OUT
THE PURPOSE
OF RELIGIOUS
LIVING.
all, the appetite becomes a full sent but to bring into fruition the of religion.” In sum, the restaurant
picture of a culture when one sees noble qualities in human character.” is something through which we live
what culinary art could do to make our religious existence, fulfil our
the chicken dish something that For Muslims, religion is everyday, social meaning, and portray our
trains a person to be a cultured everywhere, and everything, human identity.
personality with the way he sits past and present, traditional and
around the table, how he behaves modern. For a Muslim, religion When we put all these things of
towards the food before, during, occurs even to a restaurant. The everyday living together, from pen
and after meal, and how he keeps restaurant can connect him to to attire to restaurant and to other
his manners when he is eating. This God. Through the restaurant, he objects, we will see that they are
is tahsiniyyat. is mindful that it is God who gave linked in such a way as to form a
him his sustenance and therefore religious matrix connecting these
Therefore, meals and restaurants becomes careful with what he things as religious. Only then,
could be religious things because takes into his body so that the religion appears to us as a total and
they serve out the purpose of food becomes his source of health complete way of life. Mankind has
religious living, which is to make and energy, and not a cause of his always been religious from day one
a person conscientious about his illness and gluttony. Through the of their existence. It is they who
manners and ethics of everyday restaurant too, he understands need to know that they have been
living which would then mould why hygiene and cleanliness are religious all along, even in modern
him into a personality desired by essential to his well-being and times like ours. TMR
religion, for Prophet Muhammad comfort, for the Prophet (SAW)
(SAW) had said, “I have not been had said, “Cleanliness is an aspect
the muslim reader
10 volume 32 • issue 02/2014the muslim reader 11 volume 32 • issue 02/2014
house of arqam
Darul Arqam’s
34th Annual
General Meeting
(AGM) on 30
March 2014
President, Edwin
Ignatious M @
Muhammad Faiz,
addressed the
members who
attended the AGM
(right).
The Council lineup for
2014 is listed on the
facing page.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY
RAZALI TOMPANG
Ust Noor Derus (below) was invited to speak
about seeking knowledge.
the muslim reader
12 volume 32 • issue 02/2014The Muslim Converts’ Association of Singapore
Caption
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Title of Office for 2014
Caption
Abdul Jalil Muhammad Tahir
VICE PRESIDENT,
CORPORATE AFFAIRS DIVISION
Caption Abdul Razak Isa
COUNCIL MEMBER
Ariff Sultan s/o
Lily Khoo @ Shahira Yousoff Sultan
Abdullah VICE PRESIDENT,
COUNCIL MEMBER DA’WAH DIVISION
Caption
Mohd Ridzuan Ng Chew Wan Koon @
DEPUTY PRESIDENT Nur Shafiqa
Philip Hidayat Ngay Moiz Tyebally COUNCIL MEMBER
COUNCIL MEMBER ASST VICE PRESIDENT, Edwin Ignatious M @
Radhiah Mohamed Salim FINANCE DIVISION Muhammed Faiz
COUNCIL MEMBER Muhammad Azhar PRESIDENT
Razees Abdul Karim Abdullah Cheah Fatimah Abdullah
COUNCIL MEMBER COUNCIL MEMBER COUNCIL MEMBER
Ridzuan Wu Chia Chung Muhammad Imran Hafidz Abdullah
COUNCIL MEMBER Kuna Abdullah VICE PRESIDENT,
VICE PRESIDENT, CONVERTS’ EDUCATION DIVISION
Siti Aisha Abdullah (Bernice)
DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
VICE PRESIDENT, Ilyas Yeow Shih Yeh
FINANCE DIVISION Nazryn Azhar Samat ASST VICE PRESIDENT,
COUNCIL MEMBER CORPORATE AFFAIRS DIVISION
Syed Ismail Ahmad Alsagoff
COUNCIL MEMBER Nur Fitrah Teng @ Iman Wong Sai Fung
Teng Chai Ling COUNCIL MEMBER
Wileeza Abdul Gapar
COUNCIL MEMBER
ASST VICE PRESIDENT, Jay Prakash S Rajoo @
DA’WAH DIVISION Nur Sumaiya Tan Ishaq
ASST VICE PRESIDENT, CONVERTS’ COUNCIL MEMBER
Zin Bo Aung Mohamed
DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Ali Yacob Joy Joanne Shalome
ASST VICE PRESIDENT, Nurashikin Lee Bikarmjeet Singh @ Farah
the muslim E DUCATION DIVISION
reader COUNCIL MEMBER COUNCIL MEMBER
13 volume 32 • issue 02/2014musings
What Defines
the Muslim Business Mentality
The key to a successful Muslim business
community is unity but unity based on what?
text by UMAR MUNSHI
D
o Muslims in Singapore businesses. Alarmingly we are dependent on what He had set
have the Business gene even losing the market share in for us, we tend to subscribe to
in their DNA? previously ‘untouchable’ sectors, the view that material possession
At one time, Indian and such as Muslim Wedding catering, somehow defines success, and
Arab Muslim migrants to non-Muslim businesses. This is even worse, defines ourselves. Our
came to the South-east Asian happening because Muslims are fundamental beliefs conflict with
region as traders and merchants, buying based on merit, and not this fundamentally flawed valuation
with business expansion as their that they are produced by Muslims of life.
primary objective. The local Malays – these businesses tend to give a
and Peranakan Muslims too had better deal, in quality or price. We The Right Business Mentality
a strong culture of business, have not been able to maintain our The route forward is thus clear.
characterised by the effervescent natural dominance in our own niche We need to revert to doing
spirit of gotong-royong markets. business in accordance with Islamic
(teamwork). This vibrant fraternity principles - and in doing so, revive
resulted in thriving community- Who is the Muslim Consumer the soul of commerce. We need
centric businesses that created The modern consumer, and this to suppress the profit motive
employment and provided essential includes the Muslim consumer, and put it in its rightful place as a
services. is sucked into the vicious cycle secondary priority, one that exists
of working to spend, in order to incentivise efficiency and ensure
Today, the landscape has become to pacify (temporarily) our long-term sustainability - not as
radically different. Singapore has insatiable desire for worldly the highest arbitrator of all things.
transformed into a dynamic hub possessions. This style of living is The overriding objective for Muslim
for trade and commerce and is in direct contradiction with Islamic businessmen must be to seek the
one of the richest countries in teachings of moderation and shukr pleasure of our Creator, and how
the world but where does the (gratitude). This is the paradox of we run our businesses must be
Muslim community fit into this the Muslim consumer. While we in sync with this. The universal
landscape? The services and acknowledge that the source of good inherent in Islamic business
brands Singaporeans consume are all things is Allah (SWT), and that practices and muamalat (financial
very rarely the product of Muslim our rizq (sustenance) is entirely transactions) has tremendous
the muslim reader
14 volume 32 • issue 02/2014musings
THE COMMON DENOMINATOR IN THEIR
VARIOUS FORMS OF SUCCESS WAS UNITY.
potential to uplift this depressed back to the true spirit of Islamic A United Muslim Business
economy, and bridge yawning gaps Business. We need to identify the Community
in living standards. main cause of our lackadaisical The creation of a united Muslim
business performance, and why it business community needs to
“And Allah gives provision to deteriorated to this insipid state. happen at all levels. Individuals
whom He wills without limitations.” We need to come together and need to adopt and practise
(Al-Baqarah, 02:212) coalesce around shared goals. this approach to business. The
We need to support and share, to community needs to support
An encouraging trend is the recent gather strengths and close gaps social enterprises and collaborative
revival of youth entrepreneurship. and weaknesses. Muslim businesses businesses by patronising them.
Social media has removed need to collaborate – in short, we Institutions and organisations also
traditional barriers to entry and need Unity. have a role to play to educate
a new breed of talented business and facilitate business matching
leaders has experienced noteworthy Unity is the key ingredient we lack. and joint-venture efforts. Specific
success. Many of these businesses In my entrepreneurial journey, I was industries and sectors may form
have also successfully crossed over immersed in a multitude of different groups and alliances with mutually-
from the virtual realm and continue business cultures – from tightly-knit beneficial initiatives for their
to thrive as brick and mortar circles of Singaporean Chinese, to members. Between these levels
businesses. This development is a relationship and connections-based too, there needs to be a strong flow
potential driver for change. What Indonesians, to protective family- of ideas and capital. Technology
is more important than the act of owned Saudi Arabian businesses. has immense potential to bring the
being an entrepreneur is developing The common denominator in their community together. We have seen
the entrepreneurial mindset. various forms of success was unity. web-based open-source platforms,
This mindset views problems as such as Wikipedia flourish,
opportunities and focuses on We need to dig deep and exorcise giving credence to the power of
creating more with less. It stimulates our business culture of dangerous technology-enabled collectivism.
risk-taking, creativity, innovation, mindsets such as jealousy, greed,
and disruptive thinking. We have revenge, and viewing each other Collaborative models that
a wave of such youthful talent with distrust. These diseases of bring investors and businesses
emerging, and we need to embrace the heart are not only obstacles, together have also experienced
them and support them. they are also highly destructive. unprecedented success in recent
We need to acknowledge that years. Crowd-funding is one such
What we need to do these are deep-rooted problems concept that has taken off in the
Before we can embark on that we need to collectively focus West, with total funds raised hitting
reform, we need to first discard on removing. A united approach US$5.1 billion in 2013. These are
regressive old habits and embrace to removing these mindsets will in platforms where the community
constructive ones. We need to go itself bring about greater unity. collectively invests or donates small
the muslim reader
15 volume 32 • issue 02/2014musings
amounts of capital to fund start-ups businesses collaborate, they are [his lot] in this world and the next.
and businesses. able to immediately increase their Whosoever shields a Muslim, Allah
scale, which will in turn enhance will shield him in this world and the
In Singapore, due to a more robust capabilities and lower costs. next. Allah will aid a slave [of His] so
regulatory environment, adapted Businesses will also be able to long as the slave aids his brother.
models with more controls on the leverage on each other’s resources Whosoever follows a path to seek
sourcing of investments are gaining and competencies, thus be better knowledge therein, Allah will make
market traction. Such an approach able to grab fleeting opportunities easy for him a path to Paradise.
can be Islamic in structure and in this dynamic and fast-paced No people gather together in one
spirit, and may be structured as a world. A lone ranger though will of the houses of Allah, reciting
mudarabah (joint-venture), where struggle to find his footing amongst the Book of Allah and studying it
the financier, or the rabb-ul-mal, the big businesses that dominate among themselves, but tranquillity
provides funding for the mudarib, Singapore’s markets. and peace descends upon them,
who is the entrepreneur responsible mercy envelopes them, the angels
for the full management of the A united Muslim business surround them, and Allah makes
business. Our community needs community is an ideal we should all mention of them amongst those
to build and support such avenues strive towards. Some may find this who are with Him. And whosoever
and platforms so as to efficiently to be naïve, but I believe that it is in is slowed down by his actions
link, connect and match resources fact a necessary evolution we need will not be hastened forward by his
in the community for inclusive to embrace. The wisdom in this is lineage.
growth. This will ensure that small from our own religious teachings (Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (RA),
businesses and start-ups have the spread by Prophet Muhammad Sahih Muslim, No 2699)
required capital to grow and create (SAW) 1,400 years ago.
value for the economy, and their It is time to come full-circle and
investors will concurrently earn “The believers are but brothers, lead modern society in its own
returns on their now-productive so make settlement between your game. Success is unlikely to come
capital. brothers. And fear Allah that you quickly, as culture takes time and
may receive mercy.” (Al-Hujurat, effort to change. Culture, however,
Within our business community, 49:10) is a matter of utilitarian dialectic,
unity is also a key ingredient for and the obvious benefits of being
success in the modern marketplace. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, united will soon outweigh the
Singapore is highly competitive and “Whosoever removes a worldly irrationality of being divided,
globalised, which brings significant grief from a believer, Allah will Insha’Allah. TMR
challenges and opportunities. High remove from him one of the
costs and intense competition are grieves of the Day of Judgment.
The writer is Head Investor Relations,
two of the most prevalent issues Whosoever alleviates [the lot of] Ethis Pte Ltd (Ethical Investments
faced by all businesses. When a needy person, Allah will alleviate Southeast Asia)
the muslim reader
16 volume 32 • issue 02/2014journal
Why
New Zealand
needs a foster home for
Muslim children
text by DAVID ZACHARIAH BLOCKSIDGE
C
ountries such as
Singapore and Malaysia
are fortunate to have
well-established Islamic
infrastructure. Muslims
who die are buried in accordance
with Islamic tradition. Zakat charity
is generally distributed in a fair
and equitable manner. Mosques
are welcoming, non-controversial
places of worship. Orphanages and
foster homes exist to look after
Muslim children in need of such
facilities.
WTG Volunteers on Eid
This is not the case in many
countries. Take New Zealand.
Despite a Muslim population of suitable property. Currently there is The main government agency
about 50,000 and growing fast, about NZ$40,000 in the account. responsible for intervention is the
it does not have a dedicated A suitable multi-bedroom property Child, Youth and Family (CYF)
orphanage/foster home for Muslim would cost at least half a million service of the Ministry of Social
children. God willing, this will dollars at today’s prices, so there is Development. They do the best
change. a long way to go. they can but need the support of
Muslims to care for Muslim children.
Appeal for Funds launched What prompted their members to
Just before Ramadhan in 2013, the act were the sad stories they were There are many children in need but
Auckland-based charity, Working hearing from social workers and it is impossible to obtain accurate
Together Group (WTG), launched others involved. statistics because CYF does not do
an appeal for funds to purchase a a breakdown by religion.
the muslim reader
17 volume 32 • issue 02/2014journal
Muslim Furthermore, many Muslims who
might otherwise seek help choose
children to stay below the radar because
placed in non- they do not want to be “registered”
or go through “the system”, which
Muslim homes they see as stigmatising.
have been “There are scores of such cases
known to play every year,” says a professional
social worker from Auckland District
with the family Health Board. He is also an Islamic
dog. Often they scholar. Most weeks, he and his wife
spend many hours in their own time
are not given counselling some of those who fall
through the cracks in this way.
halal food.
An Islamic, dedicated facility would
cater to the needs of various groups
of children and youths.
One example is teenagers who
have become involved in drugs
and alcohol. An unfortunate
consequence of their actions is
the bad influence they exert on
their siblings. However, if they are
removed from their family home
environment, the problem arises
of where to place them while they
get help for their addiction or
dependency.
Organisations such as the
Community Alcohol and Drugs
Service (CADS) do great work but
do not cater (quite literally, with no
halal food on offer) for Muslims, nor
offer counselling that is appropriate
from an Islamic perspective.
Another group that urgently
needs help is the parents of
children with disabilities such as
Down’s syndrome, autism and
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).
Their parents could use respite
care, which could be government-
funded, to give themselves a well-
deserved break every so often.
Then there are the many victims of
STOCK PHOTO domestic violence, usually a family
the muslim reader
18 volume 32 • issue 02/2014journal
member such as the father (or a Muslim children placed in non- Islamic environment away from
close male relative) committing Muslim homes have been known their parents for a period, such
violence against his children and to play with the family dog. Often situations could have had happy
often against his own wife too. they are not given halal food. One outcomes.
boy ran away from his foster home
When CYF removes these because he was not being fed Some youngsters end up enjoying
youngsters from their families, properly. They are not encouraged their newfound “freedom”. Aishah
even temporarily until things can to perform their prayers – or not the and Mohamed can become Mary
be sorted out, the issue is where prayers of a Muslim, anyway. and James. Some girls, clearly
to send them. Most end up in enjoying their “freedom” rather
inappropriate homes, with atheists, In one Muslim family, the decent too much, end up prostituting
Hindus or Christians caring for parents wanted their children to themselves on Auckland’s notorious
them. This creates all sorts of read the Quran for half an hour “K” (for Karangahape) Road.
problems. every day. An older child rebelled
and left home, taking his siblings It is fair to ask why more married-
One girl in her mid-teens – an with him. Muslim couples do not volunteer to
impressionable age – started take in such children. After all, the
attending church with her Christian In another family, the nine-year-old New Zealand government does pay
foster parents. “She was attracted boy refused to go to the Mosque. them for doing so.
to Christianity,” explains someone “I don’t want to be a Muslim,” he
close to the case, “and no longer said. He was being bullied at school, Concerned about the problem,
wears the hijab.” It is worth noting where he had been told: “Your one of the trustees of a big
that she had initially been placed religion is violent.” mosque in Auckland, printed flyers,
with an uncle but hated it because encouraging parents to sign up
he simply used her for babysitting In both these cases, if the children for the necessary CYF training,
his own children. could have been placed in an and to take in children. He handed
STOCK PHOTO
the muslim reader
19 volume 32 • issue 02/2014journal
out hundreds of the flyers but the
response was nil. “People did not
want to get involved,” he explains.
Do you care about "
!
Some were worried that they might
be visited by resentful or angry !
parents.
the fate of Muslim kids !
There are valid reasons why most
Muslim families cannot take in such
in New Zealand?" !
!
children, and these mainly centre on !
the mahram (unmarriageable kin) / !
!
non-mahram issue. That makes the !
need for a dedicated facility all the !
more pressing. !
!
!
WTG is a registered New Zealand
charity (CC11124). They have no !
!
paid staff but a dedicated team !!
of volunteers. The trustees are
architect Maan Alzaher, retired !
!
school principal Ismail Waja, !
surgeon Habib Rahman and !
accountant Mohamed Nalar. !
!
!
WTG presently have three !
Sahl ibn Sa’d reported:
“The Prophet (pbuh) said, "
community projects up and running !
‘The one who cares for an
orphan and myself will be
successfully: the Helping Hand !
in Paradise like this’ and he
!
held his two fingers together.”
food bank, the Janaza Waqf fund (Sahih Bukhari)
!
and the free Janaza Service. With !
the support and help of Muslims !
!
everywhere, the group can succeed !
with the foster home project too. !
If you wish to donate, please pay
Help establish our first Islamic
direct into Working Together orphanage and foster home." !
!
Group’s dedicated Kiwibank !
!
account: 38-9006-0434628-04. !
!
Swift code: CITINZ2X. Bank address: !
!
Kiwibank, Level 1, New Zealand !
The writer lived in In New Zealand, abused or at-risk Muslim children are placed in non-Muslim
Post House, 7-27 Waterloo Quay,
Singapore from homes because almost no Muslim families are able or willing to take them in.
Wellington 6011, New Zealand. Or 1992 to 2009. He Government agencies like CYFS do the best they can but need our support.
We need financial donations to establish a suitable, properly managed home.
mail a cheque or money order to and his Malay wife Please pay direct into Working Together Group’s dedicated Kiwibank account: !
Working Together Group, PO Box Mazlinah now live !
272 1202, Papakura, Auckland 2244, in New Zealand. 38-9006-0434628-04!
They are active in !
New Zealand. If you would like to know more, please email!
Working Together childplacement@wtg.org.nz!
Group and other davidblocksidge@yahoo.com!
Sahl ibn Sa’d (RA) reported, “The Islamic charities. mazlinah_hmn@mac.com!
Prophet (SAW) said, ‘The one who !
WTG is a registered charity. We are all volunteers.!
cares for an orphan and myself will Donations of $5 or more are NZ tax-deductible.!
be in Paradise like this’ and he held Visit www.wtg.org.nz or find us on Facebook.!
his two fingers together.” (Sahih
Bukhari). TMR
the muslim reader
20 volume 32 • issue 02/2014lifestyle
Hidden Charm
With Flavourful Desserts
text by SITI ZUBEIDAH KADIR
La Marelle Café and Boutique
Where: 25A Baghdad Street,
Singapore 199664
FB: www.fb.com/lamarellecafe
Best For: Its wide range of
beverages from coffee to mocktails,
the pasta, and desserts!
I
f Alice took a wrong turn in the With a gorgeous interior, beckoning, planning to stay for hours, but
rabbit hole and ended up in this almost hypnotic neon lights and perfect for café hopping. The teas
particular café, I bet she would graphics galore, one cannot and specialty drinks like tropical
have kept thinking that she was help but feel like a kid in a candy sunset or passion sunrise, mocktails
still in wonderland. Colourful store. Coffee-drinking, red velvet- with unique names like Amelie,
and whimsical can be used to consuming not-quite-kids anymore, Blanche or Chloe, are large and can
describe this cheery café located on but still eager to get our hands on satiate the thirstiest café go-er, or
the second floor of a shophouse on the pretty little notebooks, pens, if you are not that thirsty, it will at
Baghdad Street, within the vicinity bags, posters and oh, everything least allow you to lounge around for
of Arab Street. else that was on the shelf. a substantially longer period of time
appreciating the ambience.
If you come by at night, when the While we are not sure whether the
colourful signage on the shop front choice of decorations and interior If you are hungry, get the pasta. It
blends into the surroundings, you design allows La Marelle to be on is the one (delicious) item on the
might want to keep an eye out for the list of hipster cafés in Singapore, menu we would vouch for. Unless
the entrance. Blink and you might the menu definitely can. La Marelle you are seriously travel deprived,
miss the dark blue stairs leading serves a simple menu, designed to we would advise you to stay
up to the café and boutique where keep your choices straightforward, away from the stuffed croissants
Alice herself wouldn’t want to leave. i.e. starters, main courses and of from “Mexico, Germany, Italy and
(If you cannot locate it even after course, dessert. France”. We are not sure if it was
pacing up and down Baghdad a bad batch but the croissant was
Street like we did, we recommend If you are a coffee person, the dry, the sausages, tough and almost
keeping an eye out for a group of menu and range would satisfy the got lost in the, fortunately, fresh
girls who look like they are in need most caffeine deprived, although vegetables and salsa. (We attribute
of a good dessert. It usually works.) the servings are too small, to say this to growing pains, since La
the least. Not too ideal for those
the muslim reader the muslim reader
21 volume 32 • issue 02/2014 volume 32 • issue 02/2014 21lifestyle
Marelle is almost one of the newest
kids on the block.)
And if you couldn’t tell by now, it
is the desserts that are declared
the highlight of the café. If you’re
looking for delicious cakes,
macaroons, tarts and crumbles, this
is the place to go. Unfortunately
enclosed in a drab looking display
case with dismal lighting, the
flavours defied the odds and made
it to my ‘best cafés for desserts’
list. Another plus point were the
staff, who were a delight to talk
to, patiently explaining ingredients
of the drinks and how to actually
consume the coffee (not as easy as
it looks, we tell you).
Overall, this Muslim-owned
establishment was a lovely café to
visit, especially if you have dainty
not-so young children, or are a
young at heart female. We are not
sure whether the guys felt at ease
surrounded by all those bright
colours but we know that once the
pasta and drinks arrived, all became
well for them. TMR
the muslim reader
22 volume 32 • issue 02/2014house of arqam
Congratulations
to YODA Team
One, Champion of
Singapore Muslim
Youth Debate
(SMYD) 2014
Khairul Ikhwan Muhd Shahrum Sahid, Noor Aqilah Noor Sakina Banu, aged PHOTOGRAPHS BY
Ridzwan, aged aged 23, is currently Azlan, aged 19, is 19, a polytechnic MUHD IRFAN MASLAN
21, is currently working at a local currently studying graduate, won the
studying in Nanyang mosque. Biological Science at Best Speaker Award
Technological NTU. for the Finals of
University (NTU). SMYD 2014.
the muslim reader
23 volume 32 • issue 02/2014house of arqam
Singapore Muslim
Youth Debate
2014, organised
by Youths of
Darul Arqam
(YODA)
Hafifah Hafif, the
Chairperson for
YODA’s SMYD
organising
committee, delivered
the welcome
address. (below)
Held between May and June 2014, the
fifth annual instalment of SMYD received
participation from 13 teams of debaters.
The youths, aged between 15 and 25,
included a non-Muslim, Chinese student
who represented the team from NUS.
Qari (Quranic
Reciter) Muhammad
Hanif Salleh, aged
16, from Aljunied Al-
Islamiah Madrasah,
opened the SMYD
Finals event. (left)
On 21 June, the
grand final of
SMYD was held
at Singapore Post
Theatrette. The
first runner-up
for SMYD 2014
is the team from
Pergas Student
Body (Majlis Pelajar
Pergas, or MPP).
(right)
the muslim reader
24 volume 32 • issue 02/2014house of arqam
The motion
for the grand
final is “Muslim
community issues
are better tackled
at state level than
community level”.
The grand final of
SMYD 2014 was
streamed ‘live’ on
Islamicevents.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY
MUHD IRFAN MASLAN
The adjudicators for the grand final
were Ust Saif-ur-Rahman, Sim Khadijah
Mohammed, Nadia Teo, Dr Mohamed
Nawab Mohamed Osman, and Ust Hidayat
Radja Nurul Bahri. (picture on right, from
extreme right to left)
the muslim reader
25 volume 32 • issue 02/2014lifestyle
Arabic for Beginners:
The Family
al-Usrah
al-Hiwaar
The dialogue
Ahmad: marHaban
Hello / Hi al-Hiwaar
The dialogue
Khalid: ahlan
Hello / Hi (reply) Ahmad: kam shakhSan fii usratik?
How many persons in your family?
Ahmad: masaa-‘ul khair
Good evening Khalid: fii usratii khamsah ashkhaaS
There are five persons in my family
Khalid: masaa-‘un nuur
Good evening to you too Ahmad: maa-shaa-allah, hal Cindaka akh?
Wow!(lovely) Do you have a brother?
Ahmad: kaifa Haaluka yaa khaalid?
How are you Khalid?
Khalid: naCam Cindii akh Saghiir,
Khalid: bikhair,alHamdulillah,wa anta? ismuhu yuusuf. huwa Taalib.
Fine, praise be to Allah, and you? Yes I have a small(younger) brother,
his name is Yusuf. He’s a student.
Ahmad: tamaam. bil-munaasabah,
hal haa-dhihi Suuratu usratika? Ahmad: wa hal Cindaka ukht?
Great. By the way, is this your family picture? And do you have a sister?
Khalid: nacam, haa-dhihi Suuratu usratii. Khalid: naCam Cindii ukht kabiirah,
Yes, this is my family picture. ismuhaa faaTimah, hiya mudarrisah
Yes, I have a big(elder) sister,
her name is Fatimah, she’s a teacher
Ahmad: man haa-dhaa?
Who is this? Ahmad: hal Cindaka zawjah?
Do you have a wife?
Khalid: haa-dha waalidii waliid.
huwa muhandis Khalid: laa, maa Cindii zawjah,
This is my father Walid, he’s an engineer anaa aczab
No, I don’t have a wife, I’m a bachelor
Ahmad: wa man haa-dhihi?
And who’s this (f)? Ahmad: shukran
thanks
Khalid: haa-dhihi waalidatii Maryam.
hiya rabbatu bait Khalid: cafwan
This is my mum Maryam, she’s a housewife welcome
the muslim reader
26 volume 32 • issue 02/2014lifestyle
VOCABS
Words Arabic Combination Word
masaa’
morning masaa-‘ul khair
good evening
khair and the reply is “masaa-‘un nuur”;
goodness (well-being) an evening full of light, is a common
reply which would mean wishing that
nuur the person’s evening will be bright and
light cheerful
tamaam
great (alright)
bi
with/by bil-munaasabah
munaasabah A phrase used in Arabic, similar to the
occasion/event topic switch “by the way”
hal?
a yes/no question that has the
meaning of is/are/do/does?
man?
who?
haa-dhaa / haa-dhihi
this (m) / this (f)
Suurah
picture Suurah usratii
Whenever two nouns or more are
Usrah attached, the arrangement will be
family inverted in Arabic e.g. “My family
picture” becomes “picture of my
family”, when the “of” structure is used.
rabb
lord / master rabbatu bait
this phrase is used for “housewife” in
bait Arabic. Literally means master of the
house house.
the muslim reader the muslim reader
27 volume 32 • issue 02/2014 volume 32 • issue 02/2014 27lifestyle
VOCABS
Words Arabic Combination Word
muhandis
engineer You can change the gender by adding
ة/ ( ةـah) at the end of the noun
Taalib (occupation) e.g.
student muhandis (male engineer)
muhandisah (female engineer);
mudarris taalib (male student)
teacher taalibah (female student)
kam?
how many? kam shakhSan?
How many people/person?
shakhS plural. ashkhaaS
person/people
cinda
has/have – cindahu (he has)
– cindahaa (she has)
– cindaka (you have;m)
– cindaki (you have;f)
– cindii (I have)
– cindanaa (we have)
In order to negate these words, simply
add (maa) before them e.g.
– I don’t have
Saghiir
small (young)
kabiir
big (old)
aczab
bachelor
shukran
thanks
afwan
c
welcome
*(m) refers to male and (f) refers to female.
the muslim reader
28 volume 32 • issue 02/2014lifestyle
Transliteration & Meanings Transliteration & Meanings
1. al-usrah 2. al-Arqaam Numbers
Family waa-Hid
waalid / ab One
Father ith-naan / ith-nain
waalidah / umm Two
Mother tha-laa-thah
C
amm Three
Paternal uncle arba- Cah
C
ammah Four
Paternal auntie kham-sah
khaal Five
Maternal uncle sit-tah
khaalah Six
Maternal auntie sab- Cah
akh Seven
Brother tha-maa-niyah
ukht Eight
Sister tis- Cah
ibn Nine
Son C
asha-rah
ibnah / bint Ten
Daughter Sifr
jadd zero
Grandfather
jaddah
Grandmother
hafiid
Grandson
hafiidah
Granddaughter www.as-souq.com
zawj
Husband
zawjah
wife
Page name:
As-Souq (www.facebook.com/
As.Souq.AllAboutArabic)
“Learn Arabic, for it strengthens the intelligence and increases one’s
noble conduct (al-muruu’ah)” - Omar Ibn al-Khattab (RA) Website: www.as-souq.com
the muslim reader the muslim reader
29 volume 32 • issue 02/2014 volume 32 • issue 02/2014 29spotlight
The Growth of
Halal Trade
Serving the demands of the Muslim consumers
throughout the world.
text by HYDER GULAM
F
or a multitude of reasons, which falls under this category is is very well served by the Islamic
including growing affluence permitted for consumption. Most Religious Council of Singapore
and greater choices for food and drinks are considered (MUIS) as the sole custodian of
travel and destinations, Halal unless they are stated Halal certification in Singapore.
the Muslim community has clearly in the Quran and Hadith as Established in 1978, the MUIS
become a major market for travel, forbidden or non-Halal. Halal certification mark is widely
trade and other Halal segments recognised in key Halal markets
such as the food supply chain. b) Non-Halal. ‘Non-Halal’, such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia
Many businesses are seeing the also traditionally known as ‘Haram’, and the Gulf Cooperation Council
demand created by this segment, means unlawful or unallowable. As (GCC) countries through MABIMS
including not only banking and the name implies, any food or drink (an international organisation
finance, but also in terms of Halal which is classified as non-Halal consisting of Brunei, Indonesia,
tours overseas and the like. Never is prohibited for consumption. In Malaysia, and Singapore that
before has the Muslim community general, all harmful things are non- explains Islam to their communities)
had such an opportunity to partake Halal. Examples of these include and GCC-Singapore Free Trade
in these activities, under a Halal the meat of dead animals and birds, Agreements.
framework. This article will look at flesh of swine, intoxicating drugs
these industry segments from a and alcoholic beverages. MUIS issues Halal certificates
Singaporean point of view. based on a set of systems-focused
c) Syubhah. Any food or drink
Halal certification requirements
which lies within the grey area and
Food known as the Singapore MUIS
does not fall clearly under the Halal
Using a simplified framework vis- Halal Quality Management System
or non-Halal category is classified
à-vis an Islamic worldview, all food (HalMQ). To date, MUIS offers
as ‘Syubhah’, alternatively called
and drinks can be classified under a number of Halal certification
questionable or dubious.
one of the following categories: schemes that span across the
food supply chain. To see and
a) Halal. ‘Halal’ is an Arabic In the Singaporean context, when appreciate the value of MUIS in
word which means lawful or one examines the Halal food terms of the food supply chain, one
allowable. Any food or drink segment, the Muslim community only needs to examine the trust put
the muslim reader
30 volume 32 • issue 02/2014spotlight
Services such as Halal holidays are booming.
in the Halal certification mark by The Halal tourism industry also Islamic Shariah (Legislation) and is
the Muslim consumer in Singapore. provides flights where no alcohol free of any substances forbidden
or pork products are served, by Islam, such as pork and alcohol.
Travel and Tourism prayer timings are announced, Some hotels have employed
Halal Trade and Travel takes the and religious programmes are people from the Muslim world
definitions noted above even broadcast as part of entertainment to provide translation services
further, and looks at the Halal offered on board. A Euromonitor and other assistance that may be
tourism as a subcategory of International report released at needed by tourists from Muslim
religious tourism, which is geared World Travel Market in 2007 in countries.
towards Muslim families who abide London says that there is potential
by the rules noted above. The for a boom in Halal tourism in the The Economist’s article on Halal
hotels in such destinations do not Middle East. The report mentions a Business published on 25 May 2013
serve alcohol and have separate market for a Halal start-up airline, states: “It is not just manufactured
swimming pools and spa facilities which could provide Halal food, Halal products. Services such as
for men and women. Malaysia, prayer calls, Quran in seat pockets Halal holidays are booming, too.
Turkey and many more countries and provide separate sections for Crescent Tours, a London-based
are trying to attract Muslim male and female travellers. online travel specialist, books
tourists from all over the world, clients into hotels in Turkey that
offering facilities in accordance Many international hotels do serve have separate swimming pools
with the religious beliefs of Muslim Halal food that is slaughtered in for men and women, no-alcohol
tourists. accordance with the teachings of policies and halal restaurants, and
the muslim reader
31 volume 32 • issue 02/2014spotlight
rents out private holiday villas with and Tunisia. The tiny island state such as alcohol, pornography,
high walls.” touts its man-made attractions, gaming and tobacco, but also
a vast array of local food, and industries and businesses which
Malaysia is the world’s friendliest reputation for cleanliness and derive their profits primarily
destination for Muslim travellers, order to travellers. The top ten from interest or usury such as
according to a survey released in order were: Malaysia, United conventional lending institutions.
recently, but Japan has shown most Arab Emirates, Turkey, Indonesia,
improvement as it ramps up efforts Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Morocco, Halal Business is considered
to cash in on a growing market. Jordan, Qatar and Tunisia. an alternative approach to
Malaysia was followed by the United conventional methods and is based
Arab Emirates, Turkey, Indonesia The Crescentrating system rates on the principles of Islamic Finance.
and Saudi Arabia in this year’s overall Halal friendliness on a scale According to Islamic principles,
rankings for “Halal” friendly holiday of one to seven, with seven being conventional financial systems are
destinations released by Singapore- the highest rating. The service unsustainable because the use of
based Muslim travel specialist ratings are separated into four money as a commodity in and of
Crescentrating. different areas: itself results in an imbalance of
wealth at the expense of society
The survey evaluates countries in • Halal food facilities and borrowers.
terms of their attentiveness to the • Salat (prayer) facilities
needs of Muslim travellers, including • Services during Ramadhan Some Halal Businesses use an
the presence and accessibility • Level of non-Halal activities in industry screen, where from an
of Halal restaurants with meat the hotel and additional Halal- industry perspective, a company is
slaughtered to Islamic standards, friendly recreational facilities deemed compliant if the total sum
and the provision of prayer rooms of non-permissible income derived
at airports, shopping malls and Halal Business from the following is less than 5% of
hotels. Halal Business is the practice of their total revenue. The second step
investing money in a manner that of the screening process examines
Singapore was placed sixth in the meets the tenets of Islamic finance. whether a company is primarily
global rankings, and was the only A Halal Business, in particular Halal profiting from interest or usury, or
non-Muslim country in the top 10, Finance and Investments would if the business has taken on a large
followed by Morocco, Jordan, Qatar therefore not only avoid industries amount of interest-based debt.
Specifically, companies will fail Halal
parameters if any of the following
conditions exist.
The use of an Islamic or Shariah
Advisory Board is also another
way which Halal Businesses are
able to provide compliance with
their business practices. These
boards are generally composed of
experts in Islam, Islamic Banking
and Finance as well as commercial
acumen.
Summary
This short article has attempted
to show the burgeoning field of
Islamic principles in various industry
segments. As it can be seen, it is
possible to live a life that is compliant
The Great Mosque in Sousse, Tunisia. with Islamic principles. TMR
the muslim reader
32 volume 32 • issue 02/2014You can also read
