Decision not an act against Islam: Yaacob

By admin-s On Nov 4, 2014

(Today Online) – Religious leaders, groups have all declared that ISIS teachings have nothing to do with Islam

The Republic’s decision to join multinational efforts against the Islamic State cannot be interpreted as an act against Islam or Muslims because the group is not Islamic, said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim yesterday.

He noted that Singapore’s mufti, Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association as well as the Religious and Rehabilitation Group have joined international Muslim scholars and leaders in unequivocally condemning the Islamic State, which is also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

“They have all declared that ISIS’ radical teachings and actions have nothing to do with Islam. Islam upholds peace, the preservation of human life and its sanctity and it is thus forbidden in Islam to wage war wantonly on others,” said Dr Yaacob.

While he acknowledged that some might think Islam has been put in the spotlight again, Dr Yaacob said: “Our decision to be part of the coalition against ISIS is primarily to protect Singapore and Singaporeans … We know terrorist groups can pose a direct security threat to us through their efforts to export terrorism to this region. We cannot be complacent.”