13 Mar 2021
By: USTAZ DR MOHAMED ALI

Parents and strong family institutions’ role is an effective mechanism in providing long-term protection and immunity in eradicating the prolonged threat of radicalization.

The news of a 20 -year-old teenager wanting to commit attacks on the Jewish community in their synagogue again attracted the Singaporean community’s attention.

Earlier, the Singaporean community was shocked by the news of a 16-year-old Christian teenager who wanted to carry out a violent attack on two local mosques. The two youths are currently detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) and subject to a Detention Order (DO).

The teenager was found planning to carry out an attack with a knife at the Maghain Aboth Synagogue at Waterloo Street after a mass worship session.
He was driven by hatred and anger over the oppression of Muslims in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In addition to planning an attack, he also has plans to join the military wing of Hamas, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades (AQB) in Gaza, Palestine, to oppose Israel.

The anger and hatred that erupted in this teenager have resulted in him planning violent acts. The trend of youths becoming radical by themselves is on the rise. Online radicalization among youths is now a major challenge to be faced.

PSYCHOLOGY OF YOUTHS

Understanding youths’ psychology is the first step that must be taken to deal with the problem of radicalization among youths.

Adolescence is the age where individuals have a deep desire to try new things. At this age, youths are more energetic and often idealistic to change their environment and world.

If handled well, such an attitude can bring various benefits, but on the other hand, if not fortified or monitored, it can lead to negative things and damage.

Among the attitudes that are often found in youth is the attitude of taking risks. This attitude, mixed with the attitude of wanting to try something new, can fuel the desire to try what they see on the internet or social media.

Without proper guidance, teens can violate social and moral ethics. For example, an attempt to make explosives or an attempt to kill with a weapon such as a knife is a result from having the wrong attitude and ethics.

IDENTITY OF YOUTH

There is no denying that identity is something that youths often explore today. Finding an identity means that a teenager wants to be seen as part of a meaningful group.

On top of that, youths today often find themselves in a dilemma when faced with multiple identities. For example, their identities as Singaporeans and also as Muslims at the same time are often felt to be contradictory.

Many youths feel their identity is threatened by the elements that exist around
them. They also feel that other people’s identities conflict with their religious
principles.

If his search for identity collides with social media elements that give him space to defend the dignity or interests of Muslims, he may be influenced to do so.

For such youths, what can be done is to channel their desire to defend this in an appropriate container for example, by donating to humanitarian missions organized by self-help organizations.

CULTURE OF EXTREMISM AND HATRED

Youths who become so radical on their own that they are willing to plan violent acts, have been influenced by a rigid culture and ideology of hatred. Such cultures and ideologies can lead to damage and instability.

Hate can be seen as natural in human beings. Naturally, human being likes one thing and hates another. However, a person should not be cruel or act inappropriately based on his hatred.

Likewise, those who act violently by killing and carrying out bombings all choose a very dangerous ideology of hatred. This ideology is proven to be deadly and severe.

This extremist culture and hate ideology have gripped the world today. Many wars, conflicts, murders and shifts involving human beings are rooted in hardline culture and ideology of hatred.
Hence, our children should be fortified from rigid cultures and hateful ideologies that can lead to violent attitudes and acts.

The trick is through the involvement of parents and immediate family members. They are the first line of defence in protecting children from falling into the trap of radical ideology.

THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY

The institution of the family plays an essential role in efforts to combat radicalization and terrorism.

Families are in a good position to preserve an environment that condemns extremist ideologies or supports terrorist activities.

First, families must educate their children with teachings and values that encourage tolerance, inclusion and build good relationships with others regardless of their ethnic or religious background.

Before children are allowed to enter the internet world, parents should also actively educate them about the online world’s dangers.

SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE
Secondly, parents should be good role models and ambassadors of kindness and love to those around them. A good and practical way to do this is to set an example of their kind treatment of fellow neighbours.
For example, when children see their parents sharing food or interacting positively with neighbours regardless of their status and beliefs, they subconsciously accept the signal as an example.
Parents should also be exemplary in abiding by the house rules they set with their children regarding the use of technological devices such as the internet and mobile phones.

Third, parents need to involve their children fully, even when they are young. They can create opportunities for relaxed conversations with their children. In this conversation, parents can include once a discussion about the importance of appreciating every human being.

ATTENTION FOR YOUTHS

The world today is moving fast. Parents and their children need to be empowered to embrace the future confidently while understanding the challenges and dealing with them well.

A strong family institution is an effective mechanism in providing long-term protection and immunity in eradicating the threat of radicalization.

The issue of youths becoming radical seems to continue to grip our society. This radical ideology covered by this extremist and hateful culture needs to be addressed with full attention and taken seriously by every member of the community.

Extremist and hateful cultures that can lead to violent actions should be kept away altogether from our children. If this fails to be done, it can have a significant impact on the harmony of society and the country. Let us continue to play a role and increase our awareness.

The attitude of being complacent and feeling that the threat of this radical ideology has subsided and is not serious is a misconception. Remember the Malay proverb that reminds us that “air yang tenang jangan disangka tiada buaya” (Don’t assume that still waters hold no crocodiles).

Source: Berita Mediacorp Singapore, 13 Mar 21

https://berita.mediacorp.sg/mobilem/commentary/komentar-bentengilah-anak-anak-daripada-budaya-tegar-benci-dan/4584208.html

Being mocked, insulted, and provoked is nothing new thing for the noble Prophet Muhammad.

Rasulullah responded to this insult and provocation by extending love, forgiveness, and kindness. This is the noble character of Rasulullah, regardless of when he is weak or when he is in power.

How should we honour and glorify the Prophet Muhammad in the face of a provocation?
If our beloved Rasulullah is with us at this time, how would Rasulullah react to the taunts, ridicule, scorn, and provocation against him?

Did Rasulullah act violently against those who mocked, ridiculed, and provoked anger? It is hard to speak on behalf of the noble Prophet, as he is too noble.

Reflecting upon the Prophet’s life history and the events in his life, I try to get inspiration and lessons from the noble life of Rasulullah.

PRAYING FOR HIS PEOPLE

Rasulullah was ridiculed and provoked more than what is happening today. What were his reactions?

Rasulullah did not feel provoked and did not act violently to avenge these insults towards him. On the other hand, Rasulullah responded by extending love, affection, and mercy and offering his prayers, despite being ridiculed and insulted.

The humiliation that Rasulullah received physically and emotionally was far worse than what we see today, which we will never imagine happening what

Rasulullah went through. However, Rasulullah never felt provoked and always reacted wisely with full of love and wisdom.

Can we imagine how the polytheists of Makkah placed faeces, camel intestines, and dirt on the noble shoulders of Rasulullah while he was prostrating in Makkah? Such is a severe abuse that existed during that time.

This incident is narrated in Imam Muslim’s hadith when the Prophet was praying in front of the Kaaba; Abu Jahal and his friends noticed the Prophet praying.

Abu Jahal challenged his friends to throw the faeces and intestines of camels on the Prophet’s noble shoulders while he was prostrating. Some of them followed Abu Jahal’s instructions. They also laughed at Rasulullah and challenged each other.

Rasulullah continued to prostrate and did not raise his head until his daughter, Fatimah, came crying sadly to see how his father was treated like that. Fatimah lifted the excrement from the shoulders of the Prophet. He did not retaliate harshly. Rasulullah only prayed to Allah.

EDUCATE PATIENCE

On another occasion, the Prophet was insulted and being called names.

One day, Abu Lahab’s wife, Umm Jamil, followed Rasulullah because she wanted to embarrass him. Umm, Jamil insulted and called Rasulullah “mudhammam,” i.e. a person who is despised and reviled in public, in front of Rasulullah’s companions.

The Prophet did not reply or retaliate. He calmed down and advised his friends not to feel provoked.

Rasulullah said to his companions calmly and confidently, “Do you not see how Allah turned me away from the insults and humiliation of Quraish?

They insulted and called me ‘mudhammam’ while I was Muhammad (the praiseworthy)”.

The Prophet did not feel provoked. The insult does not change the fact that he is a praiseworthy and noble human being. He taught his close friend Abu Bakr patience when insulted and ridiculed.

Abu Hurairah narrated the incident where Abu Bakr was rebuked and humiliated by a man. The Prophet watched that Abu Bakr did not answer the man’s taunts and insults, and the former was amazed and smiled.

Then, faced with constant ridicule, Abu Bakr replied and protested with the man. Witnessing this, Rasulullah was angry and turned away.

Abu Bakr then followed the Prophet and said, “O Messenger of Allah, when he rebuked me, you sat down. But when I answered and contradicted some of his words, you stood up and became angry.

The Prophet then said,” Indeed, when you do not dispute, there are angels with you who answered and defended you. But when you retaliate and protest, the devil comes. And I don’t want to sit with the devil.”

Rasulullah then instructed Abu Bakr, “O Abu Bakr; there are three things that are the right of a servant.

When a servant is oppressed, he leaves it to Allah, and Allah will give him victory.

Second, a servant opens the door of his generosity to connect human relationships, and Allah will bestow wealth on him.

Third, a servant cannot expect an abundance of wealth unless Allah grants it.”

Such is the personality of the Prophet. He was not only physically insulted but emotionally mocked.

ENEMIES BECOME FRIENDS

The glory and self-esteem of Rasulullah are not pawned by this provocation, abomination, and insult. Of course, Rasulullah was saddened by all these abominations and insults.

But Rasulullah’s grief was not for him, but his people and mankind, for those who insulted him. Because they have not yet seen the truth, they have not been given guidance.

That is why Rasulullah prayed for them. Rasulullah did not give up praying and hoped that they would see the truth one day, and he remained optimistic and confident.

Among those who repeatedly insulted and insulted Rasulullah was Abu Jahal, Rasulullah’s strong enemy. Despite insulting and doing various things to Rasulullah, his family and friends, Rasulullah still prayed and hoped to Allah that Abu Jahal would be given guidance. The Prophet prayed: “O Allah! You glorify Islam with one of the two Umar, namely Umar ibn al-Khattab or ‘Amru ibn Hisham (the name of Abu Jahal)”.

Allah then gave guidance to Umar Ibn al-Khattab, who was also among those who insulted Allah’s Messenger and wanted to hurt the Prophet. Umar went to the house of Arqam ibn al-Arqam to kill the Prophet. But instead, Umar embraced Islam when he heard the revelations of Allah.

This is the vision, faith, and belief of the Prophet. He believed that there were still elements of goodness in everyone, and there is still hope for everyone. The insults, blasphemies and scorn hurled by these people are driven by ignorance and arrogance. But this trait is not “permanent or natural” in a person.

These qualities are born because of certain life experiences. The “noble nature” is still inherent in every person. And let us not despair the potential of these noble qualities, no matter how evil a person may be.

Among those who were evil and oppressive in the age during the Prophet’s time later became the Prophet’s companions.

Some may argue that the Prophet acted passively or did not respond violently because he and his companions were weak at the time, and the Prophet was not able to avenge this cruelty. Is this claim true?

The Prophets noble character remains intact when the Prophet and the Muslims became strong and powerful. Is it true that Rasulullah’s passive attitude was due to his weakness? Or because of his mercy and love to his people and mankind? If only al-Habib, our beloved Rasulullah, was with us today.

• The author is the Deputy Mufti of Singapore

Most of them are supporters of ISIS extremist groups.

That is according to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs while answering a question from BERITAmediacorp.

Even so, the role of women in extreme violence and terrorism is rarely discussed. So, as the security landscape is changing and evolving, new efforts need to be taken to address it.

This includes deepening the understanding of the role of women in preventing and even promoting radicalisation, thus developing the ability of counsellors to deal with it.

Therefore, the Taman Bacaan in collaboration with the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) and Dr Noor Huda Ismail organised a seminar session on tackling extreme violence (CVE) entitled ‘Women and radicalisation’ with the Inter-Agency Aftercare Group (ACG) yesterday (18 Jan).

The seminar session featured three segments including presentations by the RRG and Dr Noor Huda Ismail – namely the “Challenge of Religious Counseling for Women” and “Women and Radicalisation”, the screening of a film entitled ‘Seeking the Imam’ and a closed-door dialogue session with the Guest of Honour, Minister of State, Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, RRG counselor, Ustazah Kalthom Isa and Taman Bacaan President, Mr. Abdul Halim Kader.

THREE MAIN ROLES OF WOMEN

Through the seminar, the three main roles of women are formulated in preventing or encouraging radicalisation.

First, women can be as violent as men.

Extremist groups rely on women to set strategies, recruit them as mentors and who will be appointed as religious fighters as well as benefit from the nature of setting aside the selfish desires of women.

The role and participation of women is often overlooked in incidents of extreme violence including as perpetrators, mitigating factors and victims.

Second, women try to spark extremism by conveying their ideologies online and planting these ideologies in their family members.

With the role of most women as wives and mothers, women can radicalise the family or prevent them from becoming radical.

Third, the internet and social media enable efforts to reach out to more people in a more sophisticated way. The messages to be conveyed can be targeted directly to female recruits and those who are already radical.

It also provides a platform where female extremists can continue to expand their recruit network. In fact, it plays a larger operational role in virtual space. The failure of anti-terrorism efforts to understand the way women become radical, supportive and encouraging violence reinforces the benefits of their involvement in extremist groups.

CASES OF RADICAL WOMEN IN SINGAPORE

In Singapore, the first local woman detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) was Dian Faezah Ismail in 2016. She was subject to a Restriction Order (RO). She supported her husband, Mohamed Omar Mahadi who was detained for wanting to join ISIS.

The other two Singaporean women who became radical were Syaikhah Izzah Zahrah Al Ansari and Munavar Baig Amina Begam; both were subject to a Detention Order (OD) in 2017. They were also dealt with under the ISA for supporting ISIS.

The remaining 21 women are foreign maids in Singapore. Two of them are still serving prison sentences for financing terrorist activities. The others have been sent home after the investigation on them.

Source: BeritaMediacorp Singapore, 19/1/2021

https://berita.mediacorp.sg/mobilem/singapura/ada-3-peranan-utama-wanita-dalam-mencegah-atau-menggalak/4562606.html

Faishal: THE EFFECTS of extremism and terrorism on women need to be studied further, according to the Minister of State (Home Affairs and National Development), Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim.

Source: Berita Harian Singapura, 20 Jan 2021

How can we act to prevent it from happening again? Singaporeans are shocked by the news of a 16-year-old teenager planning an attack on two local mosques.

He is currently detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) and is subject to a Detention Order.

The youth was influenced by right-wing extremist ideology and was inspired by Brenton Tarrant, the man who attacked a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand two years ago.

The Internal Security Department (ISD) investigation into the teenager revealed that he had made detailed preparations and planned to carry out the attack.

This includes buying a machete online and getting a vehicle to drive between the two mosques he targeted.

Of course, this is a worrying development. The horror planning of these young people has dire implications and effects, including the potential to crack the relationship between religious groups.

This incident also clearly shows that dangerous extremist ideologies can influence anyone.

NOT RELATED TO RELIGION

Radicalization (radicalization) or the process of a person becoming radical due to being influenced by extremist ideology is a global phenomenon that plagues many societies around the world.

It happens without knowing the background of age, gender, religion and race.

In the complexity of facing these challenges of extremist ideology, religion is often associated. For most people, the image of violence with today’s religion is very difficult to separate.

This perception arises due to the existence of individuals and groups of extremists who commit acts of violence in the name of religion. This fact occurs in the Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and so on communities.

Every act of terrorism cannot be hidden behind the name of any religion or belief because every religion teaches to respect others and preserve human values.

A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE PROPHET

Prophet Muhammad saw set a good example by actively promoting peace, tolerance, and compassion towards all people, both Muslims and non-Muslims.

For example, when the Christians of Najran had to perform their worship while discussing with the Prophet, He offered the use of his mosque, Masjid An-Nabawi for their worship.

Imagine how effective the Prophet facilitated their affairs, and this is an example of how the seriousness, goodness and actions of beautiful human relationships become the pillars of the solution to many of the world’s problems.

Therefore, our society is urged to stay away from the act of blaming a religion or pointing fingers at particular groups in the event of an incident like this.

What should be noted is how each religious group can convince each other that this incident is an isolated incident and not from the teachings of any religion.

REKINDLING THE VALUES OF HUMANITY

To deal with extremism’s threat more effectively, we need to create long-term strategies and holistic approaches, which is essential to ensure a useful and more practical effect.

There is no denying that family institutions and religious education are fundamental to fortify our youths from extremism.

The teachings of religion are very broad and what should be emphasized in religious guidance to our youths is not only a matter of worship but also a matter of morals and morals.

Among the main things that Islam teaches is the nature of love or mercy that every Muslim should have. This nature of mercy should be practised on families and Muslims only and all of God’s creations, including non-Muslims and other creations of God such as animals and plants.

If the nature of this mercy can be revived in each of us, then an identity or identity that values human values will be born. The value of this humanity is very high and is a pillar of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

GOOD EXAMPLE OF PARENTS

Just look at the example given above how the Prophet Muhammad saw non- Muslims with full manners, respect and love.

To inculcate human values and other moral values, the family institution plays an important role.

Parents can play a more significant role in ensuring that their children can be kept away from extremism and rigid orientation.

Among the things that can be done by parents, heirs or guardians of children is to have regular conversations with children in a relaxed but serious about the importance of appreciating every human being regardless of their background.

This method is a divine way to instil human values in them. Also, it is essential in familiarizing the parents’ relationship with the children.

For example, as parents, we should set a good example in our relationships and interactions with non-Muslim neighbours. Giving whatever help to non-Muslim neighbours even if it is just sharing food with them reflects good morals.

It also displays a very high value of humanity. If children can see their parents implement it, then the nature of love for all human beings can be nurtured from an early age.

REJECTING DANGEROUS IDEOLOGY

The arrest of teenager who was influenced by the extremist ideology of the right- wing is sure to be a concern and concern for all, both the government and the community.

This is because the ideology influenced by the teenager is a dangerous orientation that threatens the security of the country and society.
Understanding and orientation based on hatred and anti-religious attitudes of other religions are spreading widely on the internet. This is what worries me.

Today we live in a global village. The extremist ideologies propagated by them abroad have crept into our society through the internet and social media. Everyone, including children, also does not escape the grip of technology in this challenging era.

Furthermore, the tendency to use social media and online platforms in the COVID-19 era is another major challenge for the public to uncover false information that quickly affects the vigilant public.

MAINTAINING HARMONY

Extremist ideology, whether arising from the right-wing or Islamic extremist groups such as ISIS is also based on the ideology of hatred. Excessive feelings of hatred can cause harm if left unchecked.

Therefore, every member of society must continue to be aware of the dangers of this hateful ideology while rejecting all forms of discrimination, intolerance and all dangerous orientations and beliefs.

The effects and consequences of a violent act in Singapore are too significant on social unity and harmonious life integrity.

Come on, let us continue to work together as a society to maintain harmony and support the beauty of multi-religious life here.

It requires us to reject all kinds of heinous acts that could hinder our efforts to maintain a harmonious religion and life.

Source: Berita Mediacorp, 28 Jan 2021

https://berita.mediacorp.sg/mobilem/commentary/komentar-tolak-fahaman-pelampau-dengan-menyemai-nilai/4566684.html

The asatizah contacted by Berita Harian (BH) expressed sadness and shock following the case of a young Protestant Christian Indian who was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for planning to kill a congregation at two mosques here.

However, they are confident that the incident will not easily tear apart the strong cross-religious ties between Singaporeans.

“Singaporeans have long been prepared to face questions that will threaten inter-religious unity.”

“Young Muslims in Singapore who have been educated to respect each other and friends of other races and religions, need to set a good example to other communities that we are always ready to build a life together in this country,” said the Counselor of the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG), Ustazah Kalthom Isa.

The Chief Executive Officer of Safinah Holdings, a member of the Fatwa Committee, Ustaz Tarmizi Abdul Wahid, said he was shocked and worried when reading the news about the detention of the 16-year- old youth.

“When I read the news, it was very shocking and worrying as well.”

“First in terms of community safety, mosque staff and mosque worshipers, but another aspect is how a young person can be easily deceived by the extremist teachings spread on the Internet and as we know, this can happen to anyone, it can influence young people of any religion and race,” he said.

Therefore, he added, we should be more careful and take care of young people’s personalities, attitudes, and interests.

“Has he (the young man) ever expressed that he is not happy or hates a race or a society?”

“This is a lesson for all of us, and hopefully we all survive all kinds of threats or harms in society that can result in loss of life and also divisions and quarrels between races and religions,” said Ustaz Tarmizi.

Meanwhile, a lecturer at the Harmony Center, Ustazah Lina Sakinah Salim expressed her sadness for the youth “because he was stuck with extremist thinking at a very young age”.

“But I am not surprised if such a case can appear in our society because globalization makes the world like there is no wall that separates us from the elements out there that can affect anyone,” he said.

“Perhaps the wisdom behind this incident is that we need to work more closely between the Muslim and Protestant Christian communities, and other streams as well in talking about the violence associated with these two religions,” added Ustazah Sakinah.

The asatizah also called on the community to be calm in the face of the incident.

Pergas Chief Executive Officer Ustaz Mohammad Yusri Yubhi Md Yusoff told BH:

“Representing Pergas, we would like to call on the community, including the asatizahs, to remain calm on this issue.”

“Together, we are united in addressing this matter with maturity with other Singaporeans regardless of religion and race.”

Having a similar message, Ustaz Tarmizi added that Singaporeans need to be confident in the security forces’ ability in the country in dealing with issues like this.

My advice to the Muslim community here is to calm down and be confident in our prayers, with our national security forces such as ISD (Department of Internal Security), Home Team and MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs), confident that they will ensure that we will always be safe, “he said.

Meanwhile, Ustazah Sakinah called on the public to learn from the news and was thankful that Singapore had survived the threat this time.

“We must wake up and realize that this threat of extremist ideology is real – we must empower ourselves not to be easily swayed by voices of hatred in the name of religion, race or rank,” he pleaded.

“I hope the community is aware of the importance of inter-religious relations, not only religious leaders in the community who have good cross-religious concerns, but this good relationship should also be manifested among religious followers.

“Live up the true meaning of multi-religious harmony,” he said.

“But I am not surprised if such a case can appear in our society because globalization makes the world like no wall separating us from the elements out there that can affect anyone.”

Perhaps the wisdom behind this incident is that we need to work more closely between the Muslim community and Protestant Christianity, and other sects are also talking about the violence associated with these two religions.

We must wake up and realize that this threat of extremist ideology is real … I hope society is aware of the importance of interfaith relations, not just religious leaders in the community who have good cross-religious ties should also be manifested among the followers of the religion.

“Singaporeans have long been prepared to face questions that will threaten inter-religious unity.
Young Muslims in Singapore who have been educated to respect each other and friends from different races and religions, need to set a good example to other communities that we always ready to build a life together in this country.”

Source: Berita Harian Singapura, 29 Jan 21

https://www.beritaharian.sg/setempat/asatizah-setempat-yakin-perpaduan-masyarakat-kekal-utuh

These attacks have been described as responses to controversial cartoons’ republication, which reignited the debate about Islam and freedom of expression in France. When he was asked to respond to the waves of attacks, President Emmanuel Macron blamed ‘Islamism’. Before the attacks, he had described Islam as a religion “in crisis”, prompting outrage in the Muslim world [3]. His rhetoric inevitably led to France’s social instability and aggravated the problem of radicalisation that is still grappling France today.

Take Singapore, for instance; it is a secular state, and it is obliged to treat all individuals as equal citizens regardless of religion. The freedom to practice religion is protected.

Source: https://karyawan.sg/grappling-with-terror-how-france-can-tackle-radicalisation/