In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
SHEIKH Al-AZHAR ABOUT HIJAB BAN IN SINGAPORE (STRAITS TIMES, 15 FEBRUARY 2004)

PERGAS would like to respond to Sheikh Al-Azhar's comment on the Hijab Ban in Singapore. The Muslim Community acknowledges the secular stance of the Singapore government. Thus, the Muslim Community in its aspiration to adjust itself within the multi-racial society, while at the same time to steadfastly hold on to the pristine values as Muslims, recognizes that any intended action should be to bring more benefit than harm. Among the best steps (towards safeguarding this) is through dialogue and healthy discussions between the government and the Muslim Community leaders.

(Firstly) PERGAS is of the opinion that the Muslim Community here in Singapore should not be influenced by foreign fatawa (religious edicts) on certain (religious) issues (as in the case of the Sheikh Al-Azhar's view in this matter, it has even been strongly opposed by other equally respectable Islamic scholars), the Singapore Government should therefore be cautious towards relying upon the perspective contained in fatawa (made in other country) in formulating policies (here); and must also be sensitive towards the aspiration of any races or groups in Singapore.

Secondly, the (crux of the) advice of the Sheikh Al-Azhar, in practice has already been adopted by the Muslim Community of Singapore in general. The Muslim Community acknowledges the prerogative of the government (to formulate policies) and has been patient in facing the enforced ban. Nonetheless, PERGAS holds the view that the Muslim Community, as citizens of this nation, has the right to convey their wishes and aspirations rationally, peacefully and (respecting the) democratic process. A government that upholds the democratic principle will surely not prevent its people from putting forth their aspirations or to strive towards achieving them using appropriate means available.

A good step towards (forging our) future is to continue the dialogue and communication in searching for a (suitable) solution on how the Muslim community's aspiration and that of the government can be met, without affecting (the process for) national integration or the other (common) interest (of the nation) - not by building obstacles which will only widen the gap between the two groups with differing concerns.

PERGAS would like to stress that hijab is not a (religious) symbol but rather it is a religious obligation for Muslim women (who attained the age prescribed) and PERGAS is confident that on this issue even the Sheikh Al-Azhar also holds the same view.

USTAZ MOHAMAD HASBI BIN HASSAN
PRESIDENT, PERGAS
(SINGAPORE ISLAMIC SCHOLARS & RELIGIOUS TEACHERS ASSOCIATION)