Milestone

An assembly called Himpunan Protem of reputable senior Asatizah or religious teachers was formed. Forming the assembly were Almarhum Kiai Ahmad Zohri Mutamim, Almarhum Ustaz Mustajab Shae’in, Almarhum Ustaz Embong, Almarhum Ustaz Daud Ali, Almarhum Ustaz Said Ibrahim, Almarhum Ustaz Mofradi Md. Noor, Almarhum Ustaz Mohd Amin Muslim, Ustaz Haji Hakim and Ustaz Idris Ahmad.

Along with other prominent members of the public, these Asatizah were responsible for the formation of Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association or widely known among the Malay-Muslim community as Pergas. Almarhum Kiai Hj Zohri Mutamim was later elected as the first president.

Pergas obtained a parcel of land to build an education centre in order to maximize its role and services to the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore. The 2-year project also saw wakaf opportunities for the public, ranging from $1 to $5 for a single purchase of brick.

The Pergas Education Centre was officially launched by YB Tuan Hj Othman Wok, the then Minister of Social Affairs. The Education Centre was chaired by YB Tuan Hj Shaari Tadin.

Pergas relocated its office to a single storey building formerly known as Playfair Primary School situated at Burn Road (Upper Paya Lebar Road). This building was shared with other Malay-Muslim organizations such as PPIS and MENDAKI.

Pergas conducted the first weekend Madrasah classes. Registration for the new cohort took place at the Pergas main office and Masjid Wak Tanjong. Before gaining admission, applications were interviewed by the various Asatizah in Pergas including Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Hassan, Ustaz TM Fouzy, Ustaz Jazair Jumat and Ustaz Masbur Ahmat.

Due to its limited space and in order to meet the demand in mastering the Arabic language, Pergas decided to open more classes at Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah. These classes were only held at night and conducted as often as 3 times a week.

In April, Pergas extended monetary assistance to help in the development of the four full-time Madrasah in here namely, Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah, Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah, Madrasah Al-Marif Al-Islamiah and Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah. A total of $12,000 were evenly distributed among the four Madrasah.

6 adult learners from the Pergas Full-time Madrasah Scheme were accepted to further their studies at Markaz Lugha wal Thaqafa Islami, one of the most prominent language centres at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Pergas published its first quarterly magazine called Risalah.

Pergas shifted to its current location at Wisma Indah located at No.448 Changi Road.

In March, Pergas Department of D’awah and Education organized a monthly inaugural lecture program together with Malaysia’s Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC). Lecturers from the institutions were deployed to teach at Pergas every month for a one-year period.

In May, under the Zakat asnaf fisabilillah, a financial assistance scheme was initiated for all Asatizah teaching in full-time Madrasah.

Pergas becamse a centre for collection and disbursement of Zakat.

Pergas Investment Holdings was established to purchase a building with 7 units at Joo Chiat Road.

The program known as Madrasah Mingguan Pergas or Pergas Weekend Madrasah was changed to Institut Pengajian Islam Pergas (IPIP) or the Pergas Institute of Islamic Studies. In June, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with PERDAUS and Uniti College (Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia) to launch the Diploma in Islamic Studies.

The picture shows the official launch of Pergas’s first degree programme, Bachelor in Religious Knowledge and Heritage, a collaboration between Pergas and International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). It was officially announced by the then Mufti of Singapore, Sohibussamaha Sheikh Syed Isa Semait.

Pergas celebrated its 50th year anniversary and the launch of the Asatizah Development Fund (ADF).

Pergas founded the Prison Muslim Fellowship under its Da’wah Department.

Pergas published the Dakwah Journal which serves as a platform for the Asatizah to share their thoughts and teachings to the community through scholarly and intellectual writings.

The first series of Obor Ummah or Beacons of the Nation book was published. It features the biographies, contributions and journeys of Singapore’s past ulama – their service to knowledge and religious education in Singapore and the region.

The Madrasah Students’ Adoption Scheme (MSAS) was introduced.

Pergas initiated a series of lectures known as Wacana Ilmiah which focuses on the thematic discourses on special issues surrounding the Muslim community.

The Pergas resource centre, Syed Ahmad Semait Reference Library (SASRL) was revamped. A range of new services were also introduced such as the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) system. To date, the library collection houses more than 3000 titles including Tafsir Ibnu Kathir, Al-Umm and many more.

Footprints of Our Muslim Scholars Heritage in Singapore is the first exhibition by Pergas in 2014 aims to create cultural and educational awareness within Muslim and non-Muslim communities on the Malay-Muslim Heritage over time. This exhibition highlights the historical achievements and developments that can be traced through the written and visual records of our Islamic Scholars.

The first online video series on Ramadan named Nur Ramadan was published. A total of 30 Asatizah featured sharing on various topics related to Ramadan. The series was published daily on Facebook and YouTube.

Muktamar Ulama 

IMPIAN rebrand to YAA

Treasures of Our Muslim Scholars: 100 Years of Singapore Literary Heritage is a sequel to the exhibition held in 2014. This exhibition explore the literatures, thoughts, research and writing trends of our local Muslim scholars since 1906 till today. An extensive display of their books, manuscripts and audio of lyrics including a collection of some unpublished manuscripts that were unable to be published after their demise.