[lioncityftw]

https://mothership.sg/2023/04/muis-migra...-circular/

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has apologised for a poorly worded circular about Muslim transient workers which "generated a lot of disappointment and even anger" among Singaporeans.

What was written on the circular?
The circular was posted online on Sunday (Apr. 16) by the Singapore Bangladesh Society (SBS), on behalf of Muis, to the Bangladeshi Muslim transient worker (MTW) community.

SBS has since taken down the circular from its social media page, but screenshots of it have circulated online.


Requested migrant workers to perform Hari Raya Puasa prayers in their dorms
In the circular, SBS said that it has been "advised to convey a message from Muis", requesting that the Muslim migrant workers perform their Hari Raya Puasa prayers at their respective dormitories, instead of doing so at a mosque with other members of the community.

"This will help to avoid overcrowding and road blockages and ensure the health, and safety of everyone," the circular added.



The circular was met with backlash from Singaporeans.
https://twitter.com/sharanvkaur/status/1...7097741313

Muis apologises and says it "will do better"

Comments flooded Muis' Instagram posts on Sunday (Apr. 16) night, demanding an explanation for the contents of the circular.

Muis replied to a number of these comments, apologising for "the phrasing of the notice".

"It is never our intention to discriminate against our Muslim migrant brothers. They are valued members of the congregation. These are simply efforts due to limited spaces in our mosques. We have tried to address this by organising multiple sessions, thus doubling or tripling capacity, and trying to make more convenient places like dorms available for prayer.

We would like our Muslim migrant brothers to be comfortable when doing their ibadah (prayers). Once again, apologies for the insensitive language. We will do better."