“Shariah (Islamic law) places importance on human dignity, respect, and peaceful relationships. These values are of the utmost importance as we face complex social and religious issues. As Muslims, we should treat everyone with full dignity and respect. Everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, must feel safe in our society and institutions.”
This passage is part of the document Religious Advice to the Singapore Muslim Community on LGBTQ+ Developments in Singapore by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), which shows an approach to handling LGBTQ+ issues within the Muslim community that emphasizes respect and interpersonal friendliness, regardless of sexual orientation. The role of MUIS in Singapore is an example of creating an atmosphere in which everyone can feel safe and accepted in carrying out religious practice according to Shariah, without feeling excluded or discriminated against.
The Singapore Muslim community’s view on LGBTQ+: acceptance of diversity and peaceful coexistence
In many countries around the world, LGBTQ+ remains a complex issue that gives rise to a wide range of viewpoints. Singapore, a country of high racial and religious diversity, has demonstrated a way of accepting and supporting coexistence between differing beliefs and ideas. The Muslim community in Singapore, led by MUIS, places importance on creating an environment in which every individual will have their dignity respected, regardless of sexual orientation, which is consistent with the Singapore government’s policy of supporting diverse understanding and cooperation between different communities.
Lessons drawn from the approach to LGBTQ+ individuals in the Singapore Muslim community
We have summarized and drawn several important lessons for building a peaceful society that is open to gender and racial diversity, from the document Religious Advice to the Singapore Muslim Community on LGBTQ+ Developments in Singapore, which can be summarized point by point as follows:
- Respecting dignity and safety: Every individual in society, regardless of sexual orientation, should be respected and feel safe within the community, which helps reduce feelings of alienation and promotes a peace in which everyone feels they belong.
- Providing open-minded counsel: Religious leaders should provide counsel to LGBTQ+ individuals without judgment or stigma, while providing religious support consistent with Shariah, so that LGBTQ+ individuals can maintain their faith and relationship with the Muslim community.
- Supporting a peaceful society: Using polite and respectful communication, reducing potential conflict between different belief groups, with an emphasis on coexistence in a diverse society in order to build stability.
- Learning and promoting understanding among youth: Allowing young people to learn and understand the value of respecting dignity and diversity, while instilling a friendly attitude, so that they are ready to live together with everyone in a diverse society.
- Preserving family values according to religious principles: MUIS emphasizes the importance of the family according to Shariah, promoting the building of strong families consistent with Islamic principles, with an emphasis on fostering good relationships within the family.
ARAYA House: support for LGBTQ+
ARAYA House, a social enterprise in Thailand, has received guidance from religious organizations in Thailand in creating a safe and open space for everyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals who wish to maintain their faith according to Islamic principles. This organization is committed to creating a space in which everyone can feel accepted and connected to religion without feeling judged or discriminated against, adhering to Shariah principles that emphasize respect for dignity and peaceful relationships within the community.
The work of ARAYA House, under the guidance of religious organizations in Thailand, also helps build genuine understanding within the Muslim community and drives peaceful coexistence in a diverse society. It is not only about working together with religious scholars, but also about helping create a sense of acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals who want a space to carry out religious practice and maintain their faith.
Conclusion: building a peaceful society through understanding and respect
The approach of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) demonstrates how the Muslim community can sustainably build a peaceful atmosphere that respects social diversity, without abandoning Islamic principles. Respect for the dignity and human value of everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, helps build a society in which everyone can feel that they belong and are safe.
For Thailand, this approach can be used as a model for building a society that respects differences, is open to everyone in society having human dignity, and can carry out religious practice peacefully. Opening up space in which everyone is treated with respect not only strengthens social stability, but also helps society achieve long-term peace and progress. Because ultimately, everyone being able to live with confidence and peace will be an important foundation for building a strong community that is accepted internationally.
References
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