Topic: “Reclaiming Islam in the Public Space: Between Islamic Theology, Extremism
and Muslim Opinion”
Scholar: Dr Hisham A. Hellyer
Theme: Religion, Society and the Public Sphere
Date: 26 February 2016
By Shereen Mohd Idris
The closed-door discussion on Reclaiming
Islam in the Public Space was held on 26 February 2016.
It was attended by about 85 participants from faith
communities, academic institutions, public agencies,
local NGOs and students.
2
Reclaiming Islam was an affirmative session
that explored the following questions – what is the
success rate, if any, and the impact of counterterrorism efforts?; what are possible roles that
religion/Islam can contribute to and navigate the
secular, plural, modern world?; and what are possible
parameters for a forward-looking, solution-centric
understanding of Islam’s possible contributions to the
contemporary world?
3
The main take away impressed that while
Muslims have a role to play in counter-terrorism
efforts, nonetheless, they have wider and a more
significant role to play in other facets of the plural
modern world.
4
Firstly, the role of Islam and Muslims is not
confined to countering ideological extremism
manifested in groups such as ISIS, because, they are not
the sole factor responsible for it. Dr Hellyer asserted
that there are multiple causes for the proliferation of
extremism including misguided religious legitimacy,
socio-economics, foreign policy and the media. The
process that perpetuates violent extremism is a
complex, personal and powerful process.
5
Therefore, Dr Hellyer suggests that the current
strategies to counter and prevent radicalization thus far
have had limited success as they were not holistic and
integrated in nature and had instead over-emphasised
religious and security measures (which may be argued,
sustains a strategy of war). Alternatively, moving
forward, a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach
ought to be considered and implemented.
6
Due to the current global extremism
phenomenon, the contribution of Islamic thought in
the public space is hijacked and restricted. Dr Hellyer
argues that Islamic thought has the potential to
contribute widely to the contemporary world. Thus,
one of the key questions of the session, and indeed of
MA’s Islamic Discourse Framework is how religion and
the faithful can effectively navigate the secular, plural,
modern public space, achieve their potential and be
valued citizens?
7
The parameters for religion to contribute is
two-pronged – it has to be thriving in an open,
inclusive, nurturing, appreciative and rigorous public
space; and it has to develop its internal capacities and
make itself relevant.
8
In times of heightened Islamophobia, sectarian
strife, political unrest and social upheaval and
economic downturns, Singapore remains a safe and
inclusive society, where religions are not only tolerated
but appreciated and their contributions encouraged
and valued as integral building stones of the country.
9
Internal capacity building undertaken by the
Muslim
community
in
Singapore
includes
strengthening general religious literacy for a more
discerning public; revitalising specialised Islamic
sciences for more contemporary relevance and
application; developing a schema that recognises
pluralistic, authentic and credible Islamic scholars and
thinkers; and finally, fostering a culture of diversity,
discourse and development.
10
Furthermore, Dr Hellyer stressed the need for
a more progressive idea of citizenship and urged
Singaporean Muslims to elevate their pre-occupation
with their status as an ethnic minority to their status as
equal citizens. Such an empowering mind-shift would
lead to better participation, networking and
engagement in public discourse on the future direction
of the nation.
11
Moving forward, there is a need to reflect on
the role of religion in society. For instance, what are the
key concepts that can harness religion’s contribution
towards achieving the common good? What are the
creative tools available for the religious to navigate the
public space? How do we increase religious literacy,
intra/inter religious collaboration as well as deeper and
critical engagement with developments in Islamic
thinking?
© Muis Academy 2016