Representative Leadership: Building Bridges for Muslim Communities
As Singaporean Muslims, we're part of a unique and vibrant community. Every day, we balance our Islamic faith, cultural traditions, and responsibilities as citizens. This juggling act can be challenging, but it's essential for our personal growth and our community's success. That's why the idea of representative leadership is becoming increasingly important. It's not just a fancy term – it's about having leaders who truly understand our daily struggles and can speak up for our needs while also helping us contribute meaningfully to Singapore's progress.
But what exactly is representative leadership, and why does it matter to us as Singaporean Muslims?
At the recent International Conference on Communities of Success (ICCOS) 2024, experts from around the world gathered to discuss important topics, including on representative leadership. Let's explore some key insights they shared and see how we can apply them to our lives.
Representative leadership is about having leaders who not only understand and voice our community's needs but also bridge gaps between Muslims and the wider society. These leaders play a vital role in fostering understanding, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring our community thrives while contributing positively to the nation.
In his keynote address at ICCOS 2024, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam emphasised the importance of building strong, cohesive communities in Singapore's multi-ethnic society. He highlighted that "building communities of success for our minority communities is not just good to have, but a necessity. When a minority community underperforms its potential or is discriminated against, it challenges the values we hold dear as a country."
The President also stressed the continuous nature of this work, noting that "building a multi-religious and multicultural compact is a continuous journey, and we can never take our foot off the pedal." These words underscore the significance of effective community leadership and the role each of us plays in fostering a harmonious, inclusive society.
Shifting Demographics: New Challenges and Opportunities
Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, a consultant psychiatrist, President of LBKM (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Memorial Scholarship Fund Board or Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud) and a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) in Singapore, highlighted an interesting trend. He noted that while Muslims have traditionally made up about 15% of Singapore's population, this percentage is growing among younger age groups. In fact, for those aged 15-34, Muslims now represent closer to 20% of the population.
Read: 5 Muslim Pioneers of Singapore and Their Contributions
This shift brings both opportunities and challenges. As Dr Syed Harun pointed out, it may require us to rethink some of our approaches to community issues. For instance, how might religious guidance evolve as our community grows? How can our leaders balance the needs of a larger Muslim population with those of other communities in Singapore?
Another trend Dr Syed Harun mentioned is the rise in inter-ethnic marriages among Muslims. About one-quarter of Muslim marriages in Singapore now involve couples from different ethnic backgrounds. This diversity within our community means our leaders need to be sensitive to a wider range of cultural perspectives and experiences.
These changes remind us that our community is dynamic and evolving. As such, our approach to leadership must also adapt to remain relevant and effective.
Building Bridges Beyond Our Community
Dr Baptiste Brodard, a sociologist and researcher in Islamic Studies from Switzerland, emphasised that Muslim leaders in minority contexts must navigate between three key spheres: the Muslim community, the state, and broader society.
He shared examples of effective community leaders from Europe, such as Imam Adam Kelwick from Liverpool, UK. During a time of tension when far-right protesters gathered outside his mosque, Imam Kelwick took a bold step. Instead of staying inside, he and other community members crossed police lines to offer food to the protesters. This gesture of peace and humanity helped defuse a potentially volatile situation.
This example shows how representative leaders can turn challenges into opportunities for dialogue and understanding. By reaching out to those who may misunderstand or fear Islam, these leaders help break down stereotypes and build bridges between communities.
Dr Brodard also stressed the importance of leaders who can balance religious knowledge with practical action in society. It's not enough to simply speak about Islamic principles – effective leaders must embody these values in their daily lives and community work.
Read: Dismantling Islamophobia With Compassion and Understanding
Empowering Women in Leadership
Ms Amina Rasul-Bernardo, President of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, brought our attention to the crucial role of women in community leadership. She highlighted how women, particularly in regions like Muslim Mindanao, are often at the forefront of peacebuilding and community development efforts.
Ms Rasul-Bernardo shared that in the Philippines, most madrasah teachers are women. This puts them in a unique position to influence the next generation and promote positive values within the community. She advocated for empowering these women further, not just in education but also in areas like conflict resolution and community organising.
This perspective reminds us of the importance of inclusivity in leadership. By ensuring women have opportunities to lead and contribute their unique insights, we strengthen our community as a whole.
Allah s.w.t. reminds us in the Quran:
وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَٰتُ بَعۡضُهُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءُ بَعۡضٖۚ يَأۡمُرُونَ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَيَنۡهَوۡنَ عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤۡتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَيُطِيعُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥٓۚ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ سَيَرۡحَمُهُمُ ٱللَّهُۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٞ
"And the believing men and the believing women, some of them protectors of others. They command with the goodness and they stop over the weirdness, and they make constant the prayer and they bring the purity, and they obey the God and His Messengers. Those, soon He will mercy them, the God. Surely the God Mighty, Wise."
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:71)
This verse emphasises the partnership between men and women in building a righteous community. By embracing this principle in our leadership structures, we can tap into the full potential of our community.
Balancing Community Needs with Broader Contributions
Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi raised an important point about the scope of representative leadership. While it's natural to focus on issues directly affecting the Muslim community, he argued that truly effective leaders must also engage with broader societal concerns.
He used the example of Madam Halimah Yacob, Singapore's first Muslim woman President, whose influence is felt and has resonated globally, especially in Muslim-majority countries, amplifying the voices of Muslim women and challenging stereotypes about Islamic leadership.
Throughout her career, Madam Halimah has advocated for various causes, including women's rights, support for less privileged families, and mental health awareness. By addressing these wider issues, she not only serves the Muslim community but also demonstrates how Muslims can contribute positively to the nation as a whole.
This approach aligns with the Islamic principle of being a benefit to all of humanity. The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said:
خَيْرُ النَّاسِ أَنْفَعُهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ
"The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people."
(Narrated by At-Tabrani)
By encouraging our leaders to engage with issues beyond our immediate community, we fulfil this prophetic guidance and strengthen our position as valued members of Singaporean society.
Read: 4 Muslims Who Made Amazing Discoveries During the Islamic Golden Age
Building Trust and Collaboration
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of trust-building, both within the Muslim community and with other groups in society. Dr Syed Harun shared insights from the Tunas@M3 Leadership Program, which brings together young Muslim leaders from various organisations.
This program fosters a sense of collective trust and understanding among future community leaders. By creating opportunities for open dialogue and collaboration, it helps break down silos between different Muslim organisations and encourages a more unified approach to community development.
Read: Reflections from a Youth on the Role of Youth Leaders Tomorrow
This collaborative spirit is essential not just within the Muslim community but also in our interactions with other faith groups and government bodies. As Dr Brodard pointed out, effective Muslim leaders must be able to act as bridges, facilitating understanding and cooperation across different sectors of society.
The Quran encourages us in this direction:
وَتَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلۡبِرِّ وَٱلتَّقۡوَىٰۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡعُدۡوَٰنِ
"And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression."
(Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:2)
This verse reminds us that collaboration towards good is a divine instruction. By fostering trust and cooperation, our leaders can help create a more harmonious and productive relationship between the Muslim community and wider Singaporean society.
Read: Strengthening Social Cohesion: 5 Lessons from Surah Al-Hujurat
Embracing Technology and Innovation
Ms Rasul-Bernardo shared an interesting initiative from her work in the Philippines – the use of podcasts to reach and educate community members. This approach, born out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed them to continue sharing knowledge and experiences even when face-to-face meetings were impossible.
This example highlights the importance of embracing new technologies and innovative approaches in community leadership. In our rapidly changing world, effective leaders must be willing to adapt and find creative ways to connect with and serve their communities.
For Singaporean Muslims, this might mean exploring digital platforms for religious education, using social media to promote interfaith dialogue, or developing apps to coordinate community service efforts. By staying open to innovation, we can ensure our community remains dynamic and relevant in the digital age.
Building Sustainable Leadership Structures
A key question addressed during the panel discussion was how Muslim minority communities can ensure leadership isn't overly dependent on charismatic individuals. Panellists emphasised the importance of consensus-based decision-making, rooted in Islamic tradition, and thorough vetting of potential leaders. They advocated for a balance between inspiring individuals and strong institutions, highlighting the need to develop robust systems that can support and sustain effective Muslim leadership in diverse societies.
Read: Addressing Misconceptions: Islam and Diversity
Conclusion: Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders
As we've explored, representative leadership is crucial for the continued growth and success of our Muslim community in Singapore. It's about more than just speaking on behalf of Muslims – it's about building bridges, fostering understanding, and contributing positively to our nation's development.
The insights shared at ICCOS 2024 offer valuable guidance for nurturing the next generation of Muslim leaders in Singapore. By embracing diversity within our community, engaging with broader societal issues, building trust through collaboration, and staying open to innovation, we can develop leaders who are truly representative of our community's needs and aspirations.
As individual Muslims, we all have a role to play in this process. We can support and encourage emerging leaders, participate actively in community initiatives, and strive to be positive ambassadors of our faith in our daily interactions with others.
Read: The Muslim Community Experience Towards a Community of Success
Let's take inspiration from the Quranic guidance:
كُنتُمۡ خَيۡرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخۡرِجَتۡ لِلنَّاسِ تَأۡمُرُونَ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَتَنۡهَوۡنَ عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ وَتُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِۗ
"You are the best nation produced (as an example) for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah."
(Surah Ali 'Imran, 3:110)
This verse reminds us of our potential to be a positive force in the world. By nurturing strong, representative leadership, we can work towards fulfilling this divine description of our ummah.
As we move forward, let's commit to supporting and developing leaders who can effectively represent our community's interests while contributing to the broader tapestry of Singaporean society. In doing so, we not only strengthen our own community but also enrich our nation as a whole.
Read: The Importance of Social Cohesion in Islam
May Allah s.w.t. guide us in this endeavour and grant us leaders who embody the best of our faith and values. Ameen.
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