We have all heard of the news and are deeply saddened.
Our MM Lee Kuan Yew has heaved his last breath.

As citizens of Singapore, we truly feel the loss for our beloved country. His contributions together with more fellow Singaporeans since 50 years ago have resulted in our country’s progress and development that we see today. Yes, there was a time when people said that Singapore couldn’t make it but we did, and all Praises are due to Allah.

A Malay saying goes, “berakit-rakit ke hulu berenang-renang ke tepian. Bersakit-sakit dahulu, bersenang-senang kemudian.” We started small, but look at us today; living in harmony regardless of race, language or religion, alhamdulillah. Let us be thankful for this and not be complacent about it.

One of the late MM Lee’s contributions to the Muslim community that carries through till today is the broadcast of the Azan (Call to Prayer), aired five times a day on our local radio station, Warna 94.2fm. Many might not be aware of this contribution of his. In fact, it was weeks ago when this information was shared with us in a conversation with Habib Hassan, Baalwie Mosque’s Imam.

MM Lee’s death reminds us of Rasulullah’s ﷺ saying in Sunan An-Nasa-i. It was narrated that Sahl bin Hunaif and Qais bin Sa’d bin ‘Ubadah were in Al-Qadisiyyah when a funeral passed by them, so they stood up (to show respect).
And it was said to them: ‘It is one of the local people.’ They said: ‘a funeral passed the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and he stood up, and it was said to him: It is a Jew.
He ﷺ said: ‘Is it not a soul?” In another narration, “was he not a human being or did he not have a soul?”

Glory be to Allah! Look at how Rasulullah ﷺ reacted. He stood up and highlighted the importance of respecting the souls despite the differences in faith. Yes, we may have a different beliefs, but that does not mean that we should respect others any less. Rasulullah ﷺ is indeed a blessing to all and as his followers, let us continue to spread the blessings and together we spread the beauty of Islam through our Akhlaq.

Our deepest condolences to MM Lee’s family.
May Allah continue to bless our beloved country. Aameen.