Annual Qaryah Iftar at Masjid Khalid – Speech by Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs

My Parliamentary Colleagues,

President of MUIS, and MUIS Senior Management,

Mosque Chairman and Community Leaders,

Qaryah Leaders and volunteers,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

1. Alhamdulillah, we gather this evening in the blessed month of Ramadan at Masjid Khalid. It is especially meaningful that this is the fourth year Masjid Khalid is hosting this buka puasa to honour our Qaryah leaders and volunteers. This tradition reflects a community that values and remembers those who serve faithfully and quietly behind the scenes.

2. Today’s buka puasa is more than just a gathering. It is a heartfelt expression of appreciation, and a clear affirmation that the Government and MUIS stand firmly with you in the important work that you do.

3. Ramadan reminds us that ibadah is not only about personal devotion, but also about service to others. Our Prophet Muhammad Rasullah SAW reminded us that the best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.

4. Our Qaryah leaders and volunteers embody this spirit beautifully. Each year, in collaboration with MUIS and our mosques, you bring prayer spaces closer to residents’ homes, enabling seniors and those with mobility challenges to perform their ibadah alongside the community. These spaces are not just for convenience; they are a source of comfort and dignity for them during this blessed month of Ramadan.

5. This year, Qaryah groups islandwide have collectively provided about 15,500 prayer spaces – an increase of nearly 20% from last year. We are also heartened to see new Qaryah groups opening prayer spaces in neighbourhoods such as Choa Chu Kang, Tengah and Pasir Ris.

6. More than these figures, these efforts strengthen neighbourly ties, nurture a sense of belonging, and reflect the compassion and sincerity that define our community.

7. Your work serves as an inspiration to our younger generation of the importance of service, and encouraging them to take up the mantle and ensure that the work and spirit of the Qaryah continues to thrive in the years ahead.

8. There will be challenges, but we must persevere together. We also cannot ignore developments beyond our shores, such as the recent attacks in the Middle East, which have further escalated tensions in an already fragile region.

9. We pray for the protection of civilian lives and for wisdom among leaders, that dialogue and restraint will prevail over further confrontation, especially during this blessed month of Ramadan. Let us continue to pray for those affected and remain calm and united here at home to safeguard the communal harmony we have painstakingly built.

10. It is precisely in times like these, such ground-up efforts such as yours matter even more. When communities remain connected, caring and resilient, we safeguard the harmony and stability that Singapore holds dear. These efforts reflect the Ramadan values of gratitude, graciousness and giving, and they form the foundation of our interfaith harmony and national unity.

11. Whether it is supporting a vulnerable family, organising a prayer space, or reaching out across racial and religious lines, your actions show that we will not allow division to take root here.

12. Please allow me to say a few words in Malay to conclude my speech.

13. Para hadirin sekalian, usaha Qaryah di sini sememangnya amat membanggakan. Penyediaan kira-kira 15,500 ruang solat di kawasan perumahan – peningkatan hampir 20 peratus berbanding tahun lalu – bukan sekadar memenuhi keperluan ruang solat. Ia mencerminkan nilai kasih sayang, ihsan dan rasa tanggung-jawab kita terhadap warga emas, golongan kurang upaya, serta jiran-jiran di sekeliling kita.

14. Inilah semangat Ramadan yang sebenar – merapatkan ukhuwah, meringankan beban mereka yang diuji, dan menyantuni setiap insan dengan penuh keprihatinan dan rahmah.

15. Dalam landskap global yang kian tidak menentu, dengan pelbagai konflik dan ketegangan yang sedang berlaku, kita mesti terus berwaspada dan tidak terpengaruh dengan sentimen yang boleh memecah-belahkan masyarakat kita. Teruskanlah berdoa untuk semua yang terjejas oleh ketegangan di Timur Tengah.

16. Ramadan juga mengajar kita erti ketahanan dan kesabaran. Dengan semangat kerjasama, saling percaya dan hormat-menghormati antara satu sama lain, dan juga antara kaum dan agama, kita mampu terus membina masyarakat yang bersatu padu dan harmoni.

17. Semoga kita terus istiqamah dalam berkhidmat dan memperkukuh ikatan sesama kita. Kepada para pemimpin dan sukarelawan Qaryah, terima kasih atas dedikasi dan khidmat bakti anda. Semoga Allah SWT menerima segala usaha anda sebagai ibadah, melipat-gandakan ganjaran dalam bulan yang penuh keberkatan ini, serta di-kurniakan kesihatan dan kekuatan untuk terus melaksanakan usaha-usaha murni.

18. Terima kasih dan Selamat berbuka puasa.