Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Logo of MUIS | |
Agency overview | |
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Formed | 1968 |
Jurisdiction | Government of Singapore |
Headquarters | 273 Braddell Road, Singapore Islamic Hub, Singapore 579702 |
Employees | 127 (2012)[1] |
Annual budget | 2.248 million SGD (2012)[1] |
Agency executives |
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Parent agency | Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth |
Website |
www |
The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (Abbreviation: MUIS), also known as the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore is a statutory board in Singapore. Its role is to look after the interests of Singapore's Muslim community.
History and role
MUIS was established in 1968 when the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) came into effect.
The principal functions of MUIS are: [2]
- Administration of Muslim affairs e.g. zakat, wakaf (endowment), pilgrimage affairs, and halal certification
- Construction and administration of mosques development and management
- Administration of Madrasah and Islamic education
- Issuance of fatwas (religious rulings)
- Provision of financial relief to poor and needy Muslims
Under AMLA, MUIS is a statutory board of the Singapore Government. It comes under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth,[3] and under the direct supervision of the Minister-In-Charge of Muslim Affairs.
Its primary statutory role is to advise the President of Singapore on all Islamic matters as well as the religious interests and issues faced by the Muslim Community in Singapore.
The Council of MUIS
The Council of MUIS operates as the overall decision-making body and has responsibility for the formulation of policies and operational plans.
The Council comprises the President of MUIS, the Mufti of Singapore, persons recommended by the Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs and other persons nominated by Muslim organisations. The President of Singapore appoints all members of the Council.
As of 2013 Haji Mohd Alami Musa serves as President of MUIS and Dr Mohamed Fatris bin Bakaram as the Mufti of Singapore. [4]
Singapore Islamic Hub
MUIS' headquarters is at the Singapore Islamic Hub situated along Braddell Road.
The SIH, which is also known as the Hub of the Community, is a landmark of progress for Islamic development in Singapore.
The SIH comprises the Muhajirin Mosque (which symbolises Iman or Faith), Madrasah Irsyad Zuhri Al-Islamiah (Ilmu or Knowledge) and Muis Headquarters (Amal or Deeds).
Halal Certifications
The MUIS Halal services formally started in 1978. The move to set up its Halal Certification Strategic Unit was driven by the increasing demand for Halal-certified products and eating establishments, as well as the need to regulate the Halal industry.
In 2009, Muis certified more than 2,600 premises and has played an important role as the custodian of Halal food assurance for Singapore’s 15% Muslim population. Furthermore, the promising Halal food industry with the availability of many Halal-certified eating establishments has helped to foster social interaction between individuals from diverse racial, cultural and religious backgrounds.[5]
References
- 1 2 "Expenditure Estimates for the Financial Year 2013/2014" (PDF). Ministry of Finance. 2013: 403. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
- ↑ "" MUIS
- ↑ "MCYS to MSF: What will change?". Ministry of Social and Family Development. 24 October 2012. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
- ↑ "Council of MUIS" MUIS
- ↑ http://www.muis.gov.sg/cms/services/hal.aspx?id=1714