Singapore madrasahs help address radicalism

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Singapore madrasahs help address radicalism.

In Singapore, madrasahs or Muslim religious schools, are eager to dispel these associations. They teach a combination of religious and secular classes, preparing their students to practice the peaceful teachings of Islam.

Students attending a class in a madrasah. /CGTN Photo

Farah Mahamood Aljunied, the director of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, told CGTN's Assignment Asia that the island's madrasahs are able to provide students with the knowledge, understanding and values that are necessary for them not only to practice their religion, but also to counter radicalism.

Islamic religious teacher Siti Nur Alaniah Abdul Wahid believes that Singapore's madrasahs have proven their positive impact in the fight against radicalism.

"I would confidently say that the fact that none of Singapore's madrasah students ended up as an extremist is quite a positive indicator. It shows that the madrasah is not a breeding ground for terrorism."

A science class underway in a madrasah. /CGTN Photo

Despite their small numbers within Singapore's education system, madrasah students have big dreams.

Armed with their madrasah education, Muslim youth are prepared not only for their future but are also confident of their role in bringing about greater inter-religious and cultural understanding both within Singapore and beyond.

(Assignment Asia is CGTN's award-winning current affairs program featuring long-form stories and documentaries on some of the most pressing issues in the region. The show airs Saturdays at 1330 and 2130 GMT, with replays every Sunday at 0630, Monday at 0130, and Tuesday at 0530. )