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Countering Radicalisation without Stigmatisation
The recent ISA arrests of self-radicalised teenagers is a potent reminder of the dual nature of diversity: it can divide us, but also strengthen us. Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib discusses this duality and the mindset needed to harness the best of our diverse society.
The news of two self-radicalised teenagers caught under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in February this year reminds us that maintaining societal peace is not an easy task. Given Singapore’s diverse population, there is a need to recognise both the threats and opportunities that differences across race, religion, and culture, can bring. Differences can cause divisions and lead to conflicts. But it can also build strength through harnessing the dynamic range of capabilities within the community.
This dual nature of diversity is a reality worth reflecting on. In March 2021, while I was guiding a group of students at the Maghain Aboth Synagogue for interfaith exposure, news broke about the detention of a self-radicalised 20-year-old National Servicemen who planned to attack Jews. This juxtaposition, while ironic, was an important reminder. To me, a believer in interfaith dialogue, encountering religious diversity invites curiosity and the joy of learning from the different faiths and perspectives. But that same diversity can also invite fear, suspicion, and distrust.
It was unfortunate that the self-radicalised individual, aggrieved with the Israel-Palestine conflict, failed to make a distinction between the political nature of the conflict and Judaism as a faith. This failure is a feature of extremism, which abhors nuance and complexity. In the eyes of the extremist, the world is a binary of us and them.
That is why interfaith dialogue is often shunned by extremists. Dialogues are about seeking common ground while recognising our differences. For extremists, diversity is not merely an inconvenience, but calls for “us” to triumph over “them”, through hate and often violence.
Challenging the triumphalist notion of religion
It is therefore not surprising that when the two teenagers were detained recently, the influence of foreign radical preacher Zakir Naik was mentioned. Naik’s views are, undoubtedly, confrontational towards other religions. His segregationist attitude can cause divisiveness. His rhetoric can also push someone towards one logical conclusion: other religions are invalid and must be fought, erased, or eliminated.
Muslims should be wary of such a triumphalist notion of religion. It is particularly dangerous when used in a politicised context. For example, history shows how an anti-colonial attitude in Muslim societies also took an anti-Christian sentiment. In several Muslim countries, domestic political and economic problems were also often blamed on minority faith groups, fueling inter-religious conflicts between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Such problems, however, are not unique to the Muslim context. It can also be found in societies where Muslims are the minority, and they became targets of an intolerant and prejudiced public. We see, for example, the stigmatisation of entire Muslim communities in several European countries after a terrorist attack perpetrated by a few extremist Muslims.
Avoiding stigmatisation
This is where Singapore has adopted a different approach. After the Jemaah Islamiyah arrests in 2001, government and community leaders emphasised the need for calm and to not allow distrust and suspicion to fester between Singaporeans. The message is clear: we must not slide into stereotype, prejudice, and more importantly, stigmatisation.
Extremists may use Islam – or for that matter, any religion – in their ideological pursuits. But blaming an entire community is unwise. It can widen the divide and lead to exclusionary and discriminatory practices. Ultimately, a community that feels targeted will develop resentment. It then becomes fertile ground for further radicalisation.
On this aspect, it is important to highlight the collaborative efforts between the government and local Muslim leaders and organisations in tackling the threat of radicalisation. For example, the asatizah (religious teachers) community has been at the forefront of counselling radicalised individuals through the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG). Families of those detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) were also given welfare assistance through the Inter-Agency Aftercare Group (ACG). Many Muslim organisations have also conducted programmes to educate the Muslim public on the dangers of extremism and to promote Islamic values that embrace diversity, tolerance, and peace.
The earnest efforts by the Muslim community can also be seen through their interfaith work. One of the most respected interfaith leaders in Singapore is Imam Syed Hassan Al-Attas of Ba’alwie Mosque, who received many accolades and awards for his role as a bridgebuilder and peacemaker. It is also worth noting that several prominent interfaith groups––such as Centre for Interfaith Understanding, Dialogue Centre, Roses of Peace, The Whitehatters, hash.peace and Interfaith Youth Circle––were founded by or helmed by young Muslim leaders with a strong commitment towards building an inclusive and cohesive Singapore.
In addition, Muslim institutions such as the Harmony Centre has been active in promoting good relations between Muslims and non-Muslims since its inception in 2006. Many mosques and Muslim community leaders are also actively involved in the Racial and Religious Harmony Circle, which promotes good will and provide mediation at the constituency level.
Find a common ground
What is even better is to stand in solidarity with each other and declare that our religious diversity neither weaken nor divide us; it enriches and makes us better humans. We become stronger as a nation. Despite our differences, we can find common ground in the promotion of peaceful co-existence and hopes for a more humane world.
Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib
Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib is director of Dialogue Centre Limited, founding Board member of the Centre for Interfaith Understanding (CIFU) and co-editor of Progresif.net.