SINGAPORE - The first
ever Mosque Family Day was attended by more than 7,000 members from
Singapore's 69 mosques, who gathered at Pasir Ris Park on Sunday (Jan 31) for a
day of bonding activities.
A
Singapore record for the longest chain of knotted sarongs - measuring 530m -
was also set at the event, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis)
said in a press release.
More
than 500 people were involved in tying the sarongs from one end to the other,
symbolising close bonds within the community and the nation.
Mosque
Family Day was held in recognition of the mosque volunteers who had
sacrificed their time to serve the Muslim community, with six
families given the inaugural Mosque Exemplary Family Awards to honour
their contributions.
Minister
for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim, Muis president Mohd
Alami Musa, Muis chief executive Abdul Razak Maricar, and Mufti of Singapore,
Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram attended the event.
Speaking
to the media, Dr Yaacob, who was guest of honour, said that the mosques have
become "significant nodes within the national grid", contributing to
social cohesion through their close links with grassroots organisations,
Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles, social service offices and other
voluntary welfare organisations.
He
cited the examples of mosques actively partnering with national agencies such
as the Health Promotion Board to promote a healthy lifestyle, and the National
Environment Agency to care for the environment.
Moving
forward, mosques will continue to open their doors to the wider community
regardless or race or religion, Dr Yaacob, who is also Minister-in-charge of
Muslim Affairs, added.
Straits Times