Christian–Muslim Relations in Singapore

Guat Kwee See

Paperback

9789811438103

From Independence to Post 9/11

Christian-Muslim relations in Singapore are influenced by a the past. The founding of Singapore by the British and the subsequent arrival of Christian missionaries had impacted the Malays, who were primarily Muslims. The economic and religious isolation of Muslims, especially after the Treaty of Pangkor and British policies, led to precarious, and often hostile, Christian-Muslim relations. Christian proselytisation became a key point of contention. After Singapore’s independence, the rise of religious revivalism within the Christian and Muslim communities resulted in rivalries that had to be kept at bay. Among others, the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act was introduced in 1990 to manage inter-religious relations in the republic. This book explores the historical context of Christian- Muslim relations in Singapore, tracing its ebbs and flows from the nation’s independence in 1965 to the immediate years after the fall of the Twin Towers in 2001, which charted a new era of inter-religious relations.

Contents:

Introduction - Singapore in the Midst of Southeast Asia

1 - The Forgotten History: Raffles and the Malay Rulers in Singapore

2 - Issues Affecting Christian-Muslim Relations: Singapore Between 1819-1965

3 - The Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO): Its Foundations, Beginnings and Mission

4 - The Tragedy of Nadra: The Maria Hertogh Riots of 1950

5 - Nation-State and the Maintenance of Religious Harmony

6 - Christian-Muslim Dialogue in Post 9/11 Singapore