Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. O Allah! I seek refuge in You from knowingly associating partners with You in any way, and I seek Your forgiveness for that which I do not know. Ameen.
As of all of us are aware, Singapore is a multi-ethnic, multi-race and multi-religious country. From time to time, our government never fail to remind us of the importance of establishing good relationship with one another. The establishment of Inter-Religious Organization (IRO) also assists the government in promoting this message. IRO’S timeless purpose to achieve harmony of faiths in Singapore has since been growing interfaith ties in Singapore, and nurturing
inter-religious connections.
So how do you respect other religions? Well, to answer this question, let's us take a look at some of these examples:
1. Establish friendly relations with adherents of other religions
Making friends with adherents of a different religion from yours is a way of respecting other religions that you can do. You are allowed to associate with anyone, including making friends with adherents of other religions as long as it does not bring badness.
2. Allow adherents of other religions to carry out their religious ritual activities in the neighborhood where you live
Every religion has its own rituals. Whatever type of ritual it is as long as it doesn't lead to unlawful behavior, then you must allow it to be carried out in the environment where you live. You cannot be selfish, by only allowing your religious activities to be carried out even though the religion you profess is the majority religion in your environment.
3. And don't interfere with their religious activities either
It's good that you allowed other religious activities to be carried out. However, it will all mean nothing if you keep interrupting their activities. Instead of being respectful towards followers of other religions, you will trigger divisions between your religious people and theirs.
4. Let their place of worship be built
Is it okay if only your place of worship can be built while others can't? It's not fair. Singapore does not only recognize one religion, but there are several. So, you should show the attitude of a good citizen by allowing other religious places of worship to be built as well.
5. Routinely establish relationships with adherents of other religions
Our religion may be different, but our country is still one. Thus, we cannot afford to isolate ourselves and stay away from dealing with followers of other religions.
6. Helping followers of other religions who are in trouble
It is everyone's duty to help each other, regardless of one's background. So, if any of your neighbors are in trouble, give them help even though their religion is different from yours. After all, every religion teaches to do good, right?
7. You can respect other religions by attending their invitation
If it doesn't violate the rules of your religion, then there's nothing wrong with fulfilling an invitation to an event from someone of a different religion to you. Whether it's an invitation to attend an annual birthday, thanksgiving, wedding party, and others. Whatever it is if it is not related to religious matters, attend it.
8. Be fair with people of other religions
Don't just say someone follows the same religion as you, then you defend him even though he's wrong. While those who do right, you blame only because their religion is different from yours. This is called a discriminatory attitude that you must stay away from because it does not at all show the behavior of a dignified nation like Indonesia. Instead, always be objective and fair to everyone regardless of their background.
9. Don't trap followers of other religions
Although in general religion teaches good things, but still each religion has its own rules that may be different from your religion. For example, Islam only allows its adherents to eat halal food. Well, if you know about this, don't let those of you who follow a non-Islamic religion trap them by giving them food that is not halal. If you behave like that, then it means you do not respect the teachings of other religions.
10. Involve people of other religions in any activities if necessary
Be it mutual assistance activities in developing neighborhoods to national-scale celebrations, involve other religious people if needed. This will make followers of other religions feel respected because you are still receptive to their opinions and help. After all, you will never know how much benefit they can provide when you involve them in participating in your activities. So, involve anyone regardless of religious background.
Wallahualam.
