SINGAPORE — Warning that religious knowledge should be obtained from credible sources, a group of seven Muslim scholars noted that teachings, such as those acquired online from unverified preachers, could lead to “misguided” or “erroneous” understanding of Islam.

In a letter to the media on Tuesday (June 13), the group urged Muslims here to be proactive in reaching out to other communities “so that people will know who (they) truly are”.

“As part of a multiracial society in Singapore, we need to be aware that our actions have implications on other communities. This case is bound to cause unease and anxiety among them. They may become suspicious of Muslims, especially Muslim women who interact directly with the general public,” said the group, referring to the recent detention of radicalised infant care assistant Syaikhah Izzah Zahrah Al Ansari.

Mr Mohd Kamal Mokhtar, a Syariah Court appeal board member, who penned the letter on the group’s behalf, told TODAY that Izzah, 22, had not been taught about the religion “properly”.

“She got it online. Online, you cannot make out what is right and what is wrong. You cannot verify the background of the preachers and the sources,” said Mr Kamal.

In its letter, the group urged the Muslim community to acquire religious knowledge through accredited asatizahs or religious teachers. As of June this year, there are 2,818 asatizahs registered under the mandatory Asatizah Recognition Scheme, said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore.

Saying that religion should be learnt step by step, Mr Kamal noted that in Islamic learning, “there are processes that you have to follow”.

“If you want to study, you study from Primary 1, and you follow the steps. If you go straight to university level, and you try to understand the concept, you get lost,” he said.

Encouraging Muslims here to join community events, the group said that it is imperative for  Singaporeans to know that they are “just like them and have similar aspirations”.

“Like others, we also wish to contribute to nation-building and hope for the best for everyone.” A clear distinction has to be drawn between Islam and terrorism, said the group. “The first step we could take is to ensure that Singaporeans understand that Islam has no connection whatsoever with terrorism. Islam is a religion of peace.”

The Muslim community also has to pay close attention to individuals who are influenced by terrorist ideology and openly support terrorist acts around the world. These individuals have to be identified and counselled properly, the group stressed.

“Terrorist ideology should be likened to deviant teachings, which must be reported to the authorities so that its influence could be curbed and the individuals involved rehabilitated,” it said.