SINGAPORE, IslamOnline.net

Muslims in Singapore will launch a nationwide campaign during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, catering for the needy and the poor, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) organizes this year’s campaign under the title “Illuminating Hope of Fellow Beings”, Singapore’s The Straits Times reported Sunday, October 10.

During the month-long campaign, mosque volunteers will distribute food to needy families, including non-Muslims, in their neighborhood and clean their homes.

MUIS Spokesman Zainul Abidin Ibrahim told the paper several mosques, like Al-Khair mosque in Choa Chu Kang, have also taken the initiative and started distributing bread and leaflets to 2,000 Muslim and non-Muslim families.

MUIS, also known as the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura, was established in 1968, when the Administration of Muslim Law Act came into effect. Chief among its functions are administration of mosques, distribution of Zakah and issuance of fatwas.Help in Ramadan

University undergraduate Marlina Mohd Isa, 22, is one of those who hope to have a chance to help.

“Serving everyone who needs help is my way of making Ramadan meaningful, not just to Muslims but also to non-Muslims,” she told the paper.

She added that she was “happy to bring joy” to families that need it most.

“Helping others is a guiding principle of our religion, and that's what I try to do in order to be a good Muslim,” added nurse Predah Anam Hashim, 50, who has done community service for 21 years.

Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim said Islam is a “social religion that teaches believers to reach out and help people from all communities”.

“Islam is a religion that cares for the welfare and needs of those who are less fortunate, irrespective of religious and racial background,” the paper quoted him as saying.

Ramadan will fall Friday, October 15, in Singapore. Muslims make up around 15 percent of Singapore’s four million population.

Some 51 percent of the population practices Buddhism and Taoism.