As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, evenings in our heartlands have become ever more lively.
As the sun sets, Singaporean Muslims observing the fast have welcomed those of other faiths, coming together to buka puasa at community events. Among them are PAP MPs and volunteers, who have organised such gatherings to encourage residents to mingle and connect.
For MP Hazlina Abdul Halim (East Coast GRC), joining her residents for Tarawih prayers has brought back childhood memories.
“I remembered following my grandma for prayers under the void decks. It was a core memory that reminded me of Singapore’s multi-religious beauty,” shared Ms Hazlina.
Over at Yishun, more than 2000 residents came together for the annual Harmony Break of Fast.
“The scale of the effort is incredible. 250 volunteers in all, many kilograms of chopped onions and condiments, multiple pots of cooked food, and importantly, many hours in the labour of love for the community,” said MP Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi (Nee Soon GRC).
For MOS Rahayu Mahzam (Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC) meeting young people at the #Terawih4Youth event at Masjid Sultan was an inspirational moment.
“These are the kind of ground-up efforts that strengthen our bonds and keep our youths connected to the mosque and to one another,” shared MOS Rahayu.
She also organised an informal buka puasa gathering for law students to connect them with Malay/Muslim lawyers.
“For many of the students, this is a chance to see what the path ahead may look like, and to hear from those who once sat in the same lecture halls, asking the same questions about their future,” she shared.
“Moments like this matter. Because it reminds us that behind every profession is a community that supports, guides, and lifts the next generation forward.”
Moments like this, too, have been a longstanding feature of Singapore’s social fabric. Where, regardless of race and religion, Singaporeans continue to forge close bonds and help out one another.
In an increasingly fractured world, where many countries find themselves divided along ethnic and religious lines, our social cohesion is an outlier.
Our shared history has taught us never to take racial and religious harmony for granted.
“Harmony did not happen by chance. It was built patiently over generations through mutual respect, trust and understanding. These are values we must continue to uphold and pass on.
“Each generation has a responsibility to strengthen it – through how we live, interact and treat one another,” said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Across our heartlands, PAP MPs and volunteers work hard to strengthen the bonds we share. Block parties to celebrate festivities, cooking workshops, and short holiday trips overseas. There is always something going on every week, all year round. Through these shared experiences, Singaporeans can build trust and understanding with each other.
In addition, religious organisations have also stepped up to promote harmony.
Through inter-faith dialogues and cultural activities, they create safe spaces for Singaporeans to ask questions, clear misconceptions, and find common ground with others of different faiths.
As residents gather each evening during the fasting month — sharing meals, stories and prayers — they demonstrate that Singapore’s diversity is our source of strength.
These simple yet meaningful acts of togetherness serve as a reminder of our uniqueness.
“The world around us is becoming increasingly complex. We cannot control events beyond our borders, but we can prepare ourselves and stand ready for whatever lies ahead,” said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
And in times like this, our unity in diversity will be Singapore’s greatest strength.
