Masjid Yusof Ishak apologised for an “inappropriate” dance demonstration during the Chinese New Year celebrations held at the mosque premises on Saturday (24 Feb).
The apology, posted on the mosque’s Facebook page, came after the event drew flak from some netizens who questioned why such an event was held in a mosque, instead of another venue like a Community Centre.
Staff at Masjid Yusof Ishak have since clarified that the event was held in the mosque’s basement carpark. They added that the event was organised in collaboration with grassroots partners and was “aimed at strengthening cultural ties amongst our various races.”
While emphasising the importance of multiculturalism and social cohesion, the mosque acknowledged that it should not have permitted an impromptu dance segment during the programme as this is “inappropriate in a mosque setting”. The mosque acknowledged that this was and oversight by the organising committee and apologised to the congregation:
“Masjid Yusof Ishak Mosque Management Board would like to clarify regarding the recent Chinese New Year lunch programme held at our mosque on Saturday 24 Feb 2018.
“The programme was organised by the mosque together with our grassroots partners and was aimed at strengthening cultural ties amongst our various races. It was held at the basement carpark of the mosque and was attended by residents from three welfare homes. The mosque believes strongly in the values of multiculturalism and the importance of social cohesion, as these are consistent with Islam and the ethos of Rahmatan Lil Alamin (being blessings to all).
“Unfortunately, some elements of the programme, which involved traditional music and songs to bring festive cheer to the residents of the welfare homes, resulted in an impromptu dance demonstration segment. We acknowledge that this is inappropriate in a mosque setting. This was an oversight by the organising committee and we deeply apologise for the distress that it has caused to our jemaah. We will strive to ensure that such incident will not be repeated.
“We thank jemaah for your feedback and look forward to your continued support for our mosques.”
Netizens responding to the apology commended the mosque for its heartfelt explanation and urged the community to move on:
https://theindependent.sg.sg/mosque-draws-flak-netizens-for-organising-cny-celebration-in-its-premises/