Singapore Mourns Loss of Longest-Serving Mufti

Tributes pour in for **Sheikh Syed Isa Semait**, champion of interfaith harmony

Singapore is in mourning after the passing of **Sheikh Syed Isa Semait**, the nation’s longest-serving Mufti, who died on July 7 at the age of 87. Serving for nearly four decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Muslim community and fostering interfaith dialogue.

A Pillar of Religious Harmony

As Singapore’s highest Islamic authority, **Sheikh Syed Isa** oversaw crucial religious rulings. His funeral prayer, held at the Sultan Mosque, was led by **Habib Hassan Al-Attas**. High-ranking officials including Prime Minister **Lawrence Wong** and Senior Minister **Lee Hsien Loong** paid their respects.

In social media posts, **PM Wong** hailed **Sheikh Syed Isa** as a “tireless champion for social harmony,” emphasizing his dedication to inter-faith engagement. He was a life member and former president of the Inter-Religious Organisation, and served on both the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony and the Presidential Council for Minority Rights.

**SM Lee** recalled meeting **Sheikh Syed Isa** in 1988, highlighting his understanding of what was needed to create a harmonious society. According to a 2023 study by Pew Research Center, Singapore ranks as one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world, with a high degree of social harmony (Pew Research Center).

Contributions to the Muslim Community

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) described **Sheikh Syed Isa**’s death as a “great loss to the Singapore Muslim community and the nation.” He helped establish astronomical calculations for Islamic calendar dates and institutionalized the collection and disbursement of zakat.

Muis also noted that **Sheikh Syed Isa** oversaw the management and growth of wakaf properties and the establishment of a credible halal certification system. He led the Fatwa Committee, addressing challenging issues for Singapore’s Muslim community.

One significant achievement was the inclusion of Muslims under the Human Organ Transplant Act (Hota). Muis stated that **Sheikh Syed Isa** successfully “rally the authorities and community to accept a unique solution for the community” before Muslims were fully included under Hota in 2007.

Remembering a Legacy

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs **Faishal Ibrahim** and his predecessors attended the funeral prayer. **Associate Professor Faishal** stated that **Sheikh Syed Isa**’s “calm scholarship, deep understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, and humility laid the foundation for a confident, progressive and inclusive Muslim community.”

**Mr. Masagos** recalled **Sheikh Syed Isa**’s kindness and gentle guidance when he was new to the Muis Council. Singapore’s current Mufti, **Dr. Nazirudin Mohd Nasir**, noted that **Sheikh Syed Isa** persevered for the good of the community without seeking reward or recognition.

**Dr. Fatris**, **Sheikh Syed Isa**’s successor, described him as a father figure. Though the late Mufti may not be well-known to the current generation, they continue to benefit from his legacy.