Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- 1 Introduction: The State, Islam, and Muslim Activism in Singapore
- 2 Muslim Activism: A Survey across the World
- 3 Argument: Political Opportunities and Muslim Strategies
- 4 The Ulama: Pragmatism and Political Acquiescence
- 5 Liberal Activists: Playing by the System and Making Gains
- 6 The Conservative Dilemma: To Challenge or Accept State Proclamations?
- 7 Conclusion
- Combined Bibliography
- Index
6 - The Conservative Dilemma: To Challenge or Accept State Proclamations?
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 April 2021
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- 1 Introduction: The State, Islam, and Muslim Activism in Singapore
- 2 Muslim Activism: A Survey across the World
- 3 Argument: Political Opportunities and Muslim Strategies
- 4 The Ulama: Pragmatism and Political Acquiescence
- 5 Liberal Activists: Playing by the System and Making Gains
- 6 The Conservative Dilemma: To Challenge or Accept State Proclamations?
- 7 Conclusion
- Combined Bibliography
- Index
Summary
Abstract
This chapter interrogates the relationships between conservative activists and the state. By now, there is perhaps no need to belabour the point that each category of activists is not homogenous, as the previous chapters have shown. The conservatives are a varied group, with some actively cooperating with the state and others adopting a more pragmatic approach. I argue that just like the ulama and the liberals, conservative activists typically work within the system, even when they disagree with state pronouncements. Unlike the liberals, however, the space is more constricted for conservatives to influence discourse and policy in many areas. The political opportunities for these activists are limited because of the government's preference for more ‘inclusive’ interpretations of Islam. As in the previous chapters, cases of dissident conservatives are discussed so as to provide a more comprehensive picture of Muslim activism in Singapore. Causes which conservatives champion and duly avoid will be investigated in depth, to comprehend the nexus between political opportunities and activism.
Keywords: conservative Muslims, traditionalist, Muslim identity, hijab, Arabization
There have been many policies which the government has pursued which are not the best. The Arabization narrative is clearly wrong. The ‘Merry Christmas’ incident was narrowly understood by the government and their supporters. However, there is a limit to what we can do, what we can oppose. Sometimes, we just have to accept that there are some battles which we cannot win. The above quote – from a conservative activist – mirrors much of the language used by progressive Muslims described in the earlier chapter, even if the issues of concern vary. For liberals, the ‘Arabization’ narrative or the ‘Merry Christmas’ incident are not matters in which they disagree with the state's stance: in fact, ideologically, they agree with the government's approach in these matters. Where they do agree with conservatives, however, is in the understanding that there are ‘some battles’ which activists cannot win. The acceptance of the disparity in power between the citizens and the state, and the potential detrimental repercussions of straying beyond acceptable activism, is evident on both sides of the ideological aisle.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Islam in a Secular StateMuslim Activism in Singapore, pp. 213 - 262Publisher: Amsterdam University PressPrint publication year: 2021