FOREWORD
I would first like to congratulate the Syariah Court of
Singapore for reaching this momentous milestone of
65 years of steadfast service to the Muslim community.
The Syariah Court was established in 1958, even before
Singapore became independent. Since then, it has
served as a key institution for the Muslim community in
Singapore. This book captures the Syariah Court’s rich
history, impressive achievements as well as the hard
work, contributions, and unwavering spirit of the people
behind it.
In its humble beginnings, the Syariah Court was led by
a single president supported by a small team. Today,
it is a dynamic judicial institution with four full-time
presidents led by a senior president, supported by two
registrars. The Court is further supported by mediators
and hakam who are empanelled by the Syariah Court.
Beyond this, community partners support the applicants
with the Marriage Counselling Programme (MCP) and
divorce support specialist agencies support Muslim
families through the divorce process.
The strides achieved by the Syariah Court are made
possible with the constant evolution of the legal and
religious landscape. The Administration of Muslim
Law Act has strengthened the Syariah Court’s ability
to deliver just outcomes and support Muslim families,
such as making it mandatory for parties to attend MCP
before they can file a divorce application. Recognising
the need to strengthen Muslim families, some of our
asatizah have undergone specialised training to perform
the role of hakam and resource persons for MCP.
The Syariah Court has played a key role in
strengthening Muslim families in Singapore, in close
partnership with the Ministry of Social and Family
Development, the Family Justice Courts, the M3
agencies (Muis, MENDAKI and PA MESRA) and other
community partners. Its efforts are well-recognised
by the Muslim community, as well as the family
development and legal fraternities in Singapore
and beyond.
The Syariah Court’s drive for service excellence
exemplifies the spirit of our Community of Success.
Its digital transformation will improve access to
justice and make the Court processes more convenient
and efficient for Court users and staff. It is also
incorporating social science to enhance child-centricity
in the divorce process through a Court Counselling
Framework and other initiatives.
These transformative steps are possible because of the
Syariah Court’s leadership and dedication of its staff
over the past 65 years. I am confident that the Syariah
Court will continue to strengthen its services and
team in order to further strengthen Muslim families
in Singapore.
I wish the Syariah Court my heartiest congratulations
on its 65th anniversary and every success in the
years ahead.
Assalamualaikum
Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
MR MASAGOS ZULKIFLI MASAGOS MOHAMAD
Minister for Social and Family Development
Second Minister for Health
Minister-In-Charge of Muslim Affairs