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Male circumcision—sunat lelaki—is a significant rite of passage in many Muslim communities, marking not just a physical procedure but a meaningful step in a child’s journey of faith and identity. In this thoughtful and informative session, participants will hear from both religious and medical experts who will unpack the layered meanings, evolving practices, and practical considerations surrounding sunat lelaki in Singapore today.
The session opens with Ustaz Faritz from Al-Falah Mosque, who will share the religious foundations of circumcision in Islam. He will explore why circumcision is encouraged for Muslim boys, its role in religious hygiene, and how the practice is tied to notions of purification, responsibility, and spiritual development. Ustaz Faritz will also speak to how families can prepare children emotionally and spiritually for this important step, and how the ceremony is sometimes marked within the community.
Next, Dr Taufiq from TAF Clinic will offer a comprehensive medical overview of the circumcision process. He will explain the modern clinical procedures used today, including what parents can expect before, during, and after the operation. Dr Taufiq will also discuss the benefits and risks, healing process, pain management, and common concerns families may have.
In a fascinating look at how the practice has changed over time, Dr Taufiq will also delve into traditional methods of circumcision once practiced in Singapore—such as home-based procedures by community circumcisers—and how they compare to clinical approaches today. This segment offers a rare opportunity to explore how culture, medicine, and religion intersect in a practice that continues to evolve across generations.
Ustaz Ahmad Faritz Mohamed Hairudin is passionate about connecting with youth and empowering them to become compassionate, caring contributors to society. He has conducted numerous enrichment and training programmes in collaboration with organisations.
Ustaz Faritz currently serves as the Manager of the Community Development Department at Masjid Al-Falah, overseeing two key units: CODE (Community Outreach and Development Engagement) and RGCD (Religious Guidance and Community Development).
He spent 12 years of his early education at Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah, and later pursued his studies at Al-Azhar University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Jurisprudence.
Dr. Taufiq Rashid is a Singaporean medical doctor with nearly 20 years of clinical experience and a strong focus on men’s health and minor surgical procedures. He graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2006 and is the Medical Director of TAF Clinic, a leading centre for men’s health and circumcision services in the region.
Dr. Taufiq is one of the few regional trainers for both Shang Ring and Stapler Circumcision techniques—minimally invasive methods that offer faster healing and less discomfort. He has performed hundreds of circumcisions for boys, adolescents, and adult men, and is widely recognised for combining clinical precision with cultural and religious understanding.
As a Muslim physician, Dr. Taufiq is dedicated to promoting safe, evidence-based circumcision practices that are aligned with Islamic values. His clinic has also become a referral centre for families seeking modern circumcision options in a respectful, professional environment.
Masjid Al-Falah is a prominent mosque located in the heart of Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier shopping district. Officially opened on 25 January 1987 by Dr Ahmad Mattar, then Minister for the Environment and Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, the mosque traces its roots to the former Angulia Mosque at Angulia Park, now the site of Wheelock Place.
Administered by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), Masjid Al-Falah is guided by the vision of becoming an Islamic Information Centre, particularly focusing on da’wah and Islamic learning in the English language. The mosque serves a diverse and transient congregation that includes locals, working professionals, tourists, and expatriates of various ethnic backgrounds. The mosque aims to be a space where Islamic knowledge is accessible, relevant, and engaging.
Masjid Al-Falah also seeks to embed positive family values as a core emphasis across its programmes and services. Through its programmes and services, Masjid Al-Falah strives to nurture a balanced and resilient Muslim community rooted in knowledge, compassion, and unity.
In 2008, Masjid Al-Falah underwent its first major renovation to enhance its classroom facilities and better support its mission of English-based Islamic education. A second, more extensive upgrade was completed in 2015 under the Mosque Upgrading Programme (MUP), which expanded the floor area by over 500 square metres. These upgrades provided more prayer space, improved amenities, and barrier-free access, making the mosque more inclusive and accessible to all worshippers.
Today, Masjid Al-Falah continues to serve as a welcoming and accessible spiritual hub, fostering interfaith understanding and community harmony. It remains the only mosque along Orchard Road, Singapore’s iconic retail and tourism belt, and plays a vital role in engaging both Muslims and non-Muslims in meaningful conversations about faith, identity, and coexistence.
At TAF Clinic, we are committed to empowering men to achieve optimal health through personalised care, specialised medical procedures, and a holistic approach to wellness. Led by Dr Muhammad Taufiq Rashid, a medical professional with over 15 years of experience, the clinic focuses in men’s health, weight management, and treatments like stitchless circumcision methods.
We believe in addressing not just symptoms but the whole individual, fostering an inclusive environment where men can confidently take charge of their health and well-being.
Sarafian Salleh is a heritage activist, researcher, and tour guide deeply engaged in preserving and reviving Bugis traditions in Singapore. He serves as a volunteer guide for My Community’s My Telok Blangah tour, where he shares stories of the area’s history and its connections to Singapore’s Bugis community.
Professionally an engineering consultant, Sarafian’s passion for studying the history of the Malay world began as a teenager in 1985 and intensified when tracing his Bugis ancestry. In 2008, he founded the popular Bugis Temasek social media group, which fosters awareness of Bugis identity and culture in Singapore.
In 2017, Sarafian supported the Malay Heritage Centre’s Sirri Na Pesse exhibition, a major showcase on Bugis history and culture. He is also known for his extensive documentation of Malay holy sites and cemeteries, heritage walks, and public talks conducted for schools, universities, and government organisations.
In 2023, he published Tuah Bugis, a book on Bugis genealogy. A licensed STB tour guide and a Life Member of the Genealogy Society Singapore, Sarafian’s work reflects his enduring commitment to heritage education and community engagement.
Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed. Participants will be denied entry if they dress inappropriately.
Parking is available at the carpark at 22 Bideford Road.
My Prayers and Practices
My Prayers and Practices
My Prayers and Practices
My Prayers and Practices
My Prayers and Practices
My Prayers and Practices
