SINGAPORE: Islam as practised in the Middle East varies from country to country.

In that context, the religion as practised in Singapore must also suit the country's multi-racial and religious mix.

Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong made the point at a community event, as he spoke about his travels to the Middle East and the lessons learnt.

Mr Goh has visited almost every country in the Middle East region, the latest being Libya - just two months ago.

The visits have enabled the Senior Minister to gain a better understanding of how Islam is practised.

He also noted how the practice of Islam has been contextualised through history, geography, culture and outlook.

"So, in Singapore, our Muslims have also practised Islam within our multi-racial context. For that, I would want to thank our Muslim religious leaders for their practice of tolerance, for their respect of other religions in Singapore," said Mr Goh.

"Our underlying tenet of tolerance and respect for other people's religions while peacefully practising our own has brought us harmony, stability and progress," he added.

Mr Goh was speaking at a community event in Geylang Serai on Sunday to mark Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

Although the event was to celebrate Prophet Muhammad's birthday, any member of the public can just walk in, join in the celebrations and tuck into the food.

Senior Minister Goh urged non-Muslims to reciprocate by opening up their own religious festivities to their Muslim friends.

It is events like Sunday's that perfectly showcase Singapore's racial and religious harmony.

"I think the world can learn from us how to interact and how to live with each other in peace and harmony," said a member of the public who was at Sunday's event.

"I see that a lot of other races are here also. So, it's good," said another.

Some 15,000 people are expected to attend the festivities throughout the day.

- CNA/ir