This art piece is brilliant and reflective of the reality of who we really owe the beauty of our clean and green concrete landscape to.

I have often said to overseas friends, who are very impressed with Singapore’s cleanliness, that there is a reason for that. We have people to pick up after us. Oftentimes either elderly Singaporeans or foreign labourers. Call it job creation, if you wish.

As rough as it may sound, it is probably the case that, had there not been road sweepers, Singapore would not be as clean and green as it is. Why should it be that way? Shouldn’t we, as Singaporeans, take pride and the responsibility of ensuring the cleanliness of our own home? To the extent of picking up litter when we see it?

As Muslims, cleanliness and hygiene are strongly encouraged in Islam. Aside from ensuring your own personal cleanliness and hygiene, there is also an abundance of reference to ensuring the cleanliness of surroundings. One such Hadith reads:-

“Removing any harm from the road is charity (that will be rewarded by Allah).” (Bukhari)

Clearly, there is so much that an individual can do, moreover what Singapore Muslims can do as part of their civic and religious duty. It is part of our faith to protect the environment, which is in itself a service to society.

Happy birthday and happy Ramadan, Singapore!