Salafism in Singapore is a diverse movement, with various factions and views shaped by different theological, political, and social influences. While some Salafi groups in Singapore focus on socio-political reforms, others lean towards more theological purity or even political engagement, adapting their practices to the local context. The state plays an important role in moderating these views through policies like the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, which influences how Salafism is practiced and perceived. Despite global stereotypes linking Salafism with extremism or Jihadism, Salafism in Singapore is evolving and may diverge from more exclusivist trends seen in other parts of the world.

In Singapore, secularism operates as a political system where the state remains neutral towards all religions, allowing Muslims to navigate the socio-political environment strategically to further their causes. Activists in Singapore, including Islamic scholars, liberal Muslims, and conservative groups, face the challenge of balancing their activism with the state’s interventionist stance, which is aimed at maintaining religious harmony. Dr. Walid Jumblatt Abdullahh emphasized that activism in this context is not purely ideological, as socio-political realities shape religious interpretations and the opportunities available for activism. He proposed that different forms of activism serve essential roles in the system, urging caution in making moral judgments about the legitimacy of activism, in Singapore’s complex political landscape.