Muslim Pilgrims in Singapore

Question 1

Why did many people from other parts of the Malay Archipelago come to Singapore in the 19th and the 20th centuries?

Answer 1

Because it was easier for them to go on the haj (Muslim pilgrimage) to Mecca. This was especially so for people from the Dutch Indies because it was easier to obtain papers necessary for the haj in Singapore.

Question 2

What did the Dutch do to try to discourage people from going on the haj?

Answer 2

Impose a huge fee and the need for a passport before departure.

Question 3

Give reasons why it was easier for muslims to go on the haj to Meccas from Singapore.

Answer 3

1. Easier to obtain papers necessary for the haj in Singapore.
2. No need to pay a huge fee as well as no need for a passport before departure.
3. Availability of pilgrim-brokers who arranged pilgrimages for these people.

Question 4

Name one of the most prominent pilgrim-brokers in Singapore.

Answer 4

The Alsagoff family who also owned a steamship company. Using their close connections with the Middle East and steamships they owned, the Alsagoff family arranged many pilgrimages for Muslims to Mecca.

Question 5

Why did many people who wanted to go on the haj eventually settle down in Singapore?

Answer 5

Because they would spend many years working to save enough money to pay for the haj.

Question 6

Do you think the Muslim pilgrimage was a push or pull factor that led the early immigrants to choose to settle in Singapore during the 19th and early 20th centuries?

Answer 6

Pull factor. The muslims were attracted to Singapore because it was easier for them to go on the haj from Singapore. (See Question 3.)