A Guide to Religion in Singapore

Singapore is one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world, with a rich tapestry of beliefs coexisting harmoniously. The country upholds religious freedom under its constitution, and different faiths play a significant role in shaping Singapore’s culture, traditions, and daily life. This guide provides an overview of the major religions in Singapore, their places of worship, and their impact on society.

Major Religions in Singapore

1. Buddhism (33%)

Buddhism is the largest religion in Singapore, with many followers from the Chinese community. The main schools practiced are Mahayana Buddhism (more common among Chinese Singaporeans) and Theravāda Buddhism (practiced by some Thai and Burmese communities).

🔹 Key Places of Worship:

• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (Chinatown) – A grand temple housing what is believed to be a tooth relic of the Buddha.

• Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Bishan) – The largest Buddhist temple in Singapore, known for its serene atmosphere and meditation halls.

2. Christianity (19%)

Christianity in Singapore includes Roman Catholicism and Protestant denominations such as Anglicanism, Methodism, and Evangelicalism. Churches are active in community service, education, and social work.

🔹 Key Places of Worship:

• St. Andrew’s Cathedral (City Hall) – Singapore’s largest and oldest Anglican church.

• Church of the Sacred Heart (Tank Road) – A historic Catholic church in the heart of the city.

• New Creation Church & City Harvest Church – Large megachurches with contemporary worship services.

3. Islam (15%)

Islam is primarily practiced by the Malay community, though there are also Indian and Arab Muslim populations. Most Singaporean Muslims follow Sunni Islam, with a minority following Shia Islam.

🔹 Key Places of Worship:

• Sultan Mosque (Kampong Glam) – The most iconic mosque in Singapore, built in 1824 and known for its golden dome.

• Masjid Al-Falah (Orchard Road) – A central mosque catering to shoppers and professionals in the business district.

4. Taoism (9%)

Taoism, an ancient Chinese spiritual tradition, is practiced by some Chinese Singaporeans. It involves ancestor worship, divination, and reverence for deities such as Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) and Guan Yu (God of War).

🔹 Key Places of Worship:

• Thian Hock Keng Temple (Telok Ayer) – One of the oldest Chinese temples in Singapore, dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess.

• Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery (Toa Payoh) – A historically significant Taoist temple with intricate architecture.

5. Hinduism (5%)

Hinduism is mainly practiced by the Indian community in Singapore, particularly Tamil Singaporeans. Temples play a vital role in religious festivals, community gatherings, and cultural activities.

🔹 Key Places of Worship:

• Sri Mariamman Temple (Chinatown) – The oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, dedicated to the goddess Mariamman.

• Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Little India) – A major temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, often bustling during Thaipusam.

6. Sikhism (0.35%)

Sikhism, a faith originating from Punjab, India, has a small but significant presence in Singapore. Sikh temples, known as Gurdwaras, are places of worship, community service, and free communal meals.

🔹 Key Places of Worship:

• Central Sikh Temple (Towner Road) – The main Gurdwara in Singapore, housing the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book).

• Silat Road Sikh Temple – Known for its active community engagement and charitable work.

7. Judaism (Small but Active Community)

Singapore has a small Jewish community, primarily descendants of Baghdadi and European Jews who settled in the region during the colonial era.

🔹 Key Place of Worship:

• Maghain Aboth Synagogue (Waterloo Street) – The oldest synagogue in Southeast Asia, serving as the religious center for Singapore’s Jewish population.

Religious Harmony in Singapore

Singapore has a unique model of religious coexistence, with laws and policies in place to maintain peace between different faiths. Some key factors include:

✅ The Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act – Prevents religious groups from inciting conflict.
✅ Interfaith Dialogue – Organizations like the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) promote mutual understanding.
✅ Shared Public Spaces – Religious sites often coexist near each other, reflecting Singapore’s multiculturalism.

Major Religious Festivals in Singapore

Singapore’s calendar is filled with diverse religious celebrations, many of which are public holidays:

• Chinese New Year (January/February) – Celebrated by Buddhists and Taoists, marked by family gatherings and temple visits.

• Good Friday (March/April) – Observed by Christians to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

• Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr) (Varies) – Celebrated by Muslims after a month of fasting during Ramadan.

• Deepavali (October/November) – The Hindu festival of lights, celebrated with temple prayers and street decorations.

• Vesak Day (May) – A significant Buddhist festival marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.

• Thaipusam (January/February) – A Hindu festival where devotees carry kavadi (decorated structures) as an act of devotion.

Religion plays a vital role in Singaporean society, influencing its culture, values, and traditions. With its diverse religious landscape, Singapore is a model of peaceful coexistence, where different faiths thrive side by side. Whether you're visiting temples, mosques, or churches, the country offers a fascinating insight into how multiple religions can coexist in harmony.