Bapaku, Imamku: A Meaningful Gathering with Fathers in M3 Jurong

ibrahimdawood
Apr 19
2 min read

Updated: May 18

On the 18th April 2026, we had the opportunity to partner with M3 @ Jurong, Masjid Maarof, Masjid Ar-Raudhah for a special session titled “Bapakku, Imamku”—a reflection on the role of fathers as leaders within the family.

The session brought together a strong panel of speakers:

Ustaz Dr Mohamed Fatris Bin Bakaram
Mustakem bin Mohamad Rais
Mohammad Sufian Bin Mohd Noor

The discussion was lively, engaging, and deeply grounded in real-life experiences. What stood out most was not just the sharing from the panel, but the active participation from the fathers themselves—honest, reflective, and very real.

Key Reflections: The Father as an “Imam”

One of the central ideas discussed was the concept of a father as an IMAM—not just in the ritual sense, but as a leader, guide, and example within the home.

I – Ihsan (with Al-Halim)

A father leads with God-consciousness, knowing that Allah is always present in his actions.He embodies Al-Halim—patient, composed, and not quick to punish. Instead, he guides with wisdom, mercy, and restraint.

M – Mantap

A father remains firm and steadfast in his principles.Even in the face of challenges, he holds his ground and fulfils his responsibilities.

A – Akrab

Closeness matters.An effective father is emotionally present—building trust, warmth, and connection with his children and family.

M – Matang

Maturity is critical.A father thinks ahead, weighs consequences, and makes decisions with wisdom—not impulse.

Voices from the Ground: What Fathers Shared

The dialogue with fathers revealed several important realities:

Time remains a key struggle

Many fathers want to be present but feel stretched between work and family responsibilities.
The “ideal father” question is real

Fathers are still figuring out what it truly means to lead well at home in today’s context.
Connection is more challenging than expected

Building closeness with children—especially across different ages—requires intentional effort.
Discipline vs guidance

Fathers are learning to move away from reactive discipline towards more thoughtful and patient engagement.
Communication is a major gap

Not just talking—but listening, understanding, and creating safe conversations with their children.

What This Means Moving Forward

The session reinforced a powerful truth:

Fathers don’t just need knowledge—they need space, support, and community to grow.

“Bapakku, Imamku” was more than just a talk.It was a reminder that fatherhood is a journey of learning, reflection, and continuous improvement.

At BapaHebatSG, we remain committed to creating these platforms—where fathers can come together, learn from one another, and strengthen their role as leaders in their families.