TikToker praises Singapore's religious harmony at F1 race
"I think it's really cool that Singapore can get 10 different religions to pray together at the same time, at the same place," he said.
A Formula One TikToker's post about religious leaders coming together before the Singapore Grand Prix has warmed the hearts of netizens.
"So before the Singapore Grand Prix, 10 religious leaders bless the track and pray for everyone involved," says TikToker Quarter Key in a 73-second video.
He adds that the blessings, which have been bestowed since the first Singapore GP in 2008, are for safety, prosperity and luck - not just for the drivers, but for the marshalls, pit crew and spectators, too.
"I think it's really cool that Singapore can get 10 different religions to pray together at the same time, at the same place. It really shows how much respect they have for other people's religions," Quarter Key adds in the video, which had garnered 162,600 views, 18,700 reactions and 243 comments at press time.
The video then shows a Buddhist temple, a Christian church and a Hindu temple next to one another with Quarter Key saying: "Space is tight so sometimes different religions will have to share the same space. But they don't see this as an issue, they see this as an opportunity for inter-faith understanding and a chance to respect other people's religions."
Quarter Key notes that different cultures are equally honoured in Singapore, citing various holidays before identifying the 10 religious leaders representing Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and the Bahai Faith.
He adds that Singapore has always been his favourite F1 track and "this gives me another reason to like them even more".
'This is the power of Singapore'
Many marvelled at the show of solidarity among religious groups.
"This is the power of Singapore," said a TikTokker.
"It's so cool to me that they included different kinds of religion to pray for the sg gp.. so respectful of them to do so," another commented.
Not all the compliments had a serious tone. "That's our Avengers Assemble," said a TikToker.
"Singapore is just really practical. Sg govt doesn't know which is the one true religion, so 'no problem, we'll pray to all of them'," said another.
One F1 fan said in jest: "Ngl Ferrari might need the prayer."
In keeping with the religious theme, someone added, alluding to the Italian-based team: "Didn't they get the pope to bless the steering wheel?"
Some commented that they did not know there were so many religions in Singapore, while others pointed out that multi-religious prayers are not exclusive to the Singapore GP.
"Recently my cousin's officer's course (army) graduation was also prayed and blessed by multi-faith reps," said one user.
One very cheeky user said: "They often conduct similar prayers when a new subway line opens - but that doesn't prevent breakdowns!"
The religious harmony in the video resonated with foreigners, too.
"Very cool. Great race to go too. And an amazing country. Great trip," said one.
"Singapore is one of my favourite places to visit. Love to see this inclusivity," commented another.