Have I Ever Been Confused?

First and foremost, I am a Muslim and a Malay. Although I have my own political views, I am not affiliated to nor associated with any political party. I am not anti-Malay or anti-Islam. Nor am I pro-Christian.

For the past few days, everybody has been busy discussing about the usage of the word Allah - with Muslims and people of other faiths have continued to lock horns over the issue. My opinion on this, is that we should not waste anymore time fighting over a word.

This issue is now being exploited to the utmost by UMNO, PAS and many others. The Government is having its hands full trying to handle it in order to maintain social harmony. For me, there are more important things for them to do than embroil in this controversy. To all the Muslims politicians who seek to grab headlines for all the wrong reasons (sodomy, corruption, illegal second marriage, etc), I think they should be encouraged to strive to quell the multitude of problems our country is facing before its negative influence affected Muslims. As Muslim leaders, I also believe that they must exemplify high morals and behavior amongst the people so as to show the greatness of Islam.

However, I think we are equally responsible for overcoming the social and economic issues that Muslims are facing today rather than worrying on the usage of word Allah by others. Many will agree with me that basically, religious foundation must be instilled at a very young age. The home is of course the best place to start with. What Muslim parents should do is to give their children a foundation of good religious education. Live a life of integrity, truthfulness and moral clarity – that what parents should do. That is the core of a parent's duties and responsibilities in educating their children - by being a good example to them. Children being children are receptive and pure at heart to whatever teachings that cross their bow. Of course the real world is not perfect. But if our children are brought up with good values, they will withstand peer and social influences that may be contrary to their religious and family values.

Muslims with strong foundation will not be confused if a priest uses the word Allah and easily converted to Christianity. Muslims with strong foundation will not allow themselves to be influenced by negative foreign cultures that are clearly inappropriate and against the teachings of Islam. If Muslims at least follow the basic teachings of Islam, I believe that we could be a good and well-balanced person.

Have you ever been unsure of your religious identity? Would you have doubt on your religious faith after reading The Herald? Should we worry on the fate of Muslims because of a magazine which has a circulation of only 13,000 copies, a readership of 50,000 and is not available from the news-stands?

So in all fairness, let us share the word Allah with others and may Allah give us the Muslims all the wisdom.

God Might Have Different Plan For Us

Just seeing so many people passing away in these few months (neighbour, relatives, public figures, schoolmates, etc) make me realised that each day that we live is a gift from God. None of us should take that gift for granted.

I am as guilty as anyone (maybe the most). I'm sure that the list of other things that we take for granted in our lives is long, if we were to list them down - health, family, friends,etc. Suppose one morning you never wake up, do all those people that matters to you know that you love them? Tell your husband, wife, children, parents, brothers, sisters & friends that you love them at every opportunity you get. Make a special effort to show what they mean to you. It doesn't have to be time consuming - a phone call, an email, a birthday wish, a small gift, an SMS, etc

God might have a different plan for us so don't take for granted what we have in life today. Love, family, health & friends are to be cherished. Just in case, I LOVE YOU ALL!!

And to all my Muslim friends, wishing you all a blessed Ramadhan - filled with prayers, thankfulness, joy and may the blessings of Allah shower on all of you. Mintak maaf kalau ada silap & salah, terkasar bahasa atau tersinggung perasaan.

Speak with Kindness - without making anyone wrong

I read with much interest the comments by Dr Lo’Lo’ Ghazali on a proposal made by PAS to declare Sister in Islam (SIS) as haram as well as the issues of female reporters not covering their heads when attending PAS general assembly last week. In a male-dominated party, Dr. Lo’Lo’s sensible and brilliant comments put her male colleagues who are narrow minded and talked with no strong basis to shame.

Funny, I always thought that Islam prohibited extremism and radicalism. PAS should behave in mature manner particularly in dealings with women’s issues. Extremism and radicalism must be condemned as for me they are among few root causes of terrorism. We don’t want our country turning into another Afghanistan or Pakistan.

Imagine if PAS members who are Muslims and are the minority in non-Muslim countries, I am sure they do appreciate their freedom to practice their beliefs and not forced to follow other faiths.

To PAS, why do you have to be unjust and tarnish the good name of Islam? Islam’s image has been blemished lately; let us not get overzealous about these petty issues. For the sake of uniting this fast dividing country, ditch that narrow mentality so as not to taint people’s views on us. Respect the diversity that exists in this country.

‘Other races, religions and cultures deserve our respect. If you hear a slur or bigoted remark, do not join in. Stand up for equality.’ – it’s written in a book brought home by my daughter yesterday from her “You’ve Got Respectful Manners” class. And it’s written by a Christian lady.

You Want It, So Do It!!

I recently bumped into my ex-classmate whom I haven’t seen since we left ITM. She is now doing very well in a multi-national corporation. In fact she’s heading the marketing department of her company. Of course I’m happy for her – yes genuinely happy for her.

But while driving home, there was a tiny twinge of envy – overpowered by an ‘I wish I could be like her’ – but quickly followed by ‘but I probably never will’. To be honest, I have made so many mistakes in my life. But I learned from my failures and happy with what I am now. I am definitely not rich, I don’t have a degree, I don’t live in a big house, I don’t drive expensive car but somehow I am happy – happy that I have a happy family, I am surrounded by so many good friends, I get to do what I enjoy doing, and many more…………..and I thank God for that.

Again and again I always share my stories with my kids especially my 2 elder boys – how I picked up myself and tried my best - with no degree in hand, that’s the best I could do. Sometimes I regretted my actions for not pursuing my studies. But I told them that the reality is ‘You can do whatever you set your mind to’. Sure, they may have failed a thousand times before but that doesn’t mean they will fail a thousand more. Betul tak?! No one single person can say they have never made a mistake. Imagine how many times Mahathir came up with policies that went nowhere. Imagine how many times Anwar Ibrahim’s plan to become PM ended up in bits and pieces. (hehehe sempat jugak nak cakap pasal politik)

I always encourage my kids not to dwell on the past but look to the future – it’s all that they have and it’s filled with unlimited potential. They have to try – they may fail – they may fall – they may take the wrong turn. My advice, just double back and try again and again until they get to where it is they want to be. And I believe that with God’s help, one day things will fall into place. Never ever give up!!

My children know that I don’t like to hear them complaining about the same things over and over again. I always tell them, before they complain about their friends or about those science/maths subjects that are difficult – why not change the way they look at problem/things – that obstacles are simply challenges from God for them to be a better person – for them to do things differently – an opportunity for them to succeed.

Insya’allah.