Monday, April 6, 2009

.: Magnified elements :.


Gripped by a fundamental question.

You’d think that staying in a Muslim populous country would be a smooth sailing feat in enriching yourself further in the quest of Islamic knowledge …


Think again ...

  • Not so when you don’t have many practicing Muslim friends *that still lives in Malaysia* to begin with …
  • Trips to Islamic institutions greets you with "Are you a revert?" or “Do you want to convert someone?" or "Why do you have questions?"
  • Unknown people saying “Judging from your dressing, you must be a student from the Islamic University.” *so yeah, that’s a random statement … only happens when I’m in my traditional attire*
  • Just about all of the programs held use Malay as the main medium. *sometimes I have comprehension disabilities… took me 1 bloody week to translate a 4-page government form for my expatriate friend to extend his visa. I am boldly admitting that my Malay proficiency is not on par with the general public.*
  • Some of the programs are held in places that I am unfamiliar with or requires me to cover quite a distance. Currently in the process of sorting it out.
  • Odd, odd looks and speeches coming from random people when you at long last get the appropriate time to attend a halaqah or Islamic talk ... *what's with the casual marriage, family digging talk anyway?*

Life itself is not easy as pie. *coughs* There are perks beneath each tight spot, therefore it is really up to us to bring out the best of things and taking it as one heck of a remarkably worthwhile journey. The abundant existence of other alternatives help tremendously in one's pursuit of knowledge.

The only thing that sort of depresses me is when in the name of goodwill, we advise people on their actions base on the amount of understanding and knowledge we have acquired but the consequence places people to counteract in an aggressive defensive manner even though things are clear enough that it is wrong.

There was a statement … "You start to think people will only take you seriously if you’re over the age of 25 and have a job. "

Sadly, that is not the case.
2.58pm Malaysian Time

4 comments:

Yasemin said...

What a tricky country. Ex-husband went to live there temporarily in Kuala Lumpur, and he and his dad worked for Schlumberger Oil.

From what I hear, it's becoming very Americanized. Sounds like the good ones are all leaving for "greener pastures." But they'll be back Hajar. They will. I think they will tire quickly of the second world countries that are Europe, America, and Canada, and want to come back to the first world-Malaysia.

Inshallah just hold tightly to your deen, and it wont matter as much if you're forced to become defensive. Love you lots.

Hajar Alwi said...

A vast majority have left, with most crossing over to the next nearest pasture; Singapore. Most of the ones that I know of, opt to settle in other countries for several years, but they make it a point to come home at least once a year; or shifting back @ retiring here. So yeah, they do return. :) Presumably, nothing beats home. Not-surprising enough, we're getting more and more foreigners adopting Malaysia as their 2nd home; so I suppose it may just be one of the triggers for Americanization @ westernization.

Thanks a lot Lisa. Whatever happens, being steadfast to the deen is the best option there is. Oodles of love to you and Youssef too! Take care! ^^

Anonymous said...

"Unknown people saying “Judging from your dressing, you must be a student from the Islamic University.” "

Lol!, that situation is sorta true of many muslim countries. Alhumdullilah, but this is also a sign of a revival of Islam among the new generations i.e. practising islam is now no longer restricted to scholars who are studying deen.

I'm surprised about your statement that practising people are leaving Malaysia. Where are they leaving for? I know of an American revert couple, who left their country to migrate to a muslim land. They first chose UAE, and soon were disappointed. They are now considering moving to Malaysia. You think thats a wrong decision?

Hajar Alwi said...

Things become problematic when they start asking Islamic related questions, expecting you to be all knowledgeable in it ... LoL~

Dear oh dear ... I didn't expect to reflect a negative light on Malaysia. I suppose a little background on myself is in need here. I don't have many Muslim friends; not that I mix with the wrong crowd ... just that, my circle consists more of the non-Muslims. I'm actually making the statement base on my circle, that shifted not for deen searching purposes but more towards the opportunities.

Collectively, there are many practicing people still living here. It all comes down to knowing where to find them. ^^ I won't say it's a right or wrong decision, as what is right for me may be perceived as wrong for them. Perhaps they can come over, stay for a couple of weeks or months before deciding whether to make the move. Since they are Americans, I am guessing they might encounter item 2,4,5 ... again, it is not an issue if you know where to go. :)