Revealed.
A short time ago I had this conversation with someone who is very dear to me. Our little tiff didn't last long, and we're back on good terms Alhamdulillah. She was just watching out for me, fearful of my movements. The purpose of writing this down is not to provoke or badmouth her, but it's more of sharing the kind of reaction I get every now and then from others, particularly the ones who insinuate religion is linked to a certain race/culture. Call me daft if you may, but I don't give a hoot about a person's race when it comes to acquiring religious knowledge or anything else for that matter.
Monday blues.
Person :: Of all people, why can't you learn about Islam from someone else?
Me :: What's the problem?
Person :: He's Chinese. How much does he know about Islam? How far back is his generations that embraced Islam? I'm talking about lineage, bloodline. Can you understand this?
Me :: In other words you are indicating how "Islamic" is his family background.
Person :: Yes. You should find someone whose family has been in Islam for generations. Their belief are more deep-rooted and knowledge are more reliable.
Me :: If you are concerned about that then where do you place the reverts? Are you indicating they are less "Islamic" just because they don't have generations of "Islamic" lineage?
Person :: Not exactly but Malays have been living the Muslim way of life.
Me :: So have the Chinese Muslims.
Person :: But the culture is different.
Me :: I am learning about Islam, not the culture. Do you honestly have issues with this person's "Islamic" know-how or is it really his race?
Monday blues.
10.24am Malaysian Time
7 comments:
Salam...
It's humiliating to say so but that's the view of majority Muslim.
Personally I learn from many people, I don't mind whether they are Malay, Indian (Mamak) or Chinese. As long as they knew a lot in specific field, I will learn it and find the proof of what they tell.
Like Iqra, I learn it from malay. He is retired school teacher. I learn it from him because he learn Iqra since he's small and his ability to teach.
For Budaya, I take some reference from chinese muslim, because only chinese knows the importance of culture. Culture are part of life, but how we make it fit with Syariat Islam?
And I learn Fardu Ain from Mamak, He is pendakwah pejabat Agama.
So... I am colour blind, I never follow any race blindly but I am following Islam.
That view point is a very sad one. All Muslims are blessed to have Islam alhamdulillah, it's silly to say that someone isn't good enough in their knowledge because of their nationality/heritage. MashaAllah for your attitude during the conversation :)
Is it just me or are Malays becoming more and more racist to other races? With all the 1Malaysia thing and standing up for the national anthem, how are we going to take at least a step back from nationalism and put Islam above everything else? No wonder people who try to follow the correct Sunnah are labeled with derogatory terms here in Malaysia!
Don't get me wrong. I'm not "forgetting" where I am originally from (lupa asal usul). I give thanks to Allah for making me Malay, but that shouldn't be an excuse to look down on other races.
You are such a deep thinker with a keen intellect. I love the way you embrace and it makes it easier for people who want to know more about Islam (me) to get closer. It is very sad when you are pushed away out of misperceptions. How can we unite them in love?
Ikhwan Ng :: Wassalam brother Ikhwan. Likewise. I find it frustrating when race/creed is brought into the picture. Moreover, sometimes I notice some people divide themselves into factions due to their obsessive and sadly their blinded belief towards a certain person/teaching/preaching/custom/race. Let's not go into politics.
IMHO, being colour blind is far better than being blinded by the heart. :)
Ellen557 :: A very sad, yet common viewpoint. I honestly can't figure out where this misconception stem from. Honestly speaking, I was quite dispirited that day. Surely all good came from Allah S.W.T. Alhamdulillah. :)
Adib :: Good to see you here brother Adib.
One is bound to find some bad potatoes in a sack, but I want to believe that there is still some good in the vast majority. Let's just do our part to rectify/mend the misunderstanding. :)
Yoli :: My dearest Yoli ... it's always a pleasure to have you here. As how I have learned about the Dalai Lama, peace and love from you; I am happy to know you have learned about Islam from me too. :) Alas, I am still seeking for the solution ...
Monday Blues, Moody Blues, ...maddening...yeah I get it
LoL Sis~
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