Of a heart that believes.
Working in a non-Muslim environment often led people to believe there is little room left for compassion towards religious tolerance, let alone religious acceptance. Despite being in one, I supposed I am one of the blessed ones to be granted the right to carry out my religious obligations without any form of oppression or restrictions.
Taking the example of Ramadhan, I am allowed to return home at 4.30pm just so I can beat the traffic and reach home in time to break fast with my family. As the sole Muslim I try to refrain from gaining special privileges over my non-Muslim colleagues, therefore I negotiated with my management on earlier hours and continuing my work at home.
The biggest consolation however, is when I have non-Muslim colleagues and peers voicing their eagerness to fast. Their reasons vary from absolute fascination on how a seemingly feeble being; in reference to myself can withstand hours without food and drinks, a mere daring attempt to challenge their capability or vulnerability, to the most basic which is purely out of respect towards the month of Ramadhan itself.
Most of them do not consider their actions to be of any worth. Such was the case back in my student days when non-Muslim campus mates flicker at the idea of fasting and joining in the lavish unbecoming pigging out sessions. The fact that they kept to fasting all day made all the difference to me.
On other occasions, no matter how frequent I reiterated I am fine with them eating in my presence, they simply refused to do so and some even go to the extent of requesting their friends to restrain from doing anything which may invalidate my fasts.
To experience this once again is akin to strolling down the bygone lane. To the time where religious differences are celebrated and not used as a mean to create disparity and disharmony within the community.
Second week of Ramadhan.
Working in a non-Muslim environment often led people to believe there is little room left for compassion towards religious tolerance, let alone religious acceptance. Despite being in one, I supposed I am one of the blessed ones to be granted the right to carry out my religious obligations without any form of oppression or restrictions.
Taking the example of Ramadhan, I am allowed to return home at 4.30pm just so I can beat the traffic and reach home in time to break fast with my family. As the sole Muslim I try to refrain from gaining special privileges over my non-Muslim colleagues, therefore I negotiated with my management on earlier hours and continuing my work at home.
The biggest consolation however, is when I have non-Muslim colleagues and peers voicing their eagerness to fast. Their reasons vary from absolute fascination on how a seemingly feeble being; in reference to myself can withstand hours without food and drinks, a mere daring attempt to challenge their capability or vulnerability, to the most basic which is purely out of respect towards the month of Ramadhan itself.
Most of them do not consider their actions to be of any worth. Such was the case back in my student days when non-Muslim campus mates flicker at the idea of fasting and joining in the lavish unbecoming pigging out sessions. The fact that they kept to fasting all day made all the difference to me.
On other occasions, no matter how frequent I reiterated I am fine with them eating in my presence, they simply refused to do so and some even go to the extent of requesting their friends to restrain from doing anything which may invalidate my fasts.
To experience this once again is akin to strolling down the bygone lane. To the time where religious differences are celebrated and not used as a mean to create disparity and disharmony within the community.
Second week of Ramadhan.
12.52noon Malaysian Time
6 comments:
Salam Hajar. That must be one good co that you are working at. It might be a rare thing to happen in our country. Even a Muslim owned co seldom embrace that value and attitude. I'm glad on your behalf and also on how they respect the religious differences.
Very interesting points. Thanks!
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:) so sweet, mA!
Kakchik :: Wa'alaikum'as'salam Kakchik! My mum used to worry that I may encounter difficulties or worse still they might drive me to apostasy! But Alhamdulillah, Allah has been extra merciful with me and He has in fact blessed me in the company of people who Masha'Allah only brings me closer to Islam! :D
Anonymous :: I seldom publish comments by anonymous commentators, but interesting comment! lol~
Noshi :: And that's just the tip of it! mA! :)
I would do the same for my Muslim friends.
I believe you will Yoli. :)
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