Syahredzan Johan asks during this holy month, are Malay-Muslims entitled to better rights than others?
Photo credit: http://www.techwithus.com/2012/07/6-ways-to-survive-16-hours-of-ramadan-fasting/ | Is it time to have that sandwich?
So you are fasting. The sun is bearing down on you, your stomach is growling and your throat is parched. It is only 12.30 in the afternoon; you still have hours to go before you may break your fast. All of a sudden, a non-Muslim person appears before you, enjoying an icy cold can of your favourite cola. He looks like he is savouring the cola. You could imagine the sensation of that very same cola filling your throat with diabetes-inducing caffeine goodness. So you flare up. How dare this person drink in front of you? Does he have no respect for the holy month of Ramadhan, to be wantonly quenching his thirst in full view of Muslims? Does he not know that Muslims form the majority of this country and therefore must be respected?
This is the basic premise prevalent amongst many Malay-Muslims in this country. Muslims form the majority and therefore they are entitled to be respected. Malay-Muslim sensitivities must not be offended; the Malay-Muslim public must be protected from harm, confusion and many other bad and insidious things that may threaten the ummah. In recent times, these deep rooted sentiments are brought to the fore by opportunistic politicians. Thus it appeared as if Malay-Muslims have become more and more intolerant of minorities.
Malay-Muslims are entitled not to have a Hindu temple in the vicinity of their housing estate. Malay-Muslims are entitled to dictate what names others may use to invoke the Creator. Malay-Muslims are entitled to stop the sale of alcohol beverages and deny the establishment of a cinema in Malay majority areas.
Every Friday, Malay-Muslims are entitled to abandon their civic consciousness and park all over the place as if the streets belong to them. Malays-Muslims are entitled to blare religious ceramahs to every corner of the neighbourhood and into the wee hours of the night.
The prime minister must be Malay-Muslim, the civil service must be filled with Malay-Muslims and government bodies are seen as Malay institutions, tasked first and foremost to safeguard Malay and Muslim interests.
This premise of entitlement has also been used to justify the persecution and discrimination against sexual and religious minorities, purportedly because Article 3 provides that Islam is the religion of the Federation. So we say that LBGTs do not enjoy protection of the Constitution because their sexual orientations are against Islam, although we conveniently forget that other things, like gambling, are also forbidden in Islam but are still legal in this country. Books are seized and banned and fatwas are made absolute. In a recent decision, the Federal Court went so far to say that the integrity of the religion needs to be safeguarded at all costs. Does ‘at all costs’ include the supremacy of the Federal Constitution as the highest law of the land?
Make no mistake, this is not about Islam. It is about how we justify the discrimination, persecution and blatant disregard for fundamental liberties, all in the name of religion. It is how we view and treat others as inferior to us because we believe that we are entitled to do so. We permit transgressions because we labour under this presumption that Malay-Muslims, by virtue of being Malays and Muslims, are entitled to the best of the country as they occupy a higher standing than the rest of the rakyat out there.
There is no legal or constitutional basis for this. Article 3 does not make Malaysia an Islamic state and Article 4 expressly provides that the Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Article 8 provides that every citizen is equal before the law and enjoys equal protection of the law. The oft quoted Article 153 does not make Malay-Muslims superior in law or fact, it only provides for the reservation of quotas for Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak in certain matters.
So what if Muslims are the majority? We have such a flawed understanding of democracy; as if in a democracy, the rights of minorities are inferior to the rights of the majority. That is why we have a Constitution, which protects and guarantees the fundamental liberties of citizens from the tyranny of the majority.
We find ourselves up in arms at the fate of Muslims minorities in other countries like Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar and China. We invoke freedom of religion when we hear of minarets being banned in Switzerland or burqas being banned in France. But if the rights of Muslim minorities should be protected in the face of the majority, why is it that we do not have the same vigour to protect the rights our non-Muslim minorities? Why must the rights of others here only be exercised if we deem those rights as exercisable?
So before you take offence at someone who is drinking in front of you while you are fasting, take a step back and think of your religion. Put aside your sense of entitlement and think; just because you are fasting, does it mean that everyone else around you must stow away their food and drinks?
Remember what Islam has instilled in you, not what Muslims have told you.
Syahredzan Johan adalah seorang peguam muda dan seorang rakan kongsi di sebuah firma guaman di Kuala Lumpur. Dia melihat dirinya sebagai seorang pengkritik politik dan pengulas sosial. Tetapi dia sebenarnya hanyalah seorang warga Malaysia yang mempunyai terlalu banyak pendapat. Dia adalah seorang yang patriotik, walaupun bukan dengan cara biasa seperti mengibar bendera. Dia percaya Malaysia mempunyai potensi yang hanya dapat direalisasi sekiranya rakyatnya belajar bersatu-padu dan bukannya berpecah-belah. Ikutilah Syah di Refleksi Minda.
Posted on 1 August 2012. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
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This is the story of a Majusi (fire worshiper) at the time of the companions of the Prophet. He has a Muslim neighbour. One day in the month of Ramadan he saw her son eating an apple in public. He scolded him. His son said, “why can’t I eat, I am not a Muslim”. The Majusi said, “But we are neighbours with Muslims. So I want to respect them.”
After the death of the Majusi, a religious person dreams of the Majusi in heaven on a beautiful throne.
The religious person asked “how did you enter heaven when you worship the fire?”
The Majusi said, “at the time I almost died I heard a voice, ‘do not you let him die other than as a Muslim. Indeed, he honored the Ramadan month.
Indeed, respect cannot be demanded, it is something to be offered. And any good deed is sure to be rewarded, insyaAllah.
To me, if I am fasting and someone else eat s in front of me, i couldn't be bothered as I fast because I am observing Allah's words, and I can endure all tests to see if I am a true follower of Islam, for those who make a lot of fuss when someone eats in front of them, I think they are immatured to demand others to fast as what they are doing! Let's tolerate the people around us and be kind and sensible, the world will be YOURS!
Ape yang ko merepek ni Loyar Buruk? This was never a case la, I've never seen in my whole life before that a muslim person scolded anyone or demanded to be respected just because the non muslim's ate or drink in front of them during ramadhan month la.
Don't believe me go to your nearest Ramadhan bazaar. What I've seen lately is the chinese community condemning the act of some non-muslim who do not respect the muslims during Ramadhan month, it is out of mutual respect.
as a muslim myself i dont get angry when the non-muslim ate or drink infront of me, heck even "korek hidung" infront of me is a mou man tai act. FYI to the non-muslims, muslims are not allowed to dig their nose during fasting, but that does not mean no one can dig their nose in the public, but will you do it?????
This sort of article does not reflect the current situation we're all in. In multiracial country like Malaysia, we have mutual respect to each other, not because the other race demanded it or what, but it is out of a mutual respect, same case if you were to go to a chinse funeral and u wore a multicolor outfit, now is that ok? no one will scold you, no one will demand you to change your cloth but dont you think it is offensive? we all now that we should respect each other's sensitivity, and that is why we dont do it, that's the beauty of our people, we respect each other out of a mutual respect and not because the other races demanded it…. cheers.
You can pick your nose during fasting bro
Batal la pose bro…. bukan batal, tapi tak afdal. kan? =)
tapi aku rasa we all muslim, we never demanded that we should be respect during fasting month kan? abit misleading article ni……. macam memfitnah aku pun ada rasanya….. tapi tak tau la apa tujuan author ni…
but the point is, we nvr at any point in our life demanded anyone to respect us during fasting month kan????
Just the non muslim, out of mutual respect diorang mmg respect us by not eating in front of us…
Some people do.. From my experience, not some people, but most people in Malaysia actually. This is a very good article for all those sensitive Muslim in Malaysia. Maybe not for you though.
By the way, it;s ok to pick your nose during fasting, tak batal pun.
korek hidung takde kaitan ngan afdal @ batal. memang tak batal. dan takde efek kat puasa pun.
I agree with you. No hadith says that picking your nose invalids the fast. If I am wrong please show me the proof.
Can bro, as long as it is not "bernafsu".
But I'm not in the right position to answer that question, perhaps during terawih later I will ask the imam of his oppinion. tapi aku rasa walaupun aku tak korek sebab takut batal, whether it will batal or not, it doesnt hurt kot.
I agree with you Shah. Don't know what's wrong with this guy and his stupid article.
"Don't judge me because I sin differently from you" – Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Malaysia has been independent for more than 50 years. but how many converts are there to Islam. Not many. Reason being that the behavior of certain Muslims puts them off. Not the teachings of Islam.
Great last liner. Kudos bro.
It is alright for non Muslims to eat and drink in front of Muslims. No problems at all. My non Muslim family used to have dinner and meals in front of me. I do not feel any discomfort. After all, I am going to break my fast at dusk and really appreciate and enjoy my food then. And we already had a breakfast at down so why they trauma? Now that my parents and brother all embraced Islam through the years, we enjoy fasting and breaking fast together.
"Fasting also you can't do properly then why you become a Muslim?" The last I check most Muslims in Malaysia were born Muslim, not that they have a choice to "become" a Muslim.
Islam is about "niat", if a person fast because fear of how other muslims look at him, then what's the point when he fear human more than God? I don't mind if someone eat and drink before me when I fast. Fasting is a personal experience and only God can judge how good my fast is. I really don't understand this holier-than-thou opinion than fasting muslims must be better muslim than those who don't fast, just like the concept of hijabi muslimah is better muslim than those not wearing hijab.
At the end of the day, I only answer to Allah and no one else.
i like ur saying everything comes from niat coz it is true.and, i would like u to spend some times to watch this great video from youtube :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3-h2xJeeNM&fe…
if u have some more time, this video is great too and refreshing. but,it's a bit long, im afraid (but not too long though,hehe)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e52Gi0eh0eY&fe…
the speaker is dr.zaharuddin.he has a great blog talking about islam and muslim issues:
http://www.zaharuddin.net/index.php
True Fasting
Isaiah 58:4-7
Amplified Bible (AMP)
4 [The facts are that] you fast only for strife and debate and to smite with the fist of wickedness. Fasting as you do today will not cause your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is such a fast as yours what I have chosen, a day for a man to humble himself with sorrow in his soul? [Is true fasting merely mechanical?] Is it only to bow down his head like a bulrush and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him [to indicate a condition of heart that he does not have]? Will you call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord?
6 [Rather] is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every [enslaving] yoke?
7 Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house—when you see the naked, that you cover him, and that you hide not yourself from [the needs of] your own flesh and blood?
Matthew 6:16-18
Amplified Bible (AMP)
16 And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and [a]sour and [b]dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward [c]in full already.
17 But when you fast, perfume your head and wash your face,
18 So that your fasting may not be noticed by men but by your Father, Who sees in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.
feel the LOVE LOVE LOVE. Selamat Hari Raya!
i really don't understand about people like talk about race or religion, why don't talk about malaysian first……
Thank you for this article. You have put the frustrations I've longed to express over the years in words.
Please separate race and religion from the topic. You make sound as if the Malay race is all so superior, where as the other races are inferior. Have you thought about Chinese-Muslims? Kadazan-Muslims? Iban-Muslims? Are we not entitled as well? We are not Malays, but we are Malaysians. This is a very confusing article where someone might not get your point and could lead to racial remarks.
Don't you think this article is unnecessary?
:)
You didnt really the articlea did you?
Thanks, Shah for the article. But so far, I've never seen or known any Muslims who get angry because someone eats or drinks in front of them during ramadhan. As long as they don't ask us to eat along when they know we're fasting, i think it's ok. sometimes even kids eat and drink in front of us during ramadhan and when someone is fasting, even lollipops look tempting enough. but that's the point of fasting, holding oneself from desires and being patient and tolerant. Perhaps, just to be courtious, a non-Muslim may eat somewhere else if they want, but otherwise it;s still fine. :)
I just put the same comment as yours :)
Salam Sejahtera & Salam Ramadhan,
Dear brothers and sisters …. of all religion and walk of life ……
First and foremost, I would like to thank bro LB for your post and your stand and philosophy ….. everyone of us are made different not difficult …. and the difference should be respected.
I am born hindu ….. however I have been fasting for the past 15 years …..which all started with a muslim friend of mine complaining that they are weak and since I can eat and drink I should or able to do hard work/labour work …..
So being young and 'pantang di cabar' I took the challenge in 1997 to fast together with my Muslim friends …and till todate I am still fasting …. I am not here to question if my other muslim friend fast or not …coz its between them and god …….
However I would like to pledge to my muslim friend … do respect your other friends who are fasting to feel the same or near same 'dugaan' Ramadhan.
I would like to take this opportunity to advise non muslim friends to be sensitive as well coz it does not hurt to be one …especially respecting our and other religion.
With this I wish all muslim friends a very happy fasting and Selamat menyambut Aidilfitri.
Love….Peace …..Harmony ………………
Such a stupid article
bro , go fly "k" la…
Such an intelligent comment.
It is ok. it's not your fault. The article is for smart ppl only.
even your name sounds stupid. your mentality, even worse.
Like I always said, what maketh a religion is the followers. If a religion is perceived to be "strangely" self absorbed centric and intolerant of others, it has failed the acid test of being a religion.
This book is both informative, and an easy, plenaast read. In sharp contrast to several other books I’ve read, Meyerowitz doesn’t force feed raw food diets or fasting down your throat with threats of disease and disaster. His approach is simple, direct and well-organized. The book begins with a discussion of what fasting is and why it can be beneficial and continues on to descriptions of how to begin, how long to continue and how to come off a fast. Other important sections include a systematic description of how the body detoxifies, what to expect as this occurs and what can be done to help the body during the cleansing process. All in all I found this to be a well-balanced and informative book that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who is new to the concept of water or juice fasting.
Thank you for the post. Last year, while I was taking part in a treasure hunt, I was wearing a spagetti strap top and jeans and running around the street under the hot sun to look for clues for my answers. My friend and I stopped and sat be the sidewalk of a bank to look at our notes and discuss the clues given. A malay man who was at the ATM suddenly started criticising loudly to a malay lady behind him that we are rude for wearing such flesh-baring clothes in public in the month of Ramadhan. I was just completely blown by it. I didn't know I needed a change of wardrobe for a certain month each year… I have always been careful to not eat or drink in front of Muslims during Ramadhan but wearing 'appropriate clothings' has never crossed my mind as being an issue I need to look into.
Thank you. Moderate, right-thinking Muslims like you (whom i feel are in the majority) should speak up more. The voices of the more extreme Muslims often take take centre-stage. They give Islam a poor image.
Its a simple thing, avoid situation where people are eating and drinking…. The only reason people object is because they themselves have the temptation to eat and drink and brings about a desire to do so in them..because we are humans after all….
My only objection arises when in a restaurant such as an Arab restaurant, where it is understood that Muslims are present and waiting to break their fast..you have people who come in at that very moment and actually eat…… this I am talking roughly around 7pm, that for me is quite disrespectful considering they see people with foods in their plate and waiting…..and they come and eat……the worst part is, I have seen plenty of Muslims who are not fasting do that as well…
On that note, there are many tolerant people as well who understand that people are fasting and are respectful towards their peers and colleagues ….
Its mere human nature that dictates this you know….
Don't even know why you are saying ''malay-Muslim'' …as if any other Muslims are any different…. it puts a bad name to the Malays and that is not a good thing at all …. Discriminating an entire race just because of few or even many jerks doesn't make them all bad, its called, discrimination .
What tolerance are you talking about? Man..KFC, MCD, Pizza Hut, mamak's etc etc have Malays working in them through the day as they fast……………..
IF that was sooo much of a big issue for them, surely most of them would have stopped working and you know, start protesting and etc etc…
Sheesh, that's bad writing mate…
SSS,
To raise some ethical points which hasn't been mentioned yet here, why should those who are not fasting (whether Muslims or non-Muslims) feel obliged to delay having their meal when they are in fact in a restaurant which is the place to buy and eat food and they are legitimate paying customers?
Would you then argue that it would be noble of the restaurant owner to decide to suspend serving food until the time of iftar, thus preventing non-fasters the chance to disrespect those who are fasting?
Could it also be said that those occupy seats while waiting to break fast are being disrespectful by denying business from the restaurant owner? You know how there are fasters who physically occupy or "book" seats at restaurants one hour before the time to break fast and just sit there, occupying the entire restaurant while waiting for time to pass and denying customers who actually want to order, pay and eat immediately but can't because there are no seats available?
What do you think?
Don't think you are reading SS's points correctly….
i don agree with u…why shud a non fastin person felt t need to respek others fastin when we are not doin it deliberately.remember fastin is about 'overcomin or resistin temptation'. onli then it can b meaninful.menolak nafsu bila tercabar…it is not about others not respektin u or not considerate or etc…it is between u n God(Allah)..a lot of ppl don seem to understan why tey fast…tat is why ey r so angri with others…u tink God is please???no common sense talkin about tis topik of respek tis n tat…T fundamental reason fo 'fastin' shud b remembered at all times.then u wont feel disapointed or felt dishonored…point fo all to think about…..
You are one of those who make Msia a better land to live. Continue on.
This is an exc ellent article. During ramadan, I try my level best to respect muslims but Im amazed at the disrespect they have for other races. They are so shallow and sticky sometimes. I live in a condo with 2 small kids and they have the loudspeaker blaring at my window all the time Sometimes a child becomes the muezzin and he screams so loud that its unbearable, even an educated malay,my neighbour complains. Afterwards comes the sermons over the loudspeaker and it goes on for hours sometimes.
The irony is everytime they come out of prayers, they seem to be very angry and anti social and give me the impression as though they are already cleansed.and we not.
However there are also the goodones. Theres one person who brought kueh and gave to my kids and that I respect.
One word, wisdom.
Hear hear!
i agree with this article
but i think non muslims who do eat or drink in front of muslims during ramadhan are plain ignorant.
we wont lose anything being sensitive and not making it anymore difficult than it already is for them.
Cheers
this proves that you're not sincere in fasting, because you seem jealous that they have the pleasure in eating while you're not.
Wow, that's a really obnoxious comment and I'm a Muslim (albeit not a good one). It's a test of willpower to be surrounded by people eating during Ramadhan. How weak it is to be affected by it. I think any Muslim so offended by others eating in front of them during Ramadhan are 1) easily tempted (hence, the ease at being offended) and 2) incredibly fixated with food (which is incredibly frivolous).
We need to get over ourselves. We need to get off our high horses. Oft times, we impose ourselves on others, forcing our ways down non-muslims' throat. Where is the fairness in that? "There is no compulsion in Islam"…..how convenient it is to forget that.
It's really simple. You ain't gonna get love if you don't show love. And we're not showing love, much.
rahter than sit in front of non muslim eating, it is much better to discuss the beauty of ramadhan al kareem, finds more times to recite qurans n hadiths hope for us to be blessed by god…anyway that's my 2 cents oppinion….wish u all selamat berpuasa
Anonymous, you are weak.
Plus, if you are muslim and have a problem with someone eating and drinking in front of you, you've failed to understand the very meaning of Ramadan. Its sad. Thats the whole point!
In any case, here's the deal. Whether youre Muslim or youre not, I dont give a crap. Youre all the same to me. BUT don't let it affect others. Like today, I went to the immigration in Putrajaya at 2:50pm.
Yeah well. Lets just say that I need to drive back to Putrajaya tomorrow. They close shop early there because of fasting month you see. The guy went back by 3pm today. Its hard not to connect the dots. Seriously. Whats the solution here?
let me illustrate to your this story. there is a guru monk with his disciple trying to cross a river. they came across a lady who was trying to do the same. the current was strong and the lady asked whether the monks could help them. the guru monk carried the lady on his shoulder and cross the river. thereafter, the disciple was confused and asked the guru "isn't a monk is not allowed to touch a woman?". the guru replied "i have put the lady down and move on but you seem to still carry her in your head". the guru has a free and open mind. he responded to the unexpected situation and immediately focus on the journey whereas the disciple has his mind disturbed and lost focus of the journey. it is all about mind power and will. if as a fasting muslims, you are unable to withstand the temptation of seeing someone eating and feel offended, i must say the fasting process is meaningless to you. fasting is not only about physical abstention from food, but more importantly the mental abstention from being tempted. jealousy and the feeling of being offended will ruin your "pahala". unless you are a young kid trying to fast.
What about people who dine with vegetarian and eat meat in front of them? What about people whose religion don't allow them to eat beef but their friend eat beef in front of them?
Your argument is flawed. It is not ignorant, it is mutual respect between human beings. Every religion have their restrictions, if we were to do like what you said, we would be better off joining our own kind which would divide this nation even further than it already is.
I think the vegetarian are ok. Please, most of the vegwtarian have their own spiritual path or health goal. They wont resolve to offended in front of meat eater. This is the first time i heard this.Omg. Please dont forcefully use another flawed argument. Every religion have restriction but every religion dont impose their belief onto the non-believers. Me and God made a deal and it is between me and him. Others can go eat a t-rex if they want.
I think you get my point totally wrong mate.
nocrid, you misunderstood Noel… he's just saying that those two situations are similar to Muslims fasting. The person with restrictions don't normally make a fuss if others around him are not following their restrictions…
Don't be an idiot. If people are truly willing to have faith in a supreme power or their beliefs then they should also deal with the consequences. How selfish of vegetarians, hindus, muslims, etc to think that society MUST accommodate for them when it fact it was their choice to abstain from said food.
Think about it. Because someone made a decision to abstain, I'm supposed to think twice about what I'm doing because the poor poor person won't be able to do it too?
I'm not talking about blatantly shoving it in their faces; what i meant was normal daily activities that I do have to be censored and filtered for the benefit of others?
Now that just makes me a hypocrite.
If you can't stand looking at others eating, then stay at home with all the doors and windows in your house closed. I
personally have fasted for more than 30 hours without water for a religious festival. and I have done that many times. No one gave me a break when I was fasting. And i didnt EXPECT a break. i wanted to do it for my own self. And it made me happier that I did not give into my cravings and need for food or drink.
I do not mean to sound rude…but if you are going to be out in a mall during fasting month or in a car service center or anywhere else, expect to see other people eating infront of you. you do not own the mall, road or building …so it does not give you the right to expect people to stop themselves from eating infront of you.
with that said…hope you are indoors and protecting your eyes and mind from watching other people eat.
I think everyone misunderstood Sam. Sam is clearly not Muslim (he referred to Muslims as "them"). What he is saying, I think, as a form of courtesy, or show of goodwill, is that non-Muslims ought to refrain from intentionally eating in front of Muslims during Ramadhan if it is avoidable.
Get out of your cave. Why should everyone bendover backwards just because YOU are fasting.
Are you sensative enough to not serve beef rendang to your Hindu guest during a wedding or
Raya? All religions fast one time or another. Nobody asked to be treated differently, so why should
Malay muslims be any different. It is about you and God. Having a mentality like that sure wont get
you much pahala.
ughhh u read my mind bro :)
I have seen a lot of stupid Muslim in my travel but by far u are at number 1. U just used a very sensitive topic and made your name out of it and being a Muslim u know that most of us will not lash out to as ur part of the faith. I am not saying ur wrong but the way u put it on was.. Have you every been to Kuching on a Sunday night, try to go infront of the church and let me know how many car you see.. No police give a ticket or make a problem. For the name of God, well their are around a 30k name in different language y that one word need to be used and confusion to b created. U supporting LGBT just discuss me.. Its just not religiously (all religion) wrong, it socially, morally and naturally as well.. A real muslim will never have a issue if some one drink infront of him as it is normal and his faith is stronger but a fake like will have issue. Did you know Hindu and Christian fast too so its no different.. As being leader are chosen bais on religion, its the will of the people…name me one country without flaw then come out with this bullshit.
It was a very cheap way to get popularity…..All the people who are supporting it is just sad, plz read it again b4 supporting this guy.. people like him is the cause of our 1Malaysia problem.
I wish our country muslim can be like this. Infact do u believe it….. I have so many muslim friends they are so understanding and even during fasting month they always worried for me whether have i eaten or drink…. They are the one who buy me food at times when i am busy. We eat seat at the same place sometimes is non halal. My muslim friends are awesome and i proud to say that they are the real muslim. This is how malaysia should be and not generalize people. They should respect. Muslim and non muslim they should be thought to accept others.
Awesome comment! Suspend judgement to others, Muslim and non-Muslim alike :)
A wonderful article..I am a non Muslim & I respect the Muslims but unfortunately,I have been through so many experiences where I have experienced racism from Muslims just because I am not their race..so I am left thinking,where are all the good Malays?am I not human because I am a non Muslim?I hope the Malays will read your article & realise that the world is a home to every human being irregardless of race,religion & creed..only then will our country truly prosper..and I wish the "I am holier than thou" attitude will be changed..all humans are equal in the eyes of God..
Not all Muslim are Malays! Race and religion are two different things please don't be confused.
Not all Muslim are Malays! Race and religion are two different things please don't be confused. Just like not all Thais are Thai, you have Chinese Thai, Indian Thai etc..
Dear Kanchana, I once enrolled in a programme that only has me as the only Malay and the others are of different race. Believe me, racism was there everyday. I have to pull myself out of bed to face racism and eventually made me very depressed & decided to quit the programme even I was already in my final year. It is not just you who exeperience racism. It's what happen when we are the minority. I am not stating that the other race are filled with racists, but you get my point. When we are the minority, the attention we received are lesser. No doubt that there are very, very kind and very understanding non-malay friends who support me throughout the entire years. The article was about Malay-Muslims who never respect the minority through the entire year but expect the minority to respect them like a royal in Ramadhan. I also did not agree with Malay-Muslim who claims non-malays are rude to eat in front of them. Even with my new programme i joined, half of my class are non-muslims. But it is fine with us Muslims if they wish to eat. Just because we, Muslims are fasting doesn't mean they have to fast too.
But in your case, i believe you faced some very stubborn, arrogant Malay-Muslims who think they are the best, hence they can oppress other race with different belief & religion. Trust me dear Kanchana, ignore these people. Even i ignored these Malay-Muslims who acted like they are boss with other Malay-Muslims. Our Islam does not preach to oppress other people. Islam demanded for us to be fair to everyone regardless of race and beliefs. Those people you spoke of are some examples that the rest of Malay-Muslims look bad and hideous. Which is a very sad truth.
I agree with anis…one aspect of islam is respecting others.however, to practise Islam, one has to learn Islam by heart and understand Islam truly and then only can they practise Islam. Many muslims in Malaysia nowadays learn Islam (from Pendidikan Islam teaching in school) just to pass exam plus it's part of the curriculum. Having said that, people will question bcoz many involve in crime also come from sekolah agama/religious school. To answer all these, learning Islam doesn't necessarily mean they understand Islam. It is when you understand Islam and practicing with it then,you'll afraid to do bad deeds.
Sad truth is, many muslims do not understand Islam teaching and so, they are not showing it in their attitude…
I'm not sure who ur muslim friends are but i've hardly ever come across a muslim who gets angry just becos a non muslim eats/drinks in front of them. Hope u wouldnt generalise such a statement. It hardly ever happens in real life. We cook & feed our children during fasting as well u know.
if the shoe fits..
When I was in school, non-muslims were instructed not to eat or drink in front of muslim kids during puasa month. Just saying.
Yes I agree.I'm Malay Muslim and I actually join my friends during lunch break. In fact ill go as far to say that nobody in my school has ever been angry whenever a non-Muslim its in front of them. I am not the exception either, as 3 of my other Muslim friends join me after we have carried out our Afternoon prayers. Not to say all Malay Muslims are like this but I think it is the minority making the majority look bad as they have in so many other matters.
Well written and how I wish your kind of generation be at the forefront but most of the time its otherwise. Anyway hope this article reached at least few souls who can think and perceive it as how it was presented and not likewise.
i study part time in UTM, all the food available to us during weekends are gone. just because its deemed that they fast. but basically they also think persians fast too, when most of them dont either. is it fair because of them we shouldnt eat? n to find food in UTM KL area is like finding needle in a haystack, end up some of us go hungry.
Great article, if only the majority thought more like u.. Must share :)
Wonderful article.
The fact that most muslims dont behave in this manner. They are very humble and very seldom will they rise to anger. This problem or character is actually the work of a few minority trying to use religion for their own agenda. They try to instigate to speak out or even use some violence for their personal benefit. You can see that its the work of politicians or leaders of NGO who want to put themselves forward to be noticed. In order to reach their goals they will use religion or people but the very fact remains that they themselves personally will fail the religious test.
agreed! i dont mind the non-muslim eat in front of me.. no restaurant are closed right? all open as usual..the non-muslim can eat freely. we respect their religion too..they can practice their religion without discrimination. why question muslims when we respect your religion.
agree with u james!
Such a wonderfully written article…If only more Malaysian Muslims would read this…thank you..
I am glad that you said Malaysian Muslims and not Malay Muslims.
Dear Syahredzan,
You give Malaysians hope for a better future. Thank you for being so selfless and brave. God bless.
Ironically, the same mentality has invaded the other end of the spectrum. Some of the people I've encountered shy away from eating/drinking infront of me, worried at the chance of offending me. Though that may be a polite gesture, their first impression of me being a Malay-muslim is that i would take offence to it.
And concerning what "Amir" has said, I also feel that it's unethical to be arrested just because one chooses not to fast. I'm not saying I don't, but similar to drinking, gambling and/or fornicating, I feel those are all personal acts one chooses to indulge in, with a conscious knowledge that it is a sin. I feel only God can judge us, not the govt, police or extremists.
Hi/Salaam. I beg to differ; if you are a true Muslim (Chinese/Indian or Malay) and you are not fasting for what ever personal reason you hold – and yes it is between you and God, it should be out of ethical respect that you don't eat in public where you can get second glances which just create trouble that can be avoided if you had that respect in the first place.
The blame should not be placed on the individual, whose beliefs can never actually be known to anyone else but himself, but on others who do not have the right to 'second glance' people they think are, and SHOULD, be Muslims.
It is not the fault of the individual, but the fault of other nosy Malay-Muslims who do not recognize that religion lies deep within one's conscience, despite Malays in this country being accustomed to the (wrong) idea that one person MUST be a certain religion by virtue of one's colour or familial heritage.
I would grant nosy-ness and concern with family and friends – but not for complete strangers we see in public.
By the way fasting (not eating or drinking) is not an indulgence and is totally dissimilar to fornicating(which ppl do behind close doors-not in public), gambling (in casinos or private places) and as for consuming of intoxicant (others don't look to kindly done in broad daylight anyway.
Fer,
It was my Malay Cikgus and classmates in primary and secondary school taught me to jangan biadap by eating/drinking in front of Malay classmates.
it depends on the public my fren…..if you are surrounded by pious,educated,self control man,…..by all means go for it….but the malaysian muslims mentality are far from that……they need guidance and discipline,just like any other troubled child…..when we erect legislations,regulations and constitutions….we must take into consideration the people who we are governing…….you my dear sir may have the civic awareness to abstain from these certain acts,however regrettably the majority of our muslim ummah are lacked up in it
Please translate this excellent article into Malay so that it can be shared by more people. Cheers!
I feel as though the same respect should be given to Malays who wish to eat in public during the day. Since all Malays 'must', by Malaysian law, be Muslims (a fact I find extraordinary), anyone who looks Malay does get a second glance if seen eating in public this month.
Nature call, right to choose, can't be bothered, don't believe in fasting or Islam; whatever the reason is, a Malay (by appearance) shouldn't have to justify it to other holier-than-thou Malays. I know that what I'm proposing is all a bit too idealistic, but really, fasting is a man-and-his-God business, not an act of pressured social conformity.
Waiting for an article about freedom of religion for people who have no choice but to be Muslim?
Yes, as it should be. Ironically, I don't imagine our current law to even be 'correct' in Islam, though I can't confirm that. "There is no compulsion in religion" would seem to oppose a law which decides someone's religion for them.
Such an idealist..haha..this will never happen in Malaysia unless Malay Muslims dare to change how Islam is practiced here
I think your comment by provoking the Muslim that shows intolerent as well.
Being Muslims, they (islamic officals and leaders) have to carry out their responsibilities required by the religion and by the ummah. Before you criticize an action, why don’t you talk these people and ask them why disdthey take the action?
People need to start learning about other religions. Just because they have different belief and practise from you and you disagree with that, doesn’t mean that you have the right to critize their belief.
People should start agree to disagree but respect each others.
I grew up in an Sk and then an SMK school. All my life, I have been told I could not eat in front of a fasting muslim in the Ramadan month. Your article has open the minds of many. Keep it up. We need more tolerant muslims.
Anyway, the main objective of this article is about the tolerance of the majority muslim towards the minority non-muslims in many areas. Being one of the majority muslims do not make them dictators like the Fuhrer of Germany of long ago..
i have a friend who looked like a Malay and yes, she had a very hard time enjoying her meals accompanied with ample sharp stares. It is high time these holier-than-thou Malays know where to keep their nose at and stop thinking that just because they are fasting, they have the right to dictate those who dont be it, another Muslim or not.. Like you said, it IS an affair between man and God. No others. You have my support in this.
haha.. as an Iban Christian, I felt that when I had to go out to eat during the fasting month, while studying in KL. To make it more 'interesting', I'd usually eat in Chinese eateries since the Malay ones would definitely turn a head or two in my direction. Look.. it's not like anyone who's dark-skinned and with round eyes are Malays, my Peninsular friends. :)
On the matter of having a non-muslim eating in front of a Muslim during Ramadhan, I personally don't find it much of an issue as I've actually never feel bothered if a non-Muslim actually eats in front of me when I'm fasting. I have my obligation as a Muslim and to be apprehended by others of different beliefs just because they're eating in front of me is not really something i find offensive.
But, as a muslim, even if you are not fasting due to allowed circumstances (e.g. being very2 sick or having a period for women) you can't simply just go out and eat in the public as it will invite what we call 'fitnah' to other Muslims who are fasting and to Islam as a way life.
We also need to know and understand that the act of eating in the middle of the day in public during Ramadhan month is also equivalent as making fun of the law outlined in Islam- which draws the risk of being murtad. Even if we want to call for respect, it should also come with the knowledge of what we're actually requesting and not simply based on personal qualms.
Wallahualllam.
Eza,
I understand the point that it would make toilet paper of Islamic law and Islam itself ie. it becomes meaningless.
Alas, we do not live in a theocratic state. You see, the problem is that in Malaysia we can all assume someone is a Muslim just from their skin color or how they carry themselves; if they are Malay, they must, and should, be Muslims.
The risk of being 'murtad' should be of concern to that person and nobody else – except perhaps their spouses or close family, who could express concern, but definitely not the State. How would the sight of someone who you think is a Muslim eating in public during Ramadhan invite 'fitnah' to you? I'm not very familiar with rules in Islam, so I'd like it if you could explain this part to me.
Hi
I was with my colleague from Saudi Arabia. We sometimes have a cup of coffee before or after meeting. Today after a meeting he 'invited' me to have coffee. He said that it is all right for me to sip coffee in front of him. We sat and talked for sometimes.
Now isn't that a good example of good behaviour?
It's great that we all seem to agree that we should not rage at non-Muslims who don't fast who eat in front of Muslims who are fasting. *golfclap*
But what about Muslims who are not fasting? Shouldn't they be allowed to eat too?
Haris,
IF you choose not to fast for whatever reason – you can have lunch with me, my brother.
I don't think most people will bother. I saw a Muslim man buying lunch from McD just today. I'm not sure if the religious authorities can prosecute you for not fasting. I guess Syah has to answer that.
buying food is not illegal but I think Muslims actually eating in public is prohibited by most (if not all) states' syariah laws. loyars can confirm whether this is the case? at very least, the various JA** seem to always conduct daytime raids at eateries.
In 1968 I personally witnessed a Malay taxi driver arrested by police while eating in a hidden corner of a very quiet restaurant. It was an hour or so to go before the puasa break and the restaurant workers were readying the food. Guess who alerted the police? The Malay proprietor.
I was able to get to my target wghiet with a really good program I found online. It has a lot of great recipes and information.I have tried losing wghiet several times, but nothing seemed to work for very long. Being diabetic it was crucial that I lose wghiet. I’ve especially had problems dieting…whenever I cut calories, I get tired and cranky, and even if I lose any wghiet, it just comes right back. I’ve tried a variety of pills and shakes (none of them worked) and those stupid lean cuisine things always leave me hungry. If you want to lose wghiet, I suggest you check it out. It may work for you.
Haris, your "But what about Muslims who are not fasting? Shouldn't they be allowed to eat too?" shows misundestanding/ lack of knowledge in Islam on yourself. I don't blame U but would like to suggest U to learn more about Islam, so as not to get confused statements/remarks from confused non-Muslims e.g Felix Cheam and NaviX.
I pray all of us Muslims could observe the the fasting in Ramadhan ( the third pillar of Islam ) as it has been observed by our Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) and other Prophets of God ( peace be upon them
all ).
Muslims who are not fasting can also include people who are on medication, or women during their time of the month.
I do not believe that people should be 'forced' to carry out acts of religion. Let them make their own decisions. If they eat in public, then let them make peace with the Creator, on their own terms. If we are to prosecute 'non-fasters' (which we do do now, actually), then why not arrest/fine/prosecute Muslims who miss prayers for whatever reasons, or have not done their Haj when they can afford to (all pillars of Islam as well)? This is another can of worms, and I digress.
Dear IshakMY, I don't think those non-Muslims comments are made by confused people. I guess you don't go out much during the fasting month because you don't seem to realise the reality of what's happening out there. Yes, Muslims have reasons to not fast during the Holy month and yes, they may buy food in public, but no, they are not allowed to eat in public. If you get caught, you get arrested, you get fined. If there is something in the Quran about not being allowed to eat in public during fasting month, please do enlightened those "confused" non-Muslims like me.
I am neither a Malay nor a Muslim. However, EVERY year without fail I have problems eating in public during lunch hour simply because I look like a Malay. Some restaurants, despite showing my IC as evidence, refuses to allow me to eat because of my features and they fear trouble from the authorities. So yes, please enlightened this poor confused soul because I really do want to know why I face this persecution every year.
wtf haris i cannot believe you hang out on loyarbukor forums.
no I do not hang out here :p
After reading this article it really feels like Hari Raya
irrelevant, but I like the way you think haha. I think we're much more tolerant than the article mentions.
I agrees some to syahredzan,but I disagree alots.Example,if Malay-Muslim does not agree Hindu temple/church to be
built in the vicinity of the housing estate,it’s also equally fair to say that the non-Muslim are also entitle to their
own rights.For exampl, building Surau and mosques in the vicinity of the housing estate so that their sleep won’t be
Intrupted so early during the morning prayer.The non-Muslim are also paying for their housing loan within the vicinity.
The federal constitution is a “supreme Law”. When Malaysia was formed,I personally disagrees & i don’t believe that
our past forefather( especially the non-Muslim from Sabah/swak )allow their RAKYAT be suppressed by religion as what actually happen in reality nowadays.To my very best understanding,it’s more to a comradeship situation simply in order
Malaysia can be formed without much “hassle & delay” during that time.In whatever manner and meaning of our FC
Articles are written i would believe it merely to expedite the process of the formation of Malaysia.its so sad,in this very broad light of modern world,there as so many extremist and opportunist taking advantage of the situation without
Considering the feeling of other people,less they forget without the “godly good heart” of the past forefather of the non-Muslim leaders definetly perhaps today there is “No Malaysia “. We cannot allow the attitude of extremism to persist
bagaikan”sudah di Beri bêtis mau paha sehingga akhirnya mau kesemuanya” and this is not fair to other msian who also
Contribute and struggle before and after the formation of malaysia.The key words is “Tollerance”.In short,there are no
Supreme Law for just one community after all it’s being said so many times that “nobody are above the law”.
No hurt feeling but merely expression of opinions.Selamat berpuasa to AlLL the Muslim bothers & sisters and Selamat
hari raya adilfetri.
Let us really think about this mate: how are we going to ever espouse fair play when that supreme law has it engraved that some are more equal than others? Just wondering…
Kirk,
Pls read again.
you failed to understand his point pn "Malay-Muslim does not agree Hindu temple/church to be built in the vicinity of the housing estate"
You don't even understand what the author is trying to say.
The author is merely pointing out how these presumptuous bunch of people are thinking.
The author in fact states that, the rights of the minority should be respected by drawing examples from the burqa incident in France.
Seriously, you need to read this article again to understand what the author wants to say.
Terriber Ingrrish!
I'm a muslim malay. I had Hindu neighbours before. Everyay I tolerate with the smell of their burning incense. It's not appealing to me, but I tolerated. It was in Malay dominated housing area.
Read and think deeper.Dun jump into conclusion 1st.
Read again and UNDERSTAND, sir!
LOL mind blown
Thank you very very much for your firm stand.
It is Malay Muslims like your self who give me hope for our nation which we all love.
Thank you.
Remember respect has to be earned and not to be demanded ! Is a person eats in front of a muslim it is a good testing of how much tolerance the muslim can endure for the sake of his religion. That to me is what a person can really tolerate for the sake of his religion.
Also are you saying that a muslim is expected to be good, kind and charitable only for one month of the year and behaves as he or she likes for the rest of the eleven months ? Why is then that briberies are being committed all year round including the muslim ministers , civil servants and the police. In fact just a few days ago when I had the misfortune to visit the road transport department to have my vehicle inspected, it was done by a muslim examiner,I was expected to put in the glove box of the vehicle 50- ringgit for the examiner to help himself when he was out 'testing' the vehicle if I wanted him to pass the test. I did that and when the vehicle came back from the road test it was passed but when I checked the glove box and sure enough the 50- ringgit was gone. No body else was in the vehicle when I passed the vehicle to the examiner for the test or was there any body else in the vehicle when it came back from the road test. What had happened to the 50- ringgit that I placed in the glove box ? All these happened in the holy month.
In short stop calling to be respected just for the holy month but make it a point to be gain respect all year round. I would have respected the religion and even become a muslim.
The fellow who took your money had nothing to do with Islam, It just happen that he is a muslim. This could happen to any corrupt personnel of other religion. Of course, a lot of those politician use religion for their own personal agenda. These are the people we all should contempt.
A muslim is a follower of Islam. That fellow is NOT a muslim, although he might call himself a muslim.
Why are u participated in bribe when u know it is wrong? Why complained now after u allowed it to happen? Corruption takes 2 hands to clap….
Fully agreed. U instigated the corruption :)
Yup. No point of complaining about people taking bribes. When we stop giving, people will stop demanding. It's as simple as that. People just can't stop talking and complaining about bribes and corruptions but they only blame the people who accepted bribes, not the one giving. Maybe it's about time we stop practicing the 'kow tim' culture;)
1. Those that do not puasa also need to tolerate too, not just the puasa one.
2. I don't think you need to put RM50. Govt. agencies already have their own "TouchNGo" and money for everything.
3. The person that gives bribe also guilty, same as the receiver. Next time, do not initiate.
This is a silly argument. You don't judge a religion by what the adherent do. You reckon Christianity promotes child molestation just because a number of priests happened and still are happily abusing them? I guess you don't. And I'm pretty sure you are bias toward muslim only, just because you have had a few bad experiences with them.
Next time, please judge Islam by their teaching. It is only fair. And btw, Islam does not promote bribery.
And to elaborate further. If the ruler of the country is a just Muslim and that Islamic Law is imposed to all Muslim in Malaysia, you will see many ministers with amputated arms. Bribery and stealing of rakyats money would have been lessened considerably. So don't go blame Islam for not providing any solutions. Blame human greediness, stupidity and the Man Made Law which are not suitable to govern the Muslim.
Thank you for this balanced article. What Malaysia needs is more right-thinking Malay-Muslims like you.
This is my first time here and loving it already. Keep up the great work!
i second that.
This post made me tear up a bit. Thank you for your eloquence and logic. I really do hope that more Muslims read this and start to change their mindset (well, the ones who have that sense of entitlement that has been instilled in them). Anything close to a real democracy in this country can only happen if more people in power thought like you. Thanks again.
Brother, this is what the Muslims in Malaysia should be sharing, educating the Muslims in this country of their rich religion rather than imposing laws to curtail others right and freedom. I have been to singapore where a Malay Muslim women was sitting with non-Malays during lunch break. I asked if she feel belittled by the non and to that she replied, " I am the one who is fasting and not them". I wish my Malay brothers and sisters in Malaysia could take a hint from this aunty and every time I visit spore I'll make it a point to greet her.
I was in the States last 2 weeks. And during Ramadhan, a Malaysian Muslim colleague said “let's get a lunch break”. I responded “aren't you puasa?”
And he replied “I'm fasting, but you guys aren't … you mean I can't watch u all eat?” … and everyone laughed. Thumbs-up to his practicing of true Muslim generosity
Thank you for giving this timely reminder to your Muslim brothers. As a non-Muslim, we try our best to respect that Muslims are fasting and will not deliberately eat in front of Muslims but sometimes we forget and if we do, we will apologise.
Apologising to all Muslims during Ramadhan when you have done nothing wrong is unnecessary. It is your right to eat or drink whenever you choose. You're not the one fasting.
Resisting temptations is one of the fundamental motives behind fasting. It is part of a Muslim's trial. If they are offended or angry with you, they are jeopardising their own fast. Food and drink are secondary to the process of fasting. It is discipline, patience, consideration, empathy, feeling at peace with oneself and the people around you. That's the deeper meaning of Ramadhan.
i was crouching and eating my sandwich, lowering my head from being seen by a malay girl who sits in front of me in the office, and then she went like "lar makan jer lar, toksah takut, aku yang puasa, bukan nye hang" everyone in the office had a good laugh : D
I always see this in my office too. Most muslims I know don't really take offense in non-muslims eating in front of them. Mutual respect comes into play. At the office, when there is a gathering, we don't serve beef because there was one hindu in the group. We prepare vegetarian food for our vegetarian friends and recently, a friend told a story of how she was the only muslim in the meeting yet they didn't serve the usual meeting delicacies. and I was in Johor recently, and was listening to the church bells ring the evening before Sunday and was thinking, how great it was to be in this country, where the azan sounds and the church bells rings. And we have religion processions of all varieties. this is about having a beautiful respect for one another's religion and its the beauty of Malaysia.
I for the most part, find this article interesting because it speaks of a condition ascribed to a majority, when in reality, is it really the majority of malay muslims who behave this way?
Sarah, you'd be surprised. My sister-in-law who's now retired from the civil service used to tell us that she and other non-Muslim staff also suffer cos if they do eat in the office, they will receive hurtful remarks from Muslim colleagues that they were not respecting them.
I was in government service too. Yes, it was commanded to us that we should not eat in the open during the fasting month, whilst in secret it is those who commanded thus who placed surreptitious orders with us for a meal to be sneaked into their offices. This then was the height of hypocrisy when superiors try to wick up both guilt and sympathy from those who in their own calendar dates, also observe periods of fast with substantially less fanfare.
yup I guess it's a matter of perspective. Isolated cases of course. Muslims and non-Muslims alike, why you so touchy?? Take a chill pill.
Why apologetic when u a doing something naturally!
Lapdog alert!
Once again Thank You very much for bringing this up and indeed through of what you all have said. I was in Iran many years ago during the fasting month. My friends and I did not eat in front of our fellow Iranian friends as a matter of respect (anyway not many food stalls were opened) but the unexpected happened, our fellow Iranian friends who were our interpreters brought us food and fruits from their home the following day and for the rest of the duration of our stay in Iran.
We were very surprised and gratified how fellow citizens from an Islamic Republic can be so kind and offer us the necessities and not mind us eating during the fasting month when they are around. When we asked them this, they told us "It is us who are fasting and not you" and obviously we wondered somewhere remote and it without their presence having this good feeling.
Generally speaking, my fellow friends and colleagues too do not mind but I guess it is those who are being hypocritical behaves this way which really a sad tale to tell in our country.
Actually, I've never seen any muslim who demanded to be respect during ramadhan month…
I dont even know what is the point of this article?????
I've seen alot of ppl eating in the bazaar ramadhan. But never once I see a muslim turns an angry face to them.
So…… :
Shah, you're lucky. It happens all the time especially in schools. The canteen closes during fasting month and non-Muslim students are berated and in one case even punished for bringing food into the school to eat during recess.
Shah, a malay teacher in my nephew's school (chinese primary school) instructed students in class that they shouldn't eat in front the muslim students during the fasting month. They should respect the muslim students by not eating or drinking in front of them. This is in a school with 99% non-muslim students. Where should the non-muslim students go & do during school lunch break?
Those days (25 -30 years ago) when i was in a secondary school (small town) with 70% muslim & 30% non-muslim, the canteen still opened & the muslim students were advised to go to a reserved area in the school during lunch break during fasting month! Neighbours who invite friends over for makan-makan (raya, wedding,etc) ensures that no beef is served. What has changed since then ? Nowadays, even chicken & beef burgers are grilled together – see Mc Donalds. But then Hindu's always have a choice.
Anyway, I try my very best never to eat or drink in front of my muslim friends as a sign of respect as i know they will never do the same. I believe, the question here, is that respect should be mutual.
I will like to take this opportunity to wish all Muslims " SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI" & God bless you all.
Frankly, Non-Muslims need not apologize if we ate in front of Muslims. They're the ones fasting and not us. Others also fast or abstain at some time according to their religious practice. Should I be disgusted if someone eats meat in front of me if I'm vegetarian or you eat a sacred animal of my religion? my religion tells me to fast without telling anyone. In fact, freshen one's face to look as if not fasting.
I would agree that a Muslim should feel insulted if someone deliberately teases or taunts Muslims that are fasting with "Mmmm… Sedapnya minum air ni… Batal lah Puasa… Tak da orang nampaklah…." By all means, scold him for showing no respect!
I think the apology is not because we are eating in front of them but as friend who had cause temptation to them. Just like when we do something that is our right but may cause inconvenience to others, we apologies for the inconvenience caused.
Respect others first before you expect others to respect you. Summons blaring at full blast at 5 am, indiscriminate parking every Friday. Is this what you call respecting others?