Syahredzan Johan asks during this holy month, are Malay-Muslims entitled to better rights than others?
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.
I'm a Malaysian and proud to say I have friends from different background but sometimes its hard to ignore the religious birthright of Muslims in Malaysia.I also have seen a fair amount of people doing things as they think the law and the country is their alone. especially during ramadhan when they glare at me for drinking in front of them or taking a seat in a crowded bus, one guy even voiced out that Muslims should be seated while others should stand as it was fasting month. I entirely blame the government for playing with religion matters each and every time they face an issue. they even says we should tolerate each other which I think a very bad word to say. religions are not supposed to be tolerated… a loud neighbor is tolerated not a person's religious faith. Religion, especially when its not our own should be accepted. there is a saying…"ignorance is a bliss" but I think when your ignore others' religion you are just denying your own God's teaching….loved and be loved (no matter who they are)!__thank you for this post, its a wonderful piece.
She has said it very eloquently. Trying to cloak oneself of influence instead of withstanding in carrying out ones religious obligations is in no way a fulfilment of one's religious requirement.
Kau ni melayu pukimak who generalizes. U are a fucking idiot. U think u are a lawyer who can write anything. Bodoh kau ni!!
this is a good article.. but i'm wonder how many muslim frens are actually read this..there are not a problem being sensitive and respect each other, the problem is when politician use this for their own benefit. unfortunately, still a large among of muslims frens are not so open minded and they believe 100% what Mr.politic said and eventually create issue in this country. hopefully Malaysia can be united…
a muslim friend told me, that he dont give a shit neither should anyone should give a shit if we were to eat in front of them, he said true muslim wouldn't mind as the relationship between Allah and him is in his own heart alone.
enforcing one's religion opinion down someone's throat makes no differents then the picture attached below.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NfNacpvBr_4/UkS4OIm9J7I…
Actually I don't mind if people who are non-Muslim eating or drinking in front of me during the fasting month. It is depending on whether if you (muslim) are trained to be patience or not. Because the stronger are your patience, the stronger your Iman. I have many non-Muslim friend and I do appreciate them for tolerating with me during this fasting month. But I never stop them from eating in front of me because they have their free right. We have to understand that we are living in Multiracial Country. Respect and understand each other is important. I love Malaysia
Actually I don't mind if people who are non-Muslim eating or drinking in front of me during the fasting month. It is depending on whether if you (muslim) are trained to be patience or not. Because the stronger are your patience, the stronger your Iman. I have many non-Muslim friend and I do appreciate them for tolerating with me during this fasting month. But I never stop them from eating in front of me because they have their free right. We have to understand that we are living in Multiracial Country. Respect and understand each other is important. I love Malaysia
This is just my personal opinion.
not all muslim will be angry if non muslim eat in front of them.. dont make it issue bro..
Dear Malay Muslims brothers and sisters,
The solution is simple. If you have instilled the knowledge of Islam, there won't be any issues like this. Islam itself means peace, when you have indulge yourself with the teaching of Islam, you would know how to treat your brothers and sisters from other religion. To me personally, it is definitely fine to eat or drink in front of a fasting person. You are doing is for the sake of your religion, because you put faith in your God and everything that come along is a test for you. It's a little fight you do for yourself.
Same goes to all other temptations, gambling, drinking and bribery. Be close to what the religion teaches, why Islam forbids that, correct yourself before you can correct others, then show them the beauty of it.
This is indeed a good eye opener to the transforming Malays in our country. Let's be what we were 40 or 30 years ago. Satu Bangsa, Satu Malaysia……Satu Bangsa Malaysia with unique diversity and respect
As a Muslim, I believe that fasting and doing your daily prayers are your private moments with God. It should not be a public broadcast for special treatment from people around you, especially from the non-Muslims.
We should respect and tolerate with each other. If a Muslim is fasting, a non-Muslim should show him respect by not drinking and eating in front of him. Same goes to Muslim, since we are forbidden from eating pork and drinking alcoholic beverages, it doesn't mean that we have to go to each non-Muslim Restaurant and confiscate those porks and beers.
Nice sentiments.Words are cheap. What single action did you take, as a Muslim who seems sensitized to the rights of non-Muslims, to advance those rights? Without action, all remain fine words that attract attention and admiration, but signifying nothing. Nothing has moved in the world. So what was the point of it all? Apart from a general "feel good" sense that envelopes everyone, for a while. And some exhortations to Muslims that are likely to be shrugged off, as the rant of one who seems temporarily 'gila".
I do agreed with you !
Chin
The root caused of this problem in the whole world boils down to Religion, being the first cause.
The three religions of the world, i.e….. Islam, Christianity and Judaism each with their own personal God /Allah,Jesus, Jehovah etc ( founded on false hoods) are all from the same root stock of the Old & New Testaments. . All these three religions believe that anyone who does not follow the Agenda of this angry, resentful ,revengeful, conditional (a street long requirements), AND ALSO A MALE GOD WITH A PENIS, and who does not follow his Rules, Dogmas, Commandments etc.. will be banished down to Hell in life thereafter, so to be burned forever and ever for the sins committed.
. What a crap !. Humanity must reform theses old revelations , which are not working anymore. They are no more functional, adaptable and sustainable in this 21st century.That is The world has changed and we must all change, to enlarge the old beliefs, with the New Spirituality ….. revealed by many New Age writers of today.
I even cook for my bf (whom will convert, inshaa Allah) while i was fasting.. It's all in the heart, just b a good person.. =}
Those who are always motivated by My rank , my position or my entitlement will if placed in positions of power will always try to dictate public affairs and hence will just be prone to lead us astray.
Aung San Su Kyi..
While I think that if one purposely wave an iced-cool drink in front of someone who is fasting, that is basically of ill-intention.
But to purposely refrained from eating or drinking in front of someone who is fasting is not respect but disrespect to the person who is fasting. It reflect badly of what we think of the person who is fasting. We are thinking that they are children or they are grudgingly fasting or they are immature.
While if I treat the fasting person with respect, I would consider him fasting for the love of his religion and he certainly would not want to be treated differently. In fact he is cheerfully fulfilling the obligations of his faith and would not feel resentment of those who are not of the same faith and feasting as usual. The unbelievers are missing out on the blessings of their fasting exercise.
A certain Teacher would tell his disciples, that when you are fasting, wash your face, comb your hairs and be cheerful. Don't even tell others that you are fasting. It is between you and God after all.
Just 2 days ago, after office sales meeting, we had our lunch in d office. In our midst is a young Muslim apparently felt very comfortable to mingle among the non-Muslims who were eating there. We did apologize to him and he felt we had the right spirit, respectimg those who were fasting. So i feel that it is the maturity of individualthat matters that bind our nation together, always be sensitive, tolerant with one another .. Our country is too beautiful a counntry to live in. Don't ever let some right issue spoils it. Hopefully and wishfully.
It is only a person with a wholesome sense of being and well being that is able to think and pen the above article. How do I know? Because when you read a wholesome piece of writing, if it brings you a feel good factor and tears to your eyes, then you are on holy ground.If it creates a sense of disgust and anger – we are wading into areas where even angels fear to tread. One way to keep your soul pure, avoid such diabolical ramblings:for that is truly where they arise: for no human beings on their own want to hurt or defile another human being, unless they have been hurt and defiled themselves and in lashing out they become tools of demons. The cure? Repent and forgive those who have hurt you. Then act in the opposite spirit.
Wait a minute….
why am I still practicing the yearly 'hide-n-seek' whenever a Muslim friend appears on the horizon….
why am I tailoring my consumption of food based on how smelly it is…..
why do i still hide away in some dark & small area far away from 'them' just to shove my food down my throat as though I haven't eaten for days, lest 'they' find out that I eating….
fasting month is the only month where I just cannot enjoy my nice cuppa of coffee in the open….. Arggghhhh…..
why? 'cos I 'm Malaysian, I suppose…..
Imantulen
Honestly, im a 19 year old malay muslim, been fasting for years and I do not find it offensive if people eat and drink in front of me. Kind of used to it actually.
Some people just have to be reminded that NOT EVERYONE is a muslim, and not everyone is trying to offend Islam. Just sayin.
And isnt the fasting month is all about understanding what the helpless and needy are going through? Do you think that they will be offended?
I was in Jakarta for a meeting. Our partners came to the hotel to meet us. When they knew that we had not eaten our breakfast they insisted that it was ok for them that we ate in front of them across the table. Now that's Islam for me.
Religion is in you not outside so be a good Muslim, Hindu. Christian, Buddhist or Sikh respect your own Religion and follow what you like if Religion is a force for anyone than he/she is not sincere so be A Human Being FIRST then only religion Thank You
Please can someone translate this excellent article and post it in the next available issue of Utusan Melayu….including the after comments!
One of the commentators NIM is so typical and such a dogmatic person. (Dogmatic has got nothing to do with the word 'dog', so please don't suddenly get all upset, ya?)
What else do you expect a Panduan Puasa Ramadhan by JAKIM to say? Of course it will include calling someone who doesn't fast "kufur" and "hendaklah dpenjarakan". JAKIM's law is law written by human – officers from the government. Of course the most severe punishment will be suggested…….
I've given up 100% believing, agreeing or trying to follow what I read from governmental agencies, government media and government itself
Thank you, Sir.
I'm glad sanity prevails here and there if not everywhere.
Fasting is not suffering or punishment. It's an intentional act of devotion that exceeds the pleasure of eating. So those who fast carry on life as usual while those who don't, do the same. Exalting or privileging those who fast destroys the objective of fasting altogether: The objective, I believe, is empathy and humility.
Good read. Its NOT about Islam. Its how far people have taken certain ignorant behaviours to a new height. I have not read the Quran , i hope to one day ( the translated version )
About 30 years ago, the slithering forked tongue old man knew then that the only sure way to hang on to power is to propagate racial discord and this is mere by product of their higher twisted agenda of bleeding this rich land of ours dry. Religion became the tool to indoctrinate superiority and that it will be threatened if not safeguarded from minorities who are constantly 'insulting' Islam. The simple fact that a harmonious society will promote a healthy relationship amongst its people, which will eventually lead to forward thinking, the catalyst of positive critical thoughts. With this, they would surely lose their short leash on their subjects, and hence, their invincibility and power, which is the magic card to the no limit personal ATM,
Dear Syahredzan,
Malaysia will be a better place with more of Malay think n practise like u.
keep it up man.
Know this. The Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient God doesn't look at what people see. He is not a man that see not as a man see, judge not as a man judge. People look at what they see. People judge others by their looks, what is on the outside, by their outward appearance. But God looks at the heart. He judges people by looking on what is in (the motives of) their hearts. None will escape His true and righteous judgment. However there is only one, (The) Way to escape…
I'm not in the right position to talk about hukum here but i'm quite sure it's makruh for picking ur nose. But obviously, i get ur point bro. This article is ridiculous. It shouldn't be here at the first place.:(
But i really dun hv any problems of hvg non muslims eating around me during fasting. I mean, it's their own rights and frankly i don't really think it is disrespectful since we're the one fasting conquering our nafs,giving some work to the heart in
embracing islam . To be offended on something so small, it shows who we really are, and that is not what islam has told us.
Other than that, wallahualam. May Allah instilled understanding in deen for those who's searching for it:)
Dear Brothers and Sisters as descendants of Adam & Eve,
In our daily lives it is very important for all of us to practice self-control or self-regulation in order to be peaceful and successful. We will only be strong if we can overcome our challenges. Calmly look deep into ourselves and search for the WISDOM (ILHam) on how we can overcome the challenges. Where are our strengths and weakness. We'll come to realize our TRUE SELVES. The WORLD is neutral and beautiful but it is we the HUMANS who can turn it into GOOD or BAD place, so let us play our responsible roles POSITIVELY. MAY PEACE BE WITH ALL OF US! Regards. Loving-kindness
Discard the hypocrisy within yourself. Religion does not allow you to think that it is alright for you to do bad things now, and then ask for forgiveness from God and believe that you are already forgiven. You pray 100 times a day still you go to hell. You have policemen going around catching Muslims who eat during puasa time, bring them to the station and extort money from them before letting them go. Then they go back and pray so that their sins can be forgiven?
Marina, you are right all the way, and thank you for expressing it so boldly. It is not that our leadership is lacking in common sence to umdeertsnad this basic ligic in a multi religious country. It is just that it seems expediant to pursue this path to be popular with the Malay-Muslims, and by extension to play to the gallary to hang on to power at all cost..It seems it is more important to hang on to power, by playing this card, taking this country backward with no regard for the future generations of Malays-Muslims and other citizens of this country. What matters is the next party elections and the next general elections, through which they the current leaders can entrench themselves in positions of power. Everything and anything seems to be directed at this objective for obvious reasons. The constitution and the legal system is a ruse to fool the people.
Dear Mr Syahredzan,
Thank you for writing this article. I am a British citizen of Malaysian descent and in my line of work, I meet people from all over the world, including the Middle East. At the moment, among my students is a devout Saudi Arabian man who insists on being present at an afternoon tea the rest of the class have decided to have tomorrow to bid farewell to 2 in the group who are leaving the academy.
As their teacher, I asked our Saudi friend if it was all right for us to be enjoying tea in his presence during Ramadan. We didn't want to be insensitive to him. He assured me that it was more than all right. He said he wants to come because he is a part of the class and that nowhere in his religion does it say that others cannot partake of food or drink in the presence of Muslims who are fasting. In fact he says this is a good test for him, and that he is strong in his faith.
Of course this Saudi man is not the only one who holds this view. I have had many students from other parts of the Middle East – the gulf countries, Oman. Jordan, Kuwait etc who have all had no problems being with non-muslim students at coffee break or lunch break during Ramadan.
I have long thought that Malay Muslims in Malaysia are rather fragile in their faith and feel easily threatened, hence their unreasonable and unjustifiable demands of their non-muslim friends not to disrespect them by eating and drinking in their presence during Ramadan. I have also often thought that the Malaysian brand of Islam is rather distorted and extreme,even very different from that practised in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam.
Hopefully, your article will go a long way in getting rid of the 'kolot' ideas that many Malay Muslims have in relation to the faith.
Has people become worst in the name of their Religion? So much of intolerance and hatred being spewed everywhere not only in Malaysia. But as a Malaysian I noticed the present trend is getting worst in the country
i fear that in future the blood of non muslim cannot be given to muslim cos' they not halal..
much agree with this ! i've been wondering why the Malay-Muslim especially Malaysians, they are overly-sensitive over something. personally i wouldn't mind if any non-Muslims eat or drink in front of me during Ramadan, it's a challenge. there won't be any challenge if we (Malay-Muslim) restrain the non-Muslims from drinking or eating in front of us during Ramadan. it's just not right, and it's a form of discrimination to the non-Muslims.
Can you please explain why all Malays must be Muslims? Why can a law dictate a person's (especially an entire race's) religion?
Incredible article which states a moderate civilization. In harmony that we live in encourages mutual respect. Different religion comes variety of cultures hence respecting its roots has given us the right to be called Malaysian. Tolerance and respect has been the most significant forte for our country in remaining harmonious. In fact I'm really proud to say that in general our people living in Malaysia has great respect for each other in which we as Malaysian can differentiate what's right from wrong. Never been this proud to be a Malaysia. To all my Muslim friends out there….Selamat Berpuasa.
awesome article ;)
Bravo!
Thank goodness! Shahredzan Johan,why as a Muslim in Malaysia, do you have such an open and sound mind? Is it because you're not a Malaysian politico? You respect me, I respect you.
Wonderful. A joy to read after reading so many negative news and opinions. We need more Malaysians, Malay and non Malays, of the same thinking to come together and voice out our thoughts. Let our nation our future not be destroyed by the few who are bent to keep us apart.This is not the time to remain a silent majority.
i am not a muslim but to many i look like a malay. and i have been mistaken as one often and some nasi kandar shops refused to serve me during the puasa month. so now i don't eat at mamak stalls during puasa times. if i eat in public, i usually eat at chinese stalls or indian ones during puasa times. i do this to save myself from being upset and also not to stumble those who are fasting. however, i don't think the non-muslim should be stopped from eating publicly during ramadhan. all i ask is that non-muslims to be sensitive during this month – but there should be no compulsion that everyone should act likewise
I'm a Muslim from Sabah but I'm not a Malay. I'm not interested to be a Malay. Don't bring Malay mentality to Sabah. Had I grown big enough at time Malaysia agreemnet was made I would be in front line to protest not to join Malaya to form Malaysia
The Alawite Muslims, which Bashar al Assad belongs to, do not fast. Anyway fasting is a personal matter. And for those of you who cannot fast, you can make up for it by providing at least one meal a day to the less fortunate.There is no compusion in Islam.Those who say otherwise are neo-Wahabbis, neo-Salafists and neo-Khomeiniists. Selamat Berpuasa
The Muslims may be the majority and sometimes they love to show their powers….while the minority nons have to obey.What can you do….its okay for now …but how long will tolerances last…..if only they know that this little bits of intolerences will jadi a bukit and then hell will break lose .
Learn of the religious problems of other countries…it nothing nice to read about….
Our country has a long way to go …..if only we could bring back the past of where it was spontaneous to sit among the races to have their cuppa….those P.Ramlee days ….