Islam In Malaysia

Islam, as practised in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and pockets of other parts of Southeast Asia, is a million miles away from the faith of the defeated Taliban.

In countries where Muslim are minorities, many women justify wearing the tudung (headscarf) and men the robes (jubah) either as a public statement of their own spiritual quest or of their political identity in a world where Islam perceives itself as under threat, or both.

The fourth pillar of Islam (there are five altogether) is Puasa (fasting) between dawn and dusk. It is mandatory for all adult Muslims in good health to abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex.

Vices like lying and back-biting are regarded as particularly detestable during Ramadan which is also a good time for charity - visiting the sick, aged and the poor. Puasa lasts for an entire lunar month of between 28 and 30 days, and ends with the most popular of Islam's festivals, Hari Raya Puasa or Eid-al-Fitri.

I shall write a bit about what a traditional Malay family does during Ramadan. The day begins when everyone gets up for Suboh prayers (dawn prayers) after having had Sahur (supper to prepare for fasting).

After prayers, in my case, I normally read or write. Between 9am and 10am, depending on the appointments, at times as early as seven, I leave for the office, and work until I leave either for home or a breaking fast engagement. I pray together with my family, and sometimes I go for terawih prayers (important sunnah prayers) at a nearby mosque or wherever I fancy.

There is no obligation for me or Muslims to perform this. However, most people do. It's about choice really. I like to go to the mosque (during Puasa on Fridays) because I feel good, cleansed, energized and there's the wonderful feeling of fellowship.

Islam is a very flexible religion, made difficult by the likes of the Taliban and holier-than-thou types. Few people know that Muslims can defer prayers (qada) until later if it is unavoidable.

Most people, however, feel restless if they do not pray on time. Praying is such a part of my daily routine.

I go to bed late, more so during Ramadan. I say my prayers before sleep simply because I may not wake up the next morning! They say the best thing is to die in your sleep.

On the first day of Hari Raya Puasa, the first thing a Muslim family does is to have a special Hari Raya bath and a light breakfast - its first after 29 or 30 days of fasting.

The menfolk (although some women do too) go to the mosque for the Hari Raya prayers. Many, after the mosque, visit the graves of their loved ones to put flowers, sprinkle scented water and recite prayers.

They then rush home to celebrate with members of the family. The children and grandchildren ask for forgiveness from parents, grand-parents and older siblings, and duit raya (pocket money) is given out, the amount generally depending on the chronological age.

The traditional open house begins after that when close relatives and neighbours come calling to exchange greetings and to ask for forgiveness for the sins they might have committed against one another.

The traditional open house has now been replaced by another type where formal invitations are issued to include friends as well as business or political associates and even recent acquaintances. Everything is now planned. Nothing wrong, of course, except that it no longer has spontaneity.

At Christmas, unlike Hari Raya, many find festive cheer in holly, tinsel and lights. The Yuletide spirit is strictly for immediate members of the family. The sheer predictability of the Christmas lunch is part of the celebration. Ramadan, Hari Raya and Yuletide are a time of universal goodwill and good cheer.

During these times, believers of their faith should cultivate empathy towards their less fortunate brethren and foster harmony, brotherhood and unity.

Christians believe in Original sin, understood as a fault so deep in human soul that only God himself, by suffering on our behalf, can atone for it. Therefore, Christ's atonement, in classical Christian doctrine, becomes effective for ordinary believers when mediated to them in sacraments such as baptism and communion.

Islam, on the other hand, like Judaism, hold that humanity is in essence good ,and needs only guidance from various Prophets to nudge it to God's presence. Prophet Muhammad was to Muslims the last of all God's Prophets.

The relationship between Islam and Christianity is close; both trace their predigree back to Nabi Irbahim (Abraham). Relations have more often been friendly than otherwise. However, when they feel threatened by the other, they fight!

Hari Raya, Christmas, Chinese New Year and Deepavali are joyous time for all. Over the years, I have never experienced fatigue entertaining.

Hari Raya, being the caring and sharing festival it is, welcomes all to join in, for everybody to have a good time. For sure, it is not a hallowed tradition.

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