Have A Meaningful Aidilfitri - Monday in The STAR

Abu Rayhan al-Biruni (973 – 1048); a man dedicated to see the truth and value in all cultures

and religious traditions.

Back to basics: Let us get to know each other's religion better

Al-Biruni was a pioneer in the study of comparative religion and perhaps the most important Muslim authority on the history of religion. He studied Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and other religions.

A scholar guided by a deep sense of morality, Al-Biruni sought to understand the various religious traditions of the world. In his study, he came to believe in the existence of a common ground which is shared by every people.

As such, while we may seem different to one another, we are sure to find a common ground that binds us together as One. In finding the common ground, we will be on the path to appreciate each other better. And when we appreciate each other better, we build better relationships. But all these can only begin when we take a position to respect each other’s way of life.

In Malaysia, our way of life is centred on a rich and diverse society. The many different religious traditions we practice here did not flourish to this land through compulsion. We embraced them with moderation, accommodation, and mutual respect. Our history is a history of peaceful living, mutual respect, and appreciation of each other. We can take it further.

How?

· Start with ourselves. Let us better understand, know, and appreciate our own and all other religions too.

· Our families. Let us expose and encourage our children to respect all religious traditions.

· Our schools. Let us teach our shared values both in the classroom and at the playground.

· Our media. Let us use the media as a platform to promote and instil the shared values, especially those of courtesy, peace, empathy, and love in all religions.

·Our public policies. Let us integrate our shared values in public policies and national culture.

From there, we will be able to not only know each other better; we will also understand and empathise with our fellow Malaysian brothers and sisters. ‘Love thy neighbour’ will then be more than just a saying; and be practiced by all Malaysians.

Let us be a nation of God-conscious people with peace in our heart.

At zubedy, our programs draw strength from shared values and traditions. We believe that at heart, all Malaysians want good things for themselves and for their brother and sister Malaysians, simply because our nation cannot prosper as a whole if some of us are left behind.

Let us be, first and foremost, Malaysians.

Let us add value,

Have A Meaningful Aidifitri