The zubedy team and ex-zubedyans. Picture taken during Hari Malaysia celebration recently :)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
I have joined JUST as an Exco
Hey guys… I have joined the EXCO of The international Movement of JUST World recently.
It’s not new as I was involved as a Pro-tem Committee Member many years ago during its inception. I have stayed out of NGO work for many years, so here I am again.
You will hear a little more about the work at JUST via my blog. Prof Dr Chandra is the President of JUST. To know more about JUST click here - http://www.just-international.org
It’s not new as I was involved as a Pro-tem Committee Member many years ago during its inception. I have stayed out of NGO work for many years, so here I am again.
You will hear a little more about the work at JUST via my blog. Prof Dr Chandra is the President of JUST. To know more about JUST click here - http://www.just-international.org
Piety and Places of Worship by Dr Chandra
Written by Chandra Muzaffar
September 17th, 2009
The recent cow head incident has brought to the fore certain important prerequisites for the maintenance of peace and harmony in a multi-religious society like ours.
One, an appreciation of the sensitivities of each and every religious community is fundamental. These sensitivities may be at variance with one’s own beliefs but recognizing them for what they are, is a pre-condition for ensuring inter-ethnic peace in a multi-religious society.
Two, when these sensitivities are ignored, or worse, transgressed, it is individuals and groups from the offending community who should be more vocal in condemning the behaviour of their fellow religionists. This will have a more positive impact upon inter-religious ties than the denunciations of people from the aggrieved community. It is commendable that in the cow head incident a number of Muslim groups took a firm stand against the despicable action of a misguided few from their own community who had clearly violated Islamic teachings. I have no doubt at all that if police investigations reveal that those responsible for the pig head incidents in Malacca and Kuala Lumpur are from some non-Muslim community, there will be individuals and groups from the community who will condemn such debased conduct.
Three, while Malaysians are generally conscious of the red lines that should not be crossed on certain matters pertaining to religion, the level of understanding and empathy among the different communities is still appallingly low. On a variety of issues ranging from education to economics, misconception and distrust continue to impact negatively upon ethnic relations. This is why public policies that seek to redress ethnic grievances, buttressed by effective public education, are so critical at this point in time in enhancing inter-community understanding.
If there was empathy among the communities, the question of relocating a Hindu temple in Shah Alam would have been less controversial. No one would have argued that a minority religious community cannot have its own place of worship in a locality where the majority professes a different religion. Right through history, Muslim Rulers --- with a few exceptions—saw it as their duty to protect the temples, churches and synagogues of minority faiths, in accordance with Quranic principles. By the same token, in a number of societies where Hindus or Buddhists or Christians are in the majority, Muslim minorities have been able build their mosques and practise their faith in peace. Malaysia itself is an outstanding example of a country where the majority-minority dichotomy has had no effect upon the construction of places of worship. If we were influenced by such myopic thinking, there would be no gurdwaras in Malaysia since Sikhs are a tiny minority everywhere in the country!
Of course, in any multi-religious society there will have to be unambiguous rules governing the construction, maintenance and expansion of places of worship. These rules should be just and fair to all religious communities. Equally important, they should be enforced effectively. The lack of effective enforcement has in some instances contributed to inter-religious friction and tension.
From a broader perspective, while it is important to acknowledge the significance of a place of worship to the religious life of a people, it would be wrong to assume that a place of worship is proof of the piety of a people. We have to get rid of the idea that there is a direct equation between the two. True piety is reflected in faith in God and in good deeds. In the ultimate analysis, it is deeds that mirror values such as justice and compassion and kindness that really count.
It is not just kindness and compassion to our fellow human beings that is indicative of piety. Showing kindness and compassion to animals is also regarded as a noble virtue in all our religions. This virtue was one of the edicts of that illustrious Buddhist Ruler of antiquity, Asoka. . The Qur’an even recognizes the rights of animals as illustrated in the story of the Prophet Salih and the people of Thamud. It explains why early Muslim jurists not only formulated rules and regulations aimed at protecting the welfare of animals but also prohibited animal torture. This is why stomping and spitting upon the slaughtered head of a cow with venom is an unconscionable act.
The time has come for more individuals and groups of conscience to speak out against those attitudes and actions within their own religious community that violate the humane values and principles embodied in their respective faiths.
September 17th, 2009
The recent cow head incident has brought to the fore certain important prerequisites for the maintenance of peace and harmony in a multi-religious society like ours.
One, an appreciation of the sensitivities of each and every religious community is fundamental. These sensitivities may be at variance with one’s own beliefs but recognizing them for what they are, is a pre-condition for ensuring inter-ethnic peace in a multi-religious society.
Two, when these sensitivities are ignored, or worse, transgressed, it is individuals and groups from the offending community who should be more vocal in condemning the behaviour of their fellow religionists. This will have a more positive impact upon inter-religious ties than the denunciations of people from the aggrieved community. It is commendable that in the cow head incident a number of Muslim groups took a firm stand against the despicable action of a misguided few from their own community who had clearly violated Islamic teachings. I have no doubt at all that if police investigations reveal that those responsible for the pig head incidents in Malacca and Kuala Lumpur are from some non-Muslim community, there will be individuals and groups from the community who will condemn such debased conduct.
Three, while Malaysians are generally conscious of the red lines that should not be crossed on certain matters pertaining to religion, the level of understanding and empathy among the different communities is still appallingly low. On a variety of issues ranging from education to economics, misconception and distrust continue to impact negatively upon ethnic relations. This is why public policies that seek to redress ethnic grievances, buttressed by effective public education, are so critical at this point in time in enhancing inter-community understanding.
If there was empathy among the communities, the question of relocating a Hindu temple in Shah Alam would have been less controversial. No one would have argued that a minority religious community cannot have its own place of worship in a locality where the majority professes a different religion. Right through history, Muslim Rulers --- with a few exceptions—saw it as their duty to protect the temples, churches and synagogues of minority faiths, in accordance with Quranic principles. By the same token, in a number of societies where Hindus or Buddhists or Christians are in the majority, Muslim minorities have been able build their mosques and practise their faith in peace. Malaysia itself is an outstanding example of a country where the majority-minority dichotomy has had no effect upon the construction of places of worship. If we were influenced by such myopic thinking, there would be no gurdwaras in Malaysia since Sikhs are a tiny minority everywhere in the country!
Of course, in any multi-religious society there will have to be unambiguous rules governing the construction, maintenance and expansion of places of worship. These rules should be just and fair to all religious communities. Equally important, they should be enforced effectively. The lack of effective enforcement has in some instances contributed to inter-religious friction and tension.
From a broader perspective, while it is important to acknowledge the significance of a place of worship to the religious life of a people, it would be wrong to assume that a place of worship is proof of the piety of a people. We have to get rid of the idea that there is a direct equation between the two. True piety is reflected in faith in God and in good deeds. In the ultimate analysis, it is deeds that mirror values such as justice and compassion and kindness that really count.
It is not just kindness and compassion to our fellow human beings that is indicative of piety. Showing kindness and compassion to animals is also regarded as a noble virtue in all our religions. This virtue was one of the edicts of that illustrious Buddhist Ruler of antiquity, Asoka. . The Qur’an even recognizes the rights of animals as illustrated in the story of the Prophet Salih and the people of Thamud. It explains why early Muslim jurists not only formulated rules and regulations aimed at protecting the welfare of animals but also prohibited animal torture. This is why stomping and spitting upon the slaughtered head of a cow with venom is an unconscionable act.
The time has come for more individuals and groups of conscience to speak out against those attitudes and actions within their own religious community that violate the humane values and principles embodied in their respective faiths.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Have A Meaningful Hari Malaysia 2009
"We thank you, Yasmin Ahmad" (1958 - 2009)
The previous “What Malaysians Want Series “were:
Peaceful and non-disruptive demonstrations that get the point across
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2009/08/we-want-peaceful-and-non-disruptive.html
A Social Contract
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-propose-social-contract-this-wesak.html
Politicians who cooperate and compete to make Malaysia a better place http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2009/04/have-meaningful-vaisakhi.html
Development Without Corruption
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2008/12/have-meaningful-xmas.html
A First-Rate Education
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2009/01/what-malaysian-want.html
Have A Meaningful Hari Malaysia
What Malaysians Want: To Celebrate Our Differences
What would the world be like if everyone looked much like everyone else; same hair, skin colour and appearance? What would the world be like if only one culture existed, one religion, one language? Would the world still be as beautiful, as rich, as vibrant and exciting as it is today?
What about Malaysia?
What would Malaysia be like if we all belonged to one ethnic group, one religious tradition?
Would there be nasi lemak, char kuey teow, banana leaf rice, chapatti and dhal? Asam pedas, yong tau foo, vadai and rojak? Would there be roti canai and teh tarik?
Would women wear baju kurungs, cheongsams and saris? Would children recognize our Sikh brother with his majestic turban, Pak Cik wearing his kopiah, Annai with his white vesti and Apek in a Pagoda t-shirt?
Would there be kompang, Chinese drums or tablas? How about the joget, sumazau and bhangra? Will we get to enjoy Dikir Barat, Chinese Opera and the Bharatanatyam? Would we celebrate Gawai and Keamatan?
Will we wake up to the soothing call of the azan and go home at the end of the day to the alluring sounds of Hindu temple bells or the clank of cymbals as we breathe in the quaint smell of incense drifting from a Chinese temple? Would Sundays be Sundays without church bells ringing?
Would all our weddings be the same old same old? No adat bersanding or bunga telur, no tea ceremony or yam seng, no nalangu or laddu?
What would Malaysia be like with no Hari Raya? No ketupat, bunga api, pelita and no children going house-to-house collecting duit raya? What if there was no Chinese New Year, no reunion dinner, no yee sang, no ang pow and no lion dance?
What if we did not celebrate Deepavali, and nobody carried out the oil-bath ritual, or decorated their houses with kolam and no lamps were lit? What if we did not experience the spirit of togetherness at Christmas or listen to the harmony of Christmas carols? Would we still celebrate with each other by holding open houses?
What would Malaysia be like if we all belonged to only one ethnic group, one religious tradition?
Can we still call this country Malaysia?
Would we still be Malaysian?
let us add value,
Have A Meaningful Hari Malaysia
As featured in THE STAR tomorrow
The previous “What Malaysians Want Series “were:
Peaceful and non-disruptive demonstrations that get the point across
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2009/08/we-want-peaceful-and-non-disruptive.html
A Social Contract
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-propose-social-contract-this-wesak.html
Politicians who cooperate and compete to make Malaysia a better place http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2009/04/have-meaningful-vaisakhi.html
Development Without Corruption
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2008/12/have-meaningful-xmas.html
A First-Rate Education
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2009/01/what-malaysian-want.html
Money Talk Part 2: Lessons from Nestle – Lesson 1 - Keep to Your Word!
This blogpost is now featured in the book, The Quran and I :)
Can we use the word Allah in the Bible? What does The Quran say?
Here we go again - Can we use the word Allah in the Bible? The Malaysian Insider - KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — The High Court here will hear on Oct 14 the Catholic Church’s bid to prevent several Islamic bodies from interfering in its ongoing suit against the home minister’s ban on the use of the word “Allah” in its newspaper.
So, can we use the word Allah in the Bible?
I have written an explanation from the Quranic viewpoint about this topic in June last year. In conclusion, I showed that the real problem is about trust. We Christians and Muslims do not trust each other. What a shame, we both claim to trust God. We Muslims and Christians should show better example and treat each other better.
For Muslims and Christians who sincerely want to know the Quran’s position on this, read here.
Pls note the article is factual and rather bookish in nature -
http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/2008/06/can-we-use-term-allah-to-represent-gods.html
Monday, September 14, 2009
Meme: Save Yvonne's Sight
Marina tagged me for the Save Yvonne's Sight’ Meme. Personally I have not met Yvonne.
Since last April Yvonne has been raising funds for the operations she needs to treat her neurofibromatosis which causes tumors to grow inside her body.
About six months ago, Yvonne lost her hearing. Now she's losing her eyesight and needs another operation. The operation is due in December and cost of the surgery is RM154,770 plus hospital stay for two weeks is RM3219.
She has already raised RM10, 000 and need more. She's hoping to raise the rest by republishing her book I'm Not Sick, Just A Little Bit Unwell in English and Chinese. The books are now available in Malaysian bookshops and from her website store. She is also selling T-shirts at bazaars and via her web site store.
You can read about her surgery and donate to her fund here.
You can also help by sending on this meme. If you do, please follow these meme rules:
Create a blog entry titled "Meme: Save Yvonne's Sight"
List three things you love to see. Add in the picture of Yvonne's book cover. The URL is http://www.yvonnefoong.com/images/banner/my-story.jpg
End with the line, "Yvonne Foong is in danger of losing her eyesight thanks to neurofibromatosis (NF). Please find out how you can help her by visiting her blog at http://www.yvonnefoong.com
Tag 5 blog friends. Be sure to copy the rules, OK?
If you have a Facebook account, please check out Ellen's new invention, a "feme" pronounced FEEM, a meme designed for Facebook here. And if you want to blog about NF, that would be great too!
I'm tagging the following blogger friends to ask them to help out:
1. Stephen Doss http://stephendoss.blogspot.com
2. Pah Nur http://lunchatthelakeclub.blogspot.com
3. Wilfred Yeo http://wilfred-yeo.blogspot.com
4. Hoong Ling http://hoongling.blogspot.com
5. Art Harun http://art-harun.blogspot.com
2. Pah Nur http://lunchatthelakeclub.blogspot.com
3. Wilfred Yeo http://wilfred-yeo.blogspot.com
4. Hoong Ling http://hoongling.blogspot.com
5. Art Harun http://art-harun.blogspot.com
"Yvonne Foong is in danger of losing her eyesight thanks to neurofibromatosis (NF). Please find out how you can help her by visiting her blog at http://www.yvonnefoong.com
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