Bersih 3.0 - Of understanding and promoter of good values

*I am not going to post my whole experience during BERSIH 3.0. As before. Just bits and bits of learning experience here and there and some points of view.


We often think that fight for ideals and virtues is simple and easy. It is not indeed. Along the way, there will be some tests. Some will be taken away by the restless agitation and blinded by the opium of anti-establishment, while some will be gripped by fear, some will be misguided by doubts - not the doubts of truth and skepticism, but rather doubt of action. Some will choose side of the oppressor, knowingly and unknowingly. Unknowingly by being neutral in times of injustice.

We've got a long way in Malaysia, for the citizens to grasp the maturity of support and disagreement. We always think, perhaps because the authorities have sit on the chair of power for a very long time, that government is equal to the winning component/party. And we are very good in generalizing. It doesn't mean when we agree to some policies of the authorities, we agree to the injustice they have induced. And it also doesn't mean when we fight the corruption and injustice in the government, we also in support to the invitation of the existing foreign powers meddling our affairs.

We must stop generalizing and being lazy. We must wake up, and be sensible. My reason for joining BERSIH is clear. I demand clean electoral reform at large. Those who are serious in knowing this issue, will surely know about the 'phantom voters'. There are so much corruption and injustice, and we just keep sucking up BN's deeds blindfolded. This issue is not an assumption, or a wild conspiracy theory made up by the opposition, it is real, and it is happening. Either Pro BN or anti BN, and those who aren't in both. If we are serious, we will find the truth.

When I was in a demonstration, be it BERSIH, or other demos for Syria/Palestine/Egypt, I will always pause from time to time, just to reassure myself why I was there. It is easy to lose yourself in the midst of irrational hatred and exciting confrontation. But, I was there, because I chose to be a promoter of good values, of godly values. And I am sure, there is a lot out there, like me. Who aren't interested in who's holding the power, but in the way the power holder benefits the power that is given to them, from us. The way the power is handled, defines the holder. I'm interested in John Dalberg Acton's saying about power.  He said "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely".

Complacent may be the suitable word, for us Malaysians. When we demand change, the other will always compare our condition with poorer countries. When we feel complacent, we are afraid to move on. To have a better life, with better condition. It is easy for us to speak, when we never experience money shortage - to the extend that our parents sold the jewelry, or even harta pusaka peninggalan nenek moyang just to support their family. We never experience poverty, when children just keep fasting to ease the burden of their parents. We never experience sufferings, when our rights are denied and declined just because we differ in financial status. We never feel any of them, so that's why we keep siding the ones with power. Because our gold pot is with them. Still, these people don't demand wealth, although they have the right to do so. They still pay the tax. They demand the system to be cleaned, it's fortunate that Malaysians still have faith for the system.

To take a closer look, the demands are to achieve clean election, along with the freedom of media. There will always be something wrong when you look at the demands with paranoid and fearful paradigm. Irrational assumptions will keep popping up. Try to look at it from a different angle.

These assemblies call for the reforms. Be it BN or PR on the top, in the next ten years, we will always call for reforms if the situation needs us. We should start taking side with values and principles. Our country's future is more than PR or BN. Malaysia is in need of its citizens, who calls for justice and equality, peace and transparency. Be it PR, be it BN, be it perhaps another large component in the future, let us make sure the ones in power stand with these values.

For people like me, it is not about the struggle to push PR to Putrajaya. Although I grew up knowing so many mischievous deeds performed by UMNOs, I learned that evil and corruption are with those who do not fear God. The one who wields power with God-fearing principles will do well, regardless of the parties and components. It is my utmost regret that I cannot share you the article I once read in a site about economics, I spend hours looking for it - where the article was written under the presumption that, corruption does take over in a place where people does not believe in God. It said that faith in God, is necessary to prevent corruption and misuse of power. Although the article in the end aimed to bash communism. My point is our country is in need of both religious and faithful people. 

I don't imagine a future where only one party or component rules the parliament, but rather a mixture of politicians of virtues and principles, who uphold values and honor. Let there be various parties and components. Differences are good. Conflicts are necessary to keep the dynamics flows and improvement flourishes. Let there be check and balance. And for this to come true, men of values and ideas are needed. Not men of dogmas and propaganda.

Malaysia is a blessed country. Alhamdulillah. Old-time warriors and 'ulama, leaders and its citizens made Malaysia as it is today. Let us be grateful - by striving for the best and sustain the values on which our ancestors have stood for. Tok Janggut, Mat Kilau and Rentap fought for their rights and justice, their people, and their identities. It is our responsibility then to sustain and maintain. We are calling the leaders to reform. We do not ask you to step down. We are asking you to take responsibilities for what you and your acquaintances have done - the list I am afraid is too long.

It is then my decision, to support good values and be an ardent promoter. I am a khalifah of Allah, and it is my responsibility. Peace.

Note 1 : I think young people have more resistance to the tear gas. I propose to young people, next time, if there is any demonstration, do stock up big bottles of water and salts - I got three big bottles and a pack of salt when I went to BERSIH 3 - so that we can help old folks and pakmakciks in the demonstration to keep up. Some knowledge of basic medics would be sufficient to help.

Note 2 : We must not think police as bad and evil. They have orders, and they must follow the orders. I know a senior ikhwah in TUDM, he supports Bersih, yet he is assigned in some kind of military unit to keep things in control if the police fails to do so.

Note 3 : During Bersih, I went with my naqib and two lawyers from IKRAM - who are specifically designated to protect the protesters legally. Although I read comprehensively about isu semasa, there are so many things I do not know. The lawyers shared so many things, issues like OccupyDataran and PTPTN, and new rule replacing ISA - another layer of information. Lepas ni ingat nak lepak dengan lawyer lah. Senang tahu cerita.

"A warning to the people
The good and the evil
This is war
To the soldier, the civillian
The martyr, the victim
This is war

It's the moment of truth and the moment to lie
The moment to live and the moment to die
The moment to fight, the moment to fight, to fight, to fight, to fight" - This is War, 30 Seconds to Mars

It is indeed, a war of values and principles.

Of Tolerance and Pluralism

Problem statement
Last year, I went to a program organized by United Religions Initiative. I am sure most who followed my blog read it.  It was a really good and effective program - their scheme along the program was to sit in group, to share, and to interact, sometimes multimedia presentation. Sharing opinions was really encouraged. Even some Muslimah colleagues of mine, who could barely speak in English before they attended, ended up being brave and courageous enough to speak to others in English. In the program, there were representatives from different countries[Australia, India, Thailand, Philippine, UK and others], cultures and religions[Islam, Christian, Buddha, Bahai, Hindu, Jungle Spirit]. I learned a lot from that program, and I made very good friends. There were some issues, and of course, as a normal person, some issues were meant to be resolved later owing to lack of capacities and means.

There, I was taught that 'tolerance' was a very bad word. The word implies your action is unwilling and forced. 'To put up with'. For example, you hate eating veges. But, you tolerate it, because it is good for your health. In a simple word, tolerance carries a negative luggage, or connotation. So, it is not good, to bring the concept of tolerance into a religious framework. It is like your tolerance is not based by good intention, because you TOLERATE. So we asked, what's the solution? The presenter said, we dissolve the barrier. Anything that stands between us and them, we dissolve. Any differences or any conflicts - are to be dismissed and carry on. The keyword is to ACCEPT others by heart. Even if our religious obligations were in the way. We are told, not to be too extremist. This was when I started to disagree. For other religion, it might be easy. But for Islam, this issue had been carefully fortified. As Syirk, to associate partner to Allah is the biggest sin in Islam. Na'uzubillahi min Zalik. Neither the framework nor technical means had been explained at that time.

My friends and I later continued to gather information. The program was around three to four days if I am not mistaken. We learned, that if anything comes between us and our objective, objective comes first. Their objectives for example are, to promote peace and understanding, to prevent religious-motivated violence, to advocate justice and equality etc. It was a big relief that we had been able to put it in an actual framework, crystal clarity. For example, I was told by a Muslim friend from overseas attending the program, to him, it's okay to touch hands with women, as long as your intention is to introduce them to Islam. And there he was, hugging and poking female colleagues. Another example, when our religious duties were the reason for religious-motivated violence, or not accepting others, our duties should be dismissed. Even if it means to sacrifice our aqidah. Another example, when we were brought to a Gurdwara (Sikh's temple), we saw our friends from other beliefs joined their prayer ritual. In the name of respect and acceptance, they joined together the ritual, as if they agreed to worship other gods than theirs'. Why in the name of respect and acceptance? Because these were the values portrayed in the program. Their concept of acceptance was not to accept differences and work around it, but rather dissolve any differences and pass through once was a closed perimeter; a religion and its principles in this case. In that kind of acceptance, acknowledgement does not exist.

The explanation to this situation is - in order to achieve goals, some things are to be sacrificed. In this context, things that are needed to be sacrificed sometimes are the very foundations of the religion itself. What makes us human? Consciousness, love, conscience, awareness, logic, feelings? The answer may differ, but if we are to shed the essence that makes us human in order to achieve our goals, can we be called human? As the answer to define human sometimes may fall into the category of subjectivity, my religion which is Islam is not like that. What makes Islam is definite, specified and absolute. It had been mentioned by our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon Him, that Islam is built on the 'fives' - Syahadah, Prayers, Zakat, Hajj, and Ramadhan fasting [From Umar Al Khattab, narrated by Muslim and Bukhari]. By definition, these pillars are what made me a Muslim. If I were to violate any one of those pillars, am I able to call myself a Muslim? I tried to understand their situation. It was understandable, their religions weren't like Islam. Islam is a religion - built upon a very solid foundation. The main sources of Islam which are the Quran and Hadith are authentic, abundant, and are studied comprehensively. The historical validity of these sources are proven firm and authentic. Therefore, Islam in terms of principles, technical and knowledge basis had already been clarified and completed by Prophet Muhammad. It's not their fault if they were not aware of my concern regarding this.

Searching for solutions
After the program ended, I still could not resolve it. I have a situation; I accepted the problem in this context - TOLERANCE. The concept behind this is the reason why any interfaith cooperation is short-lived, impulsive, sometimes dangerous, and often incite religious-motivated violence. That's the case of cooperation, what about people with different beliefs living next door? Around the globe, there are many cases regarding interfaith violence. People with self-centered attitude, imposing forced pressure in the name of religion, making hostile encounter with other beliefs. As far as I am concerned, Alhamdulillah, people around me, and those whom I know, they are friendly and open with people from other beliefs. And these cases of violence rarely happen in my locality. Still, I acknowledged the problem stated by the organizer. I will help and support to heal the world, be it religious, humanity, gender or animal issue.

However, I did not accept the solution they suggested. I disagreed with them. At that time, I believed there must be another way to solve this. I could not find the right solution, or may I say, a proper reasoning to reach the solution I had hoped for. ACCEPTANCE in their definition to me was oblivious, and works one way. And along the way, I searched and read for solutions. Some people will be okay with an end-of-means solution, but for me in this aspect, I am not satisfied with it until I find, know, and understand the accurate framework and reasoning of a solution.

The Quest for Meaning
Alhamdulillah, I found a way. I think it will provide a very good impetus for me to start constructing answers. I am now reading a book, The Quest For Meaning; Developing a Philosophy of Pluralism by Tariq Ramadan. In this book, he made a very good point of view - providing a vantage point for formulating practical solution(s) when dealing with issues of inter-faith and inter-sectarian. He said 'The point is not to integrate systems, values, and cultures with other systems, values and customs, but to determine - in human terms - spaces of intersection where we can meet on equal terms. The intersection of what we have in common, rather than the integration of differences'. This point is undoubtedly beautiful. Although, it requires us, to throw away some archetypes when it comes to rivalry and difference. For us to work together for the betterment of this world, we really need to cooperate at hand with our similarities and deal with differences. We have to digest the attitude 'agree to disagree' and move forward. It is only my opinion, but for us to benefit and function at our optimum level, this concept should be introduced. It's not only should be applied to inter-faith relations, but to Muslim, inter-jama'ah as well.

Say, "O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you - that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah ." But if they turn away, then say, "Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him]."  [Ali Imraan : 64]

The concept has already been introduced in the Quran. In this verse, there is a direct command and, from my humble view, an indirect lesson. The direct command was for us to invite Ahlul Kitab to come and talk about our similarity - having Allah as our God. The indirect lesson was for us, to acknowledge, different people comes with different character. Our job is to find the right similarity or common space. We cannot come to an atheist and say to him, 'We are the same. We worship one God'. Instead, if he is a humanitarian activist, we might rather say, 'Hey, you and I. We love peace and justice. Why don't we work together and work it out from this common point?'. If he refuses, we will not force him to accept. But, we will continue to make allies and move on.

Hilful Fudhul
I love to share with you a story, from our Prophet's seerah. The chapter is called Hilful Fudhul. This event happened before Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) prophethood. Once, in Mecca, a Bedouin from Zabid [Zubaid] came to do business. He sold his merchandise to one of the Quraisy chieftains, al 'As ibn Wa'il. Al 'As purchased the whole caravan but paid nothing to the man. Upon this, the man met several leaders around the vicinity to ask for help, but none of them wanted to help. He later went to the crowd, calling out loud noble-hearted and fair-minded men to come to his rescue. Many of them later gathered at Abdullah bin Jud'an's house to form a pact. In the name of Allah, a pact called Hilful Fudhul - all the representatives present made an oath to restore justice, refrain from injustice and to assist the oppressed within Mecca. The members of the covenant later forced Al 'As to return all of the man's belongings. Prophet Muhammad was one of the members, and even after a long time in its prophethood, he still appreciated and satisfied with the pact. Prophet Muhammad even expressed his appreciation :

لقد شَهِدْتُ فى دار عبدالله بن جُدْعَانَ حَلفًا لو دُعِيتُ بهِ فى الإسلام لَأَجَبْتُ , تحَالفُوا أن يَرُدّوا الفُضُولَ على أهلها وأن لا يُعِزُّ الظالمُ مظلومًا

“I had a hand in making such an arrangement in the house of ‘Abdullah Ibn Jud’an to which if I were invited again to help even after the advent of Islam, I would have undoubtedly participated once more. They promised to restore all the rights of the oppressed to the owner so that wrongdoers can not do injustice to the weak. "” [Sirah ibn Hisyam]

Prophet Muhammad's love for good values should be the perfect example for us. In these days where people work together to oppress others, we should do the same. If only, we could put aside and acknowledge our differences, and work together to achieve our goals, this world will be a better place. Aside from working together, as a Muslim, of course it will provide us a better opportunity to present and share Islam to others. It's time for us not to confront others with hostile and cold attitude. We cannot expect people to accept our message of peace, if we are not men of peace ourselves. Islam is a religion in which its constituents are chained by proper logic and reasoning. So, if we want to relay the message of Islam, we should be civilized because the vantage of reasoning comes with the act of civilization and adab. 

Hope
Lately, activists [ikhwah & akhawat] have been too preoccupied arguing over petty issues - which jama'ah is the best, the most authentic, the most original, these and that have hidden agenda, racist, cooperate with kuffar and many more. These kind of issues have been already solved by 'Ulama with concrete answers and arguments. No need to cause another upheaval. There are many people out there who are in need of our insight, help, guidance, and company. Help them. 


Could You help me..
Before I end, I have in my mind two questions. If you are able to answer it, or help me to find the answer, do PM me in FB or drop a comment. I would be happy if you do so. 


1. Islam and prophet Muhammad were sent as rahmah lil 'alamin. Blessings. So, I want to ask, related to my post, what kind of rahmah does it mean? Is it rahmah as if in justice, equality and equity, good governance, no corruption, no poverty, no wars and confrontation - blessings that will be enjoyed when Islam at its peak? Or rahmah as in people revert into Islam?


2. In this aspect [ideology, philosophy], I view them as a set that can be divided. For example, liberalism. I view liberalism can be divided into smaller parts. And the way I deal it, is I think we can take good parts to be integrated into our life. I don't take generalization and throw away the whole thing. I think, that philosophy/theory/ideology is a product of human mind. Be it guided or unguided. And I think, there is any grain of truth everywhere anywhere that is waiting to be picked up, by us Muslims. All in all, I don't reject the whole idea until I really know what it is. I see something in socialism, in secularism, in liberalism, and in this post, something beautiful in pluralism. And I don't think it as replacing Islam, no, Islam can never be replaced, at all. But I think, we are in need of tools and somehow, these tools are hidden in those ideologies. So, I want to ask your opinion. Am I in the right way of thinking? 

Clarification - I hate Zionism and Zionists.
Lastly, I want to clarify. It might seem that I'm proposing open-mindedness in this post. Still, take note - there is a huge difference in khilaf between two opinions, and khilaf between opinion and BATIL[in Islam]. I mean, sometimes, it is necessary to confront. I bring one example, Israel is attacking Palestine. And McD is proven to contribute a huge portion of money to Israel. If someone is said, it is khilaf, I should accept it and go on. I will say no. I will respect his choice to eat McD, but I will say, what he does is a batil, a sin, a zulm, a support in the act of oppression. An inconsiderate and selfish action. It is as clear as day, and who cannot even see the reasoning behind it, should question your humanity.

As Che Guevara once said "If you tremble with indignation at every injustice then you are a comrade of mine". Let us be the comrade of Godly values and let us promote peace.

Aiman Azlan's twitter

p/s - baru beli album Maher Zain. Lagu paling best, Paradise. Do listen to it, and talk to your wind. I have my angel beside me.
p/s - any statement regarding other faith, culture, and religion in this post does not mean disrespect. I am deeply sorry if any of those offended any. Do tell if there is any.

Askar Palestin Plastesin - [Global March to Jerusalem]

Salam.

Saya suka tunjuk pada adik-adik kecil saya, mengenai video-video Palestin, penindasan hak asasi manusia di seluruh dunia. Walaupun soalan yang ditanya ketika saya memasang video itu selalunya sukar untuk dijawab, contoh "Kereta kebal mana lagi kuat?, Askar ni baik ke jahat?, Kenapa orang Israel tembak budak?, Mana Allah tak tolong ke orang Palestin?, Pistol tu kalau kene tembak sakit ke?, Berdarah boleh mati ke?", tapi untuk kesedaran masa depan mereka, saya layan je. Ada satu hari, mereka beli Plastesin, saya tunjuk video-video Global March to Jerusalem, ini hasil karya saya dan mereka, Ayaz dan Saif. :D

Rumah orang Palestin

Adik-adik Palestin

Saja letak, nak tunjuk betapa keciknya model kami. Seni sungguh har har har..[poyo]

Adik-adik Palestin dengan pahlawan Palestin, dengan Bazuka dan roket mereka

Belakang tu macam mine, pijak meletup mati.

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Nak buat satu pengumuman. Ada event baru, nak anda semua sertai sama-sama. Samada di Malaysia, atau di luar negara. Yang lagi untung untuk mereka yang belajar di Timur Tengah.

Inisiatif baru dianjurkan, untuk mengajak semua citizen dunia yang mengambil berat terhadap hak asasi dan keadilan agar menyertai 'non-violent civil resistance' pada 30 Mac 2012 seluruh dunia. Event ini akan membawa mereka yang menyertai perarakan ini ke point terdekat tempat masing-masing dengan Jerusalem. Malah yang di Jordan, Syria, Mesir, point terdekat mereka ialah di gun-point Israeli soldiers. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar.

Anda boleh baca mengenai Global March to Jerusalem di link di header blog saya di atas. Anda boleh baca About. Kalau anda ingin tahu mengenai objektifnya, anda boleh baca di Objectives. Kalau anda ingin tahu macam mana ia dilaksanakan, anda boleh klik Action Plan. Untuk website Gm2J Malaysia, anda boleh klik di sini.

Setakat ini sebanyak 23 NGO di Malaysia yang sudah mendaftar untuk terlibat bersama GM2J.

1. Al-Mustafa Foundation Malaysia
2. Aqsa Syarif Berhad
3. Dewan Pemuda Masjid Malaysia
4. Global Peace Mission
5. Islamic Relief Malaysia
6. Kelab Putera 1 Malaysia
7. Malaysian Medical Relief Society (MERCY Malaysia)
8. Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI)
9. Muslim Care Malaysia
10. Palestine Centre of Excellence (PACE)
11. Palestinian Cultural Organization Malaysia (PCOM) 
12. Persatuan Bulan Sabit Merah (PBSM)
13. Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM)
14. Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM)
15. Pertubuhan Mawaddah Malaysia
16. Sekretariat ABIM Pusat
17. Sekretariat HALUAN Palestin
18. Sekretariat MAPIM
19. Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM)
20. Yayasan Amal Malaysia
21. Yayasan Keamanan Sedunia Perdana (PGPF)
22. Yayasan Salam Malaysia
23. Yayasan Wanita Islam (YATI)

Tidak dipastikan andai ada lagi NGO lain yang ingin menyertai. Segalanya tertakluk pada keputusan mesyuarat. Anda boleh baca lanjut di sini Senarai NGO.

Wallahu a'lam. Segala usaha kita cuba, hasilnya kita serah pada Allah.

Viva Syria!

Along the years, I've adopted and adapted a big range of tolerance and acceptance towards many things. From fiqh mu'amalah to interfaith affairs. But one thing remains stern in me, is I can't stand watching others get oppressed and tortured. And I can't stand watching others continuing to support the regime - while we can and have the power to at least slow them down. I cannot comprehend the fact how could someone buy something that directly contributes to the death of someone else? And in me, there's a strong reason for me to feel that way. I will never force others to feel what I feel, but this feeling - the reconciliation of understanding and acceptance for the action will never happen in me. To be good, it is a continuous process, a personal conviction. But to stand up in solidarity in the least to voice out our support and at the same time NOT TO SUPPORT the oppressor, it is a must be for a human being. One life counts.

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Malaysians have launched a peaceful protest last Friday. Along with some Syrian people, we marched from Masjid Tabung Haji to the embassy. Led by Ust Ridhuan, we shouted slogans and we put up banners as signs of protest towards the oppression of the Syrians. The protest started straight away after Jum'ah prayer. Crowds gathered quickly upon being called by Ust Ridhuan. After an opening speech - explaining to curious crowds who wanted to know what this was all about, we began marching slowly accompanied by takbir and Khaibar calling. I met a few figures on my way, one of them was Syed Ibrahim. The exact same person who handed me appreciation awards in Al Amin's takrim few years back. I engaged him, and then raced back to the front line.

We passed by US Embassy. A year ago, this was the same spot we held a protest. A protest which ended up badly due to police's tear gas and skunk water. We walked a long way to the Syrian Embassy. While a few ustazs were riding a jeep, the front lines were dominated by Syrian people. One of them rode the jeep, and shouted in Arabic words of protests and prayers.

We later arrived at the vicinity of the embassy. We could not make our way in, as police barricades were blocking our way. And again, this time, I remembered a police, the same police guarding US Embassy last year during the protest. As usual, officers were equipped with complete riot-combating accessories. It makes sense. You can see, Syrian people have a very large body framework. The jeep stopped in front of the police line. A few ustazs made their way in to send written protest to the Syrian Embassy.

While waiting, a few figures rose to deliver their speech. Akram Ikrami GAMIS's current president, Rahimi from ABIM and Ust Idris Ahmad from PAS, and few others more. 

After the written protest was delivered, Ust Ridhuan gave a closing speech and we prayed to Allah, praying for the safety of Syrian people and all of the fighters around the world. We were dismissed then. Peacefully.

Leading the way

Two Syrians and a Palestinian

Foreingn friends

Palestinian guy giving speech

March Forward!

Early protester

Al-Jazeera's and Local's

Stopping point - in front of the embassy

Ust Idris Ahmad

Rabitah prayer

Akram Ikrami and a PKR lawyer

One of the banners

Crowd praying together

Peaceful ending

Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Moga Allah permudahkan perjuangan mereka di sana. Amin.

A World Without Islam

Palestine has just been accepted as a new member of UNESCO. As a concern citizen of this world, I embrace the news happily. UNESCO is an agency within UN that deals with education, culture, and science. I see this success as a swift move for Palestine to be 'recognized' by the whole world. My friends posted a video in Facebook showing the reading of the voting results. The situation was so exhilarating, after one by one said "YES" supporting Palestine to be accepted. 107-14 was a big difference. I perked up when countries like China, France and Russia voted 'YES'. The moment the result was announced, crowds jumped and clapped celebrating Palestine as the new member. We are talking about delegates here, international representatives. One of the delegates even shouted out "Long Live Palestine!" in French. It's like a bully with a frightened kid, when the bully got punished, the kid will jump in joy happy to see the bully got what he deserved. Same situation.

The membership granting to Palestine brought a whole new level of benefits exposure to them. Therefore, UNESCO now is entitled to the protection of natural and cultural heritages in Palestine - though it will take time for Palestine to nominate their heritages to be included in the World Heritage List. Palestine therefore has brought their efforts to protect their homeland, including Al Aqsa to be internationally recognized. And it's good Alhamdulillah, because as I'm typing, Israel is doing all-out their unwelcome excavation in the vicinity of Al Aqsa. Wallahul musta'an.

AP journalist and reporter, Matt banged US spokeswoman with heavy questions.

Full transcript of the press

Not surprisingly, shortly after UNESCO announced Palestine as a UNESCO member, US cut its funding to UNESCO worth 60 million, which was one-fifth of UNESCO's whole funding. Both Israel and US proposed the idea that the acceptance of Palestine in the organization will interrupt the 'peace-process' between Israel and Palestine. They thought the step taken by Palestinians will make the peace process harder for both parties. Peace process? How long have you been 'peace-processing'? F*** you Israel! Thousands of children, old people, innocent men and women died, you still care about your peace-process? And you said the innocents who died were collateral damage? Thousands of lives were regarded as collateral damage? Again, f*** you Israel! .

The US spokeswoman even said "I think that the fundamental consequence for both sides is that we’re not getting closer to two states living side by side in peace and security". Living side by side in peace and security? Stop joking. Clearly, 159 countries disagreed with you, and still you said their actions were 'regrettable, premature, and undermines our shared goal of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East'? What is that? I view your reasoning as flawed and distorted, as you acted only in favor of Israel. You failed to see US's interests in this, you just see how much more you can babysit Israel. You can do better than this US.

The events unfolding are getting more interesting. Palestine, Arab Springs, Muslims in the Western and their integration. And I think, it is a wise decision for me to start to know seriously about world politics. In which from the projectile of my decision, I bought a book, "A World without Islam". To me this book is very useful for anyone to understand the basic nature of conflicts happening to Middle east. And I recommend you to buy one, as it will broaden your way of viewing history and the philosophy behind it. And for you to know, Islam, is not as bad as it was portrayed in the media, in fact, better. :)

You'll understand international politics better, and you'll know who to blame. It's not the soldiers and US citizens, it's the policy makers.

So, let us join the world wide movement, in cause at least. BDS. Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions against Israel. This is our best option as a community. We hit them, and hit them hard. Start boycotting as hard as you can. Subsitute - McD, Pepsi, Coca Cola, Nestle. Spread the awareness. Spread the news. Spread love and care for Palestine, and for any part in the world who that is being oppressed.

Iraq Veterans against the War. I recommend you also to visit this site.

* I'm aware that I'm not portraying this issue the way a Muslim should address it, with two vulgar words for the record. I'm just getting emotional when it comes to this.

Dua sisi sehelai daun: HIMPUN dan DIALOG

Assalamu'alaikum.

HIMPUN
Aku seorang yang optimis. Mula-mula nak tulis opportunis, tapi tengok maksud dia kurang baik. Jadi, aku tukar jadi optimis. Yang aku maksudkan aku jarang untuk terus tak bersetuju dalam sesuatu perkara yang melibatkan perjuangan. Apa yang aku nampak, untuk setiap cabang dan jalan, ada orangnya. Aku ingat dulu aku usrah dengan ustaz Nazri yang jadi juri Akademi Quran masa di Darul Quran, walaupun dia ISMA, dia laksanakan tugas dia sebagai murabbi kami. Betul-betul dia tarbiyah kami, tanpa mengungkapkan sikit pun pasal jemaah-jemaah ini. Kami guna buku Maza Ya'ni. Sampai satu bahagian, dia tanya kami, bagaimana jalan nak sampai khilafah? Masing-masing kami memberikan pendapat. Macam-macam. Akhir sekali dia dengan muka selamba kata, kami semua ada betulnya. Bayangkan khilafah itu macam Darul Quran. Ada yang pergi DQ naik basikal, naik motor. Ada yang parents hantar. Ada yang naik KTM, nak kereta sendiri. Macam itulah umat Islam dalam perjuangan. Macam-macam method, macam-macam cara. Ada hikmah dia. Satu hari nanti, andai di KTM keretapi dia terbabas, andai jalan ada road block, andai si berbasikal di kejar anjing, akan ada juga yang sampai untuk memacakkan bendera tertegaknya khilafah. Boleh mengkritik - itulah asas pemacu untuk berjaya, tapi jangan menghalang laluan orang lain. Malam itu aku diajar untuk betul-betul berlapang dada. Dia memang murabbi yang sangat aku hormati.

Jadi, aku pun pergi ke HIMPUN dengan fikiran yang positif, dan mengharapkan sesuatu yang dapat beri impak yang signifikan kepada ummah. Aku pergi dengan kawan-kawan aku dari IIS. Kami pergi ke sana untuk melakukan survey - bertujuan untuk mendapat persepsi umum di samping menanam di dalam dada masyarakat sedikit sebanyak paradigma penyelesaian terbaik bermula dari diri sendiri. Sampai sahaja kami di sana, kami diperiksa oleh RELA untuk keselamatan. Aku dan Zul dari IMU solat dulu. Kami masuk ke stadium, disambut dengan banner-banner yang bersifat kemelayuan. Pendapat aku, kita patut berbangga dengan bangsa kita sendiri. Sebab itu 'trait' yang Allah bagi pada kita. Dan kita kena hargai. Jadi, aku tak ada masalah dengan banner-banner tertentu, bukan semua. Dan tugas kita bila wujud perbezaan - kita belajar. Ta'aarafu. Kemudian, bila aku tengok crowd, tak seramai yang dijangka. Aku pun fikir, biasalah benda macam ini. Kami mencari-cari Omar JAD untuk dapatkan borang survey. Lepas dapat - aku terus meluru(ceh macam semangat sangat je) untuk mencari mad'u-mad'u untuk disurvey dan di dakwah. Macam-macam orang yang aku jumpa, survey dan bawa dia berbual. Dari perokok ultra-Melayu berbibir hitam, orang muda berjubah putih berselendang hijau, wanita-wanita muda berseluar jeans berbaju ketat, kepada makcik dan pakcik yang hampir tidak larat untuk memanjat tangga stadium. Hampir semua lapisan ada - untuk berada di situ menunjukkan sokongan kepada pembelaan agama. Dalam sesi-sesi panjang temubual, sela-sela masa aku berhenti untuk mendengar ucapan-ucapan.

MUNSYID

Dalam temubual berborak punya style - aku membawa pendekatan yang diajar oleh Allah kepada umat Islam semasa perang Uhud. Pendekatan yang agak 'pahit'. Di mana terkorbannya Abdullah bin Jubair si ketua pemanah di puncak bukit Rummat ketika perang Uhud. Di saat sebelumnya, Abdullah terjerit-jerit menghalang sahabat-sahabat pemanah lain untuk turun ke medan perang bagi merebut ghanimah yang terbiar. Di saat orang kafir berpatah balik diketuai oleh Khalid al Walid untuk kembali mengalahkan Islam. Di kala Abdullah bin Jubair syahid dalam ketaatan, umat Islam kalah disebabkan segolongan mereka ingkar arahan. Lalu membantah sahabat nabi Abdullah bin Mas'ud; seorang sahabat yang utama dalam ilmu Al Qurannya - katanya masakan kita kalah disebabkan sahabat nabi sendiri ingkar arahan untuk mengejar ghanimah. Hal ini tidak mungkin terjadi kepada sahabat nabi. Ditegurnya oleh Allah -

| (Patutkah kamu melanggar perintah Rasulullah)? dan (kemudiannya) apabila kamu ditimpa kemalangan (dalam peperangan Uhud), yang kamu telahpun memenangi seperti itu sebanyak dua kali ganda (dengan menimpakan kemalangan kepada musuh dalam peperangan Badar), kamu berkata: "Dari mana datangnya (kemalangan) ini? "Katakanlah (wahai Muhammad): "Kemalangan itu ialah dari kesalahan diri kamu sendiri". Sesungguhnya Allah Maha Kuasa atas tiap-tiap sesuatu. [Ali 'Imran 165]

Pendekatan apa? Self-correct paradigm. Apabila ditanya soalan ini, "Apakah faktor gejala murtad di Malaysia? Disebabkan oleh aqidah umat Islam lemah, atau gerakan Kristian, kelemahan akta kerajaan atau ada faktor lain?" hampir 100 peratus menjawab 'Salah gerakan Kristian'. Dari soalan ini, aku cuba untuk membawa yang ditanya menelusuri sirah, dan cuba membentangkan idea dan paradigma yang ingin aku terapkan, aku membuat perbandingan dua tiga idea dan pendekatan - seandainya dia tertarik dan terbuka, aku terus bercerita. Seandainya dia masih berkeras, aku biarkan. Aku amat yakin, kita akan kuat sekiranya aqidah kita kuat. Kita akan kuat, apabila hubungan dengan Allah kita kukuh. Kita bukan umat tahyul, yang mengabaikan sunnatullah dan mempercayai hanya dengan berdoa semua selesai. Kita umat Muslim Malaysia, umat yang dinamik dan maju. Cuma, paradigma 'defensif dan paranoid' itu perlu diubah.

Iya. Islam itu antara cirinya yang istimewanya ialah inqilabiyah - tertegak atas keruntuhan jahiliyah. Tapi, ini bukan aspek aplikasinya. Kita harus menjadi kuat melalui aqidah kita, bukan kuat atas lemahnya orang lain. Aku setuju diadakan HIMPUN. Namun, isi HIMPUN ternyata jauh dari sangkaan aku. Yang aku jangkakan ucapan-ucapannya akan berbaur motivasi dan urgency untuk memantapkan aqidah umat Islam, pergi menjadi ucapan "Hidup Melayu! Hidup Raja-raja!" dan memberi amaran kepada umat bukan Islam agar jangan menggugat umat Islam. Islam tak sepatutnya di'potray' sebegitu. Dunia sudah berubah. Zaman sudah berubah. Cara sebegitu tak sesuai lagi. Dakwah itu adalah bagaimana untuk mengetuk pintu hati. Apabila ucapan-ucapan lebih kepada perkauman dan teknikal, yang hadir tidak merasakan tanggungjawab untuk membuat pemantapan aqidah untuk diri sendiri mahupun merasakan tanggungjawab untuk memantapkan aqidah orang lain. Malah hadirin lebih leka, kerana 'blame' itu sudah dishiftkan kepada kerajaan dan gerakan Kristian. Sedih. Umat Islam hari ini, perlu bangun dari tidur. Isu Aqidah bukan isu mudah.

Bila aku balik malam itu, dalam KTM - teringat kisah Khabbab bin Arat. Kita selalu makan kebab kan? Nama kebab asal dari nama sahabat ini lah. Ceritanya? Khabbab ini sahabat nabi, seorang tukang besi. Dia diseksa sangat teruk ketika zaman Mekah dulu. Badannya disikat dengan sikat besi yang merah membara, disikat-sikat sehingga terkoyak daging-dagingnya. Itu baru bahagian belakang badan. Di bahagian hadapan, ditabur bara-bara. Sehingga bara-bara itu terpadam sendiri oleh air dan darah dari badan beliau sendiri. Betapa kuatnya ujian sahabat ini. Khabbab kerana tak tertahan perit seksaannya berjumpa Nabi Muhammad, untuk memohon doa membalas orang kafir dan menyelamatkannya. Nabi menjawab - adakah kamu tidak malu? Orang terdahulu ada yang badannya ditanam dan dibelah dua hidup-hidup. Seksaan mereka lebih dahsyat. Khabbab memilih untuk terus bersabar dan mempertahankan imannya. Tapi umat pada masa hari ini, dengan mudahnya mengalihkan tanggungjawab aqidah kepada pihak lain. Sedangkan ianya tanggungjawab kita.

Bro Hariz explain pada gadis-gadis Melayu terakhir. 

Berkongsi pandangan dengan seorang dari Hizbut Tahrir. 

Akhir - alhamdulillah. Aku seronok dengan Hasan Ali. Ucapan dia memang power. Dia memang politician yang sangat aku respek. Cara dia memandang satu-satu perkara. Cara dia menguruskan kebajikan tempat dia. Macam dia jaga tempat aku - Gombak. Selalulah ada pemberian hadiah untuk pelajar, ada TAWAS, ada futsal, ada kelas memasak, ada meriahkan masjid. Memang tip-top. Dia akhiri HIMPUN dengan Zikir dan doa, dan meminta sama-sama memantapkan aqidah. Alhamdulillah, aku seronok.

Suasana ketika Hasan Ali berdoa. Masya Allah..spiritual.

* Berborak dengan seorang Pakistanese. Tiba-tiba dia duduk sebelah dalam KTM, senyum seorang-seorang - tanya "You are Pakistanese?". Cis..aku sentiasa disalah erti. Bapak orang lah,suami orang lah, ini Pakistanese pulak. Nak gelak den.. Aku orang Melayu lah. Kami berborak panjang. Nama dia Rana Fayyaz, surprisingly nama adik dia Asif. Haha.. Dia pun kata akhir-akhir masa dia nak turun KTM, "I have a sister, looking forward to coming Malaysia" sambil senyum-senyum. Sengal. Pikir nak kahwin je.. Sebab abang dia buka bisnes sini, dan kahwin dengan orang Kelantan. Jadi, dia minat orang Kelantan. Dan aku pun orang Kelantan. Bila tanya bisnes apa, dia jawab 'Tuding'. Punyalah pikir tuding tu bahasa apa. Tengok-tengok tudung. Haha.

Bersama Nidzam. Ceit..baju Sharing Islam aku basuh masa tu. 

Dialog Harmoni - Sehari selepas HIMPUN
Kami kena ada di Masjid Shah Alam pukul 6.45 pagi. Jadi aku keluar rumah pukul 5.00 pagi. Sejuk jugak. Solat subuh di masjid sebelah UIA PJ, kemudian terus memecut ke Shah Alam. Tepat-tepat sampai pukul 6.45 which is not bad since that was the first time I went there by myself with my bike.

Nidzam dan adik comel sebelah kami. Kecil-kecil dah datang dialog..ganasss

Dialog Harmoni tersebut berlangsung di Perak, Soka Gakkai Malaysia. Di antara Studio Muallaf dan Soka Gakkai. Seronok. Yang mana, mereka bercakap dalam Bahasa Melayu. Jadi, rasa sangat seronok. Sedangkan panelis semua Cina - Muslim punya panelis Xifu Naser dan Dr Yamin Cheng. Buddhist punya panelis Madam Fung dan Mr Tan. Mereka bercakap dalam Bahasa Melayu, untuk saling memahami budaya dan agama sendiri.

Madam Fung dan Moderator Roby Zaid

Mr Tan, Xifu Naser, dan Dr Yamin. Smart mereka

Yang menariknya, jika dibuat perbandingan - suasana di HIMPUN terasa sangat defensif dan hostile, namun di Dialog lain pula suasananya. Suasananya open dan berlapang dada. Masing-masing menghormati agama masing-masing. Contohnya semasa pengenalan agama masing-masing, nampak cara presenting Islam dengan berkesan kepada non-Muslims. I cant help, because I'm a Muslim, and I am confident that Islam is the best way of life in any aspect I could mention and think - jadi, tujuan ke sana adalah untuk berkongsi dan belajar. Poin menarik dari Xifu - Islam bukan datang untuk convert semua orang jadi Muslim, itu adalah perkara mustahil dalam bidang manusia, tapi Allah letakkan tugas Muslim, Islam sebagai Rahmat seluruh alam. Rahmatan lil 'Alamiin. Biar mereka semua sejahtera di bawah naungan Islam.

Mereka menghormati kita sebagai Muslim. Mereka memahami 'nature' Islam yang murtad tidak dibolehkan. Perbincangan pada hari itu berkisar sekitar pembudayaan dan keagamaan. Ramai Cina Muslim hadir di situ juga setidaknya membuang paradigma masuk Islam bermakna masuk Melayu. Paradigma yang mengakar 'masuk Islam masuk Melayu' ini sangat parah, seperti yang diungkapkan oleh Sis Yap dari MACMA. Yang seronok juga, mereka menyambut budaya kita dengan memainkan piano lagu 'Bubur Ayam' dengan Sepaku Gelang.

Ada kata-kata dari Dr Yamin Cheng, mengenai banyaknya persamaan nilai dalam Buddha dan Islam. Persamaan nilai dalam Confucius dengan Islam. Aku setuju sedikit sebanyak. Masya Allah, ada seorang auntie Muslim berbangsa Cina dengan tegas mengatakan, "Past is the past. We do not bring our past into our present..If we were a Buddhist, and now we are a Muslim, we don't embrace our Buddhist past". Terkejut. Masya Allah, betapa dia benci untuk kembali ke zaman jahiliyah dia. Aku maklum, sesalan masa dahulu semasa belum memeluk Islam tentunya kuat dan dalam. Yang mana perasaan itu takkan difahami oleh mereka yang lahir dalam Islam. Mereka menghargai aqidah mereka lebih dari kita. Itu yang aku nampak dalam diri mereka yang revert.

Masa makan - aku makan dengan auntie dari MACMA. Nampaknya Malaysians masa sesi Q & A mesti ada yang nak jadi panelis tambahan. Kita kena belajar tanya soalan. Sebab orang lain pun nak tanya.

Want to know about this dialog? Usha link Nidzam - kamceng Shah Alam. Dia ini dah jadi aktivis tegar dah.

Kenapa tajuk aku dua sisi syiling? Kerana dalam dua-dua event ini, ada dua sifat yang tak boleh dipisahkan. Sifat terbuka, dan sifat defensif. Dalam diri kita, aku rasa kita kena pandai olah dua sifat ini untuk maju ke depan. Dalam aspek aqidah punya ancaman, iya - defensif lah. Contohnya, macam mana Palestin kena bom, macam mana kita nak asingkan diri dari jahiliyah, macam mana kita nak buang sifat-sifat yang buruk. Tapi kita perlu bersifat terbuka dalam bersosial dengan masyarakat. Bukan terbuka sehingga menggadaikan prinsip ikhtilat tidak, itu kena defensif, tapi terbuka untuk kita belajar dan mengajar. Da'wah - kita perlu membuka hati orang.

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1. Aku sokong tujuan asal HIMPUN. Aku sokong. Cuma, bila dah lari tujuan asal - aku jadi tak setuju. Dan aku harap impak positif dia pada Islam akan jadi lebih banyak dari impak negatif pada Islam.