Ikhwan Ng's Blog, page 9

Disbeliever

I remember that someone messaged me yesterday but I can't find it in facebook and smartphone. May be I was reading text message in my dream.. Never mind, the question goes like this:

"What is the different of Non Muslim and Not Yet Muslim? Why are there people who arguing that 'Not Yet Muslim' clearly an offense to them as they will never embrace Islam. So what is the most appropriate title in calling those who aren't Muslim?"
Let's talk about the little history of 'Non-Muslim' title.
The term of 'Non-Muslim', 'Saudara baru' is widely used in Malaysia until few years ago there was a Chinese Muslim activist suggested that we should change the title.

As suggested, 'Saudara baru' should be changed into 'Saudara Muslim' or 'Saudara Kita'. It's refer to those who embraced Islam without judging them whether they are new Muslim or not.

While 'Non-Muslim' changed into 'Not Yet Muslim', because 'Non-Muslim' refer that they'll never become Muslim. The term of 'Not Yet Muslim' being widely used because not everyone staying in Non-Muslim condition forever, some of them have transform from 'Non-Muslim' into 'Muslim', therefore they are just 'yet to be Muslim'. It seems to be asking Muslim don't simply justify non-muslim as 'Kafir' but 'potential converts'.


It's not the question from my dream. Surprisingly someone telling me this in the next day.
Of course, the term of 'Not Yet Muslim' has caused anger among non-Muslim. Few of the writers arguing that Government is trying to convert them with such title while they are born Hindu, born Buddhist or born Christian. It seems to be ridiculous to refer every non-Malay Malaysians as 'Not yet Muslim'.

If you ask me what is the best title for this issue? I would say al-Qur'an has the eternal answer. Which is 'Believer' and 'Disbeliever'.

As quoted from this article,

Five qualities of a true believer of Islam (a Muslim)
http://www.iqrasense.com/muslim-character/five-qualities-of-a-true-believer-of-islam-a-muslim.html

In these Quran verses, Allah highlights five characteristics of true believers.


2. The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Quran) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone);

3. Who perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and spend out of that We have provided them.

4. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and Forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise).

Quran (Surah Al-Anfal, verses 2 – 4)

It’s clear from these verses that the qualities of a true Muslim mentioned in these verses are the following:

1) When Allah is mentioned, they feel the fear of Him in their hearts;
2) Their faith increases every time they hear and ponder over Quran’s verses;
3) They put their trust in Allah, i.e. have Tawakkul on Allah;
4) They perform prayers regularly;
5) They spend in charity in the path of Allah.

As a Muslim, one can take heed from these verses and assess the state of his heart. In his tafsir, Ibn Kathir writes that none of Allah’s remembrance enters the hearts of the HYPOCRITES upon performing what He has ordained. They neither believe in any of Allah’s Ayat nor trust (in Allah) nor pray if they are alone nor pay the Zakah due on their wealth.

Muslim isn't just a registration of Identity Card.
Being Muslim is about believe in Allah and obey to His commandments. Anyone could open their heart to accept islam, also vice versa. As for those 'Muslim' who are doing wrong things in the name of Islam entitled as Hypocrites.

In my conclusions, 'Believer' and 'Disbeliever' is the best title as it's mentioned in al-Qur'an. Malaysia citizens are getting frightened of "Not Yet Muslim" title as they thought authorities may "yet to be" convert them without their awareness.



It's a matter of heart.

Islam, Racism And Hate Speech

Widespread of racism video via social media in today's era
I still remember that Cikgu Ariffin (Cikgu means teacher in Malay language) said this to me few years ago:"Whenever you go to the Masjid and listen to khutbah (Public preaching), just ignore the hate speech and racism that comes from the mouth of Ustaz. Sometimes they just mixed up the politic with Islam teachings, like there were controversial case like two imam in solat Jemaah, party A condemn party B.. You
don't have to listen that kind of hate speech, just learn the positive and good things from them."
I was focusing on the study of Iqra and listened to him, thinking that whether I should tell Cikgu Ariffin that I had a bad time once in listening Khutbah. That was the time that after embraced Islam for few months, I went to the masjid almost every evening and listen to Maghrib Khutbah. The first ever Maghrib I heard is about the purpose of Azan, since then I fall in love with Maghrib khutbah. Until one day there was a man who wearing white Jubah and serban take his seat in front of Jemaah, I was surprised because there shouldn't be any Maghrib Khutbah according to the schedule. So I just sit down and pay attention to the man who seems like Ustaz.

Once he opened mouth, the racism and hate speech words make me feel shocked. He was condemning Chinese community with terrible words. I stood up immediately and left the Masjid.. Leaving the Ustaz and jemaah in silence like for a few seconds.

That's isn't how Islam should be, I was thinking.
The reason I have embraced Islam due to the peace and harmony that always stressed in it, I can't believe what I have heard and getting confused with Muslim's attitude for a while. I was so 'new' in Islam that I didn't realize that there're racist Muslim and non-racist Muslim.

One of the remarkable case recently is "Ustaz Kazim denies claims he is a racist - The Sun Daily"
As stated:


IPOH: Well-known independent preacher Datuk Mohamad Kazim Elias has denied claims that he is a racist and has uttered remarks allegedly stoking racial unrest in a video clip circulating online recently.

He said the whole content of the video made during his lecture in Kuala Lumpur six years ago was aimed at defending the position of Malay Rulers, Malay rights and privileges, as well as Islam as the official religion of the federation, which were often disputed by certain parties.

"The complainant did not understand what I meant, or he just understood what was said in that two-minute video clip, he did not get to watch before and after that two minutes," he told reporters here today.

Mohamad Kazim, better known as Ustaz Kazim, said it was his duty as a Muslim to defend all those matters.

He said the issue was intentionally raised to get away from current hot issues such as the topic on hudud and the implementation of local government elections, as advocated by the opposition.

"I do not want to argue or pick up a fight. This is an old issue which has resurfaced after about six years.

"I am not a politician and not involved in any political parties. I only talk on religion but I am being accused and harassed," he said.

Mohamad Kazim also viewed the allegation as an attempt to restrain him from giving public lectures.


Cikgu Ariffin also told me about the case of two Imam in one Mosque.. It seems like the political difference is still happening in the mosque today. I did a few research from the Malaysia sociology books, I can't find any link of this phenomena with Islam anyway.. I'll just leave the related news here for academic purpose.

Two imam, two congregations in Kelantan mosque 
The Star Online
Published: Tuesday July 8, 2014 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday July 8, 2014 MYT 8:55:02 AM


Two Imam in One Mosque, Newspaper clip in 1982
A VILLAGE mosque in Kelantan caused a stir with the congregation divided between two imam, Sinar Harian reported.

A similar incident occurred in the state several years ago because of political differences.

However, what happened since July 3 at the Pondok Banggol Stol Mosque in Rantau Panjang has no political bearing at all.

The paper said the issue of the two imam stemmed from a conflict between two groups with differing interests.

Religious teacher Yahaya Zakaria, who claimed he and his two siblings inherited the land where the mosque is sited, said he returned to the village after studying in Egypt to continue the work that his late father did for the villagers.

“The problem started in 2010 when I invited some scholars from outside the village and abroad to come to the mosque,” he said.

“Some villagers, instead, chose to defame me, with allegations that I was bringing in deviant teachings to the village,” he added.

Matters came to a head in 2012 when the riled villagers stopped him from entering the mosque.

This led Yahaya to bring the dispute to court and since then, 13 of his opponents were barred from using the mosque since last December.

Earlier this month, however, the court ruled that all villagers could use the mosque during Ramadan.

Kelantan Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) deputy president Datuk Yusoff Ismail said the state authorities were probing the matter and would send their representative to the mosque to settle the feud.

Selfie with Cikgu Ariffin
Cikgu Ariffin was treating me so nice in Iqra class that made me hesitated from telling him my bad experience. As I can see in his eyes that he never treats me as an outsider, putting all of his effort in the one to one Iqra lesson. I have learn the precious lesson from him that I shouldn't care those "ustaz" who spread hatred and racism. There are too many of them who using racism as their political influences.While Cikgu Ariffin becomes my real life example of devoted Muslim, I'm getting melted with his sincerity although I always skip the Iqra class due to overload of works and outstation. He would send me an sms when I have been a while not attend his class: "Bila free mai la mengaji.. (Just come to the class when you're free..)

Till today I'm still remember what Cikgu Ariffin has said. I just received a few videos from my Chinese Muslim friends in whatsapp recently.. It's not new issue in Racist talks by certain Ustaz, the hatred has been spread for many years. I choose to ignore them and continue my life as Muslim. All I remember is Islam strictly forbidden RACISM, enough said.

Comments from my facebook page

"O Mankind, We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you" (Quran 49:13).

Explanation: There are several principles, which this verse presents:
This message is not just for Muslims only because God is addressing all of humanity. While Muslims are one brotherhood, this is part of a larger brotherhood of humanity. God is telling us that He has created us. Therefore He knows the best about us. He says that He created us from one man and one woman meaning then that we are all the same. It also means that all human beings are created through the same process, not in a manner in which some are created with a better mechanism than others. God is the One who made human beings into different groups and people. These differences are not wrong, rather a sign from God ("And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colors. Verily, in that are indeed signs for those who know" [Quran 30:22]). Note that no word equivalent to race is used in this ayah or any other verse of the Quran. Islam, however, limits the purpose of these distinctions to differentiation and knowing each other. This is not meant to be a source of beating each other down with an attitude of ‘my group is better than your group' or false pride as is the case with tribalism, nationalism, colonialism, and racism. The only source of preference or greatness among human beings is not on a national or group level, but it is at the individual level. One individual who is (higher in Taqwa), more conscious of his Creator and is staying away from the bad and doing the good is better, no matter what nation, country or caste he is part of. Individual piety is the only thing that makes a person better and greater than the other one. However, the only criterion of preference, Taqwa, is not measurable by human beings. Indeed God is the One Who knows and is aware of everything so we should leave even this criterion to God to decide instead of human beings judging each other. Reference : http://www.soundvision.com/info/racism/quran.asp


*Whatsapp video file deleted*

There is no god except Allah and Muhammad is a messenger of Allah

The Chinese Muslim who was wearing white Jubah beside me is Muhammad Zheng, From Hans tribe of mainland China（汉族穆斯林）。The photo was taken during last year Ramadhan month, we were shooting a documentary about Chinese Muslim in TV3.

He is a very special friend of mine, I knew him during visits Masjid Muhammadiah Tasek Jaya Ipoh (Masjid Cina ) last year (half year before the shooting of documentary). He came to David and me then asked:"Are you both Chinese Muslim? Alhamdulillah.. Finally I have found a few Chinese friends in the mosque."

"Religions isn't an issue in China, so how about Malaysian Chinese? Is there a lot of Chinese Muslim in Malaysia?"

The truth is hard to swallow.
It's very hard to measure how many Chinese are feeling tolerable with Islam, I would say very few. However I didn't tell him much as it's too complicated for him..

"Everything is fine in Malaysia, at least we have more and more Chinese who embraced Islam." I added.

He was full of enthusiasm in explaining the importance of Shahadah with me, the first pillar of Islam. "You should be explain the meaning of Shahadah to your parents, is ok if they aren't Muslim yet.. Just ask them to recite shahadah then Allah will ease their afterlife."



Few months later, he came back to the same mosque and gave me a large poster that's made of hardened plastic board. It's written the meaning of Shahadah in English and Chinese translation . It's about half meter width and one meter length.

"You may give it to your parent, inshaAllah they will open their heart one day by learning the meaning of Shahadah."

I have learnt a precious lesson from his humble heart. We don't have to take a merry-go-round in dealing with complicated Malaysia's political and religion issue. What we need to tell public about Islam is the most simple knowledge ever, the first pillar of Islam. Sometimes we have overlooked it, debating with people about terrorism, womans right, hijab, and etc...

The first priority as a Muslim is sharing the beauty of Shahadah. Or even better, invite them to recite Shahadah.

"He, Allah is one. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten, And none is like Him."

[The Holy Qur'an, Surah 112:1-4]

“Traitor”, They Said.

My book collections from China 
Today my mother calls me and says: "Are you still writing stories in internet? Now most of the people may see you're Muslim in handphone.

People will be laughing at you because you are 'traitor 叛徒‘. Make our family ashamed. So you're telling public that malays religion 马来教 is so great right? "

Nope, it's not the most worst criticism I have ever heard in my life. I'm fine with it. I don't mind if there're old friends knew that I'm a Muslim now. Just go ahead do whatever they want, telling my family, criticize, making fun of.. I'm still here to tell my very own story.

I'm not here to criticize Buddhism, I'm here to tell everyone that I was so pious in praying till one day I asked myself, "what if God.. is not even in human form?" I had no idea why would I think like that, I still went alone to various temple on my own after I've got driving license, looking and praying at different deities.

The harder I pray to deities that please show me the answer, the messier of my thoughts. I have too many questions that's seemed to be remain unanswered. Every visitors come here to ask for wealth, health, fortune, marriage, every good things in our life. No one simply come into temple to talk about philosophy. What prayers needed is just fulfilled the emptiness in heart. As atheism always said, religions is for those who afraid of the dark.

I'm not afraid of the dark, I'm here to ask who is our Creator, why we're here and where we'll go. Isn't it sounds absurd to ask who is the real Creator in temple? Therefore I was turned out to be an atheist in the age of 18 after I've finished my studies in Chinese school. If there's anyone telling me I have embraced Islam due to the influence of Malay, please bear in mind I've spent 11 years of studying in Chinese school. That assumption is invalid.

Why would a Chinese like me would crack my head in reading the language that I'm barely passed in spm is due to looking for answers. Since I couldn't find the answer in my Chinese books collection, I tried to look for the answer in English books. Apparently western have the strong spirits in seeking truth, whatever discussion they're in is excluding superstition and religion matters, it's so called as Secular system.

Going for such a long way, found the facts I always wanted in Islam... and I'm being called as Traitor today. What's most ridiculous is there's even a few Muslim backstabbing me in reality.

However this is not an emotional mini article. I just want to say thank you to everyone of you, my blog and book readers for accepting who I am. How I wish to meet everyone of you face to face, for accepting that I'm a Chinese and Muslim without showing hypocrisy. I'm really appreciate that.



As for my good old friends, just deal with it and get a life since I've been long gone from Ipoh area.

Why You Should Consider Not Eating Pork

Last few days I have found an article  : "Why You Should Consider Not Eating Pork" - Collective Evolution

Whenever media have published news about Islam to Chinese community, the first question would be, "Why Islam forbidden followers to consume pork?" In a matter of fact, this was the question I always asking myself during teenage time. Let's be frank about this issue, eating pork is a daily basis in most Chinese community. We (Chinese) live with pork dishes served in our house, we may find various kind of lunch served with pork in restaurant. It's so normal that become one of the Chinese lifestyle in eating.
None of us thinking of stop eating pork, unless there's something happen to our life decision. "What if Islam is true message?"

What fascinated me the most was, westerners don't really that fond of pork. What I love about westerner is their way of seeking truth via scientific proof. They are willing to let go of something just because of the firm fact about certain issue, "pork" is one of it.

As quoted in the article :

There are many religions that specifically forbid the consumption of pork. The meat is considered “unclean” and non-kosher. Is there a reason for this? Is there more to this religious teaching that we should all be aware of?

It seems as though the religions that condemn pork consumption are on to something, in fact there are many scientific claims to back this up.

Pigs are scavengers by nature, which means that they will eat almost anything, including rotten food, feces, urine, carcasses and even cancerous growths. Unfortunately the digestive system of a pig is incapable of effectively removing these accumulated toxins from the body because a pig will digest its food entirely in about 4 hours. This is simply not long enough to remove the excess toxins that were ingested, these toxins are then stored directly in the fat cells and organs of the pig itself.

I have read about these similar articles before, I had a thought that what if Creator, al-Mighty God trying to tell us to stay away from the harms. As human have limited knowledge, what if we don't know something for sure while Creator trying to save us from the harm? Of course it would be ridiculous as certain religions forbidden few type of meat due to their Deity is animal. Creator won't be the same as animal.

“Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah.”
[Al-Qur'an 5:3]

Whenever I'm trying to explain Islam to Chinese Non Muslim, of course they would be provoking, "No more pork right? Then stop trying to talk about Islam."

I do hope one day they will understand that Islam is more than just about may consume pork or not. I may understand there are Bahaism and Christian who consume pork, even though there is a verse stated in bible :

“And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you”.
“Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch, they are unclean to you.”
[Leviticus 11:7-8]

I do hope that what they should looking for isn't filling the emptiness with false information inside their heart, but rethinking who is our Creator and what is the purpose of life? That's no ending in such an oink oink debates. Even if there is a scientist who doesn't consume pork and drink beer but believe in no God, we can't even call them as Muslim who obey to Allah.

our Creator do ask us to stay away from the harm of consuming pork before we find out the parasites under the vision of microscope. As a conclusion I would like to quote few parasite's name. Don't ask me how do I create these name list, it's proven by scientist not me.

Pigs are a host to a number of parasites, viruses and other organisms, many of which can be directly transmitted to humans, some include:

Taenia solium -an intestinal parasite that can cause tissue infection and loss of appetite.
Menangle virus –a virus that can cause fever, chills, rashes, headaches and sweating.
Trichinella –A parasitic roundworm that can cause edema, myalgia, fever and malaise.
Hepatitis E –A viral inflammation that can cause fatigue, nausea and jaundice. More severe cases can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Wakaf Buku "Dengan Lafaz 2 Kalimah Syahadah"

Berita : http://mustread.com.my/v1/index.php?route=information/news/news&news_id=83

Dengan Lafaz 2 Kalimah Syahadah merungkaikan peristiwa yang lazim berlaku kepada muallaf bagi membuka mata masyarakat untuk mengenali siapa mereka serta memberi jalan penyelesaian kepada rakan yang masih mencari kebenaran.

Ia lebih kepada pengelaman penulis buku itu sendiri, Ikhwan Ng yang memeluk Islam dan melalui pengalaman yang mencabar jiwa yang baru ingin mengenal Tuhan. Ketika melihat stor yang digunakan rakan Muslim untuk solat, penulis tertanya di manakah Tuhan yang disembah oleh orang Islam.

Buku yang dutulis oleh Ikhwan Ng ini berasal dari Perak dan memeluk Islam pada Ramadan 2008 itu boleh dijadikan pengajaran kepada pembaca. Untuk memberi manfaat yang sejagat, tuan puan yang mahu melebarkan dakwah buku ini, boleh menyertai projek Wakaf Buku Dengan Lafaz 2 Kalimah Syahadah.

Ini keratan akhbar Berita Harian, bertarikh 31 Julai 2013.
Projek Wakaf Buku Dengan Lafaz 2 Kalimah Syahadah

"Semua buku yang diwakafkan akan diberikan kepada Non Muslim, juga kepada NGO yang melakukan aktiviti Dakwah. Saya amat terharu dan ingin mengucapkan jutaan terima kasih kepada semua yang memberikan wakaf buku. Semoga mesej Islam terus disebarkan dengan penuh hikmah dan ilmiah. Semoga Allah membuka pintu hati pembaca Non Muslim untuk menerima Islam, Syukran." Ikhwan Ng.

Bagaimana mahu menyumbang?

Mohon menghubungi Ikhwan Ng (012-3979998)

Mereka bekerjasama untuk melaksanakan projek wakaf itu untuk memastikan setiap Non Muslim dapat membaca buku itu dan aktiviti dakwah kepada Muallaf terus dilaksanakan. Ia penting supaya iman mereka terus diberi cahaya Islam yang suci.

"Season Pass" Into Muslim Interracial Marriage

While I'm reading my book's reader (Ita Si Merah Jambu) comment about interracial marriage, which is briefly about a chinese man who leaving Islam after he getting divorced with his Muslim wife.. Is there lots of people who embraced Islam just solely for the sake of marriage?

This comment reminds me one of my friend, Jenny (not her real name) who had conversations with me in email before. She told me that how she went through lots of challenges and trials in learning Islam, being discriminated by family upon her will. But her boyfriend left her eventually.. Since then Jenny became so disappointed with her boyfriend's decision since she had sacrificed a lot for the relationships. Although she was being criticized, she didn't mind at all until the one she trust the most was leaving her behind, although she might be even embrace an unfamiliar religion for the sake of this interracial relationship.
So what's left when the love affair is over? All of those sweet promises like he'll divorce his wife and asking Jenny to embrace Islam so they might get a "season pass" to get married officially. It's pretty easy, muslim are compulsory to get married with the partner who has the same faith. That's what have been stated clearly in the syariah law of Malaysia.

Sacrifice could be a beautiful rhythm in a love story, just like how Romeo And Juliet pursue their difficult love, they are willing to be discriminated and tortured due to the power of Love. Hence Jenny assume that by embracing Islam, an unfamiliar religion to her and most probably don't know the essence of it, is a sweet sacrifice in their love affair..

Since then, Jenny was trying to understand the fundamental knowledge of Islam with what she barely found in the internet. She can't understand much in Malay language books, therefore english ebook and youtube is the alternative way for her learning regarding islam. After few months of getting closer with Islamic knowledge, surprisingly Jenny felt comfortable and impressed with the strong principle in Islam.

So the question is, what's left for Jenny when all of those sweet promises vanished in a glimpse?

"I'm sorry, I just can't leave my wife and childrens... I love you very much but this is just too hard for us after all."

It was like the end of the world, what she had striven for boyfriend turn out to be nothing. Particularly there's no more reason to embrace Islam, no more such thing as "lifetime season pass" to get married with a Muslim. Somehow Jenny was feeling relieved that she haven't registered herself as a Muslim in any religions office yet, therefore she has a choice to move on with her life and forget every pain she felt.

Although people make us disappointed sometimes, our love towards Creator isn't the similar matters. Jenny already has the strong interest regarding the beauty of Islam even though her boyfriend isn't really practical in Islam matters. Also didn't explain much what Islam about to Jenny... Jenny started to understand Islam and a few answer with controversial questions that aroused quite often, what she has found out is Islam pressed a lot on justice and not as reflected by those irresponsible extremist Muslim militant.

Day goes by and Jenny move on with her life without the love from her beloved boyfriend anymore.One day she told me via email that she would like to embrace Islam with the love towards Allah the AlMighty Creator. Perhaps it's one of the way Jenny gain His guidance through this difficult way. Till now she has been reverted to Islam for more than one year, actively involved in Dakwah, sharing her personal experience of how she embrace Islam in TV channel and FM station.

That's the power of love when we choose to love Allah SWT.

What we have on this earth might leave us one day without hesitation, including the people that we loved, the property that we earned. One day they might turn out to be burden or even worst. While Allah SWT never leave us behind, He does listen to our prayer, forgives our sins if we are striving hard.. The love between humble servant with Creator.

Have you ever realized that the "Jenny" I am talking about might be someone that you know recently?

Wallahualam.

Who Let The Dogs Out?

Chinese Newspaper explains how to perforn "Sertu"
Yesterday I have read Chinese Newspaper about Muslim not that anti-dog like shooting them with an arrow, throwing stones... Because There are certain Muslim who trying to declare the real teachings of Islam and "Sertu".

Today, my fb wall and local newspaper flooded with this question: "Who let the dogs out?"

I would like to take this as an opportunity to invite Muslim and Non-Muslim revise what is the myth between Islam and Dog. I don't agree or deny with "I Want To Touch A Dog" campaign (which cause lots of controversy in Malaysia recently) but let the truth be spoken. As quoted in this article by veterinary surgeon:

Dogs in Islam
http://www.islamicconcern.com/dogs.asp

Animal Abuse and Welfare in Islam
by Dr. Ayoub M. Banderker (BVMCh),
veterinary surgeon

Animal abuse, cruelty, and/or neglect form part of the many social ills plaguing the Muslim community.

Last Ramadaan, I wrote an article highlighting the phenomenon whereby misinformed Muslims took their dogs (and/or cats) to the animal hospitals or mobile clinics during Ramadaan, to have them put to death by lethal injection. The reason given by the majority of these Muslims was that Islam forbids them to keep a dog. Also encountered was when an animal that had been ill for a prolonged time and the disease had progressed to an almost terminal state was it only then brought in for veterinary attention. When asked why they waited so long, the Muslim owner would use Islam as a reason, stating that it is not permissible to touch a dog. This still happens.


Alhamdulillaa, during this Ramadaan, there has been a significant reduction in the number of Muslims who have gone to animal welfare organizations to have their animals put to death.

However, cruelty and neglect of animals still occur daily throughout the world. The approach of the holiday season sees many animal welfare organizations get an influx of dogs and cats brought in to be put to death during this time. Healthy, happy animals belonging to Muslims are also brought in to be put to death. This is a very disturbing and un-Islamic action. If one cannot afford to feed, shelter, and maintain one’s animals, and a new home cannot be found for them, take them to one of the many animal welfare organizations where there is at least a chance of the animal’s finding a new home. The real tragedy is that many of these Muslims still do this in the name of Islam and openly express such ignorant views. This contributes to propaganda against Islam. When a non-Muslim is cruel to an animal, it is considered an individual’s action, but when a Muslim does it, non-Muslims see it as an Islamic practice.

I cannot overemphasize the need to have one’s cats or dogs sterilized. Having pets sterilized would help to prevent unwanted litters, thereby reducing the amount of unwanted animals. It is much better than abandoning the animals, which many Muslims are also guilty of. Abandoned pets cannot fend for themselves, with the result that they starve and experience untold suffering, cruelty, and an eventual, agonizing death.

All animals are a part of Allah’s creation and belong to Allah (swt). Muslims are custodians of this beautiful planet. How we care for animals and what we use them for we will be accountable for to Allah (swt). All of creation is Muslim, submitting to Allah’s will—only man and jinn are granted a freedom of choice. So yes, even animals are Muslim.

In the Holy Qur’aan (S4:36) we are advised to do good to “… what your right hands own …” According to the commentator Imaam Faghruddin al-Rhazi, this refers to all those who have no civil rights, including animals. Thus, the verse lays down the duty of being good toward animals.

All things “…have been created for you ...” for our benefit (S2:29). It thus becomes our duty to protect, employ with dignity, and promote the well-being of any animal in our care. In this way, we are expressing our thankfulness to Allah (swt) for His blessings in a practical manner. (Qur’anic Foundations and Structure of Muslim Society, Mawlana F.R. Ansari, vol. 2, pp. 125-126)

Every animal has been created for a purpose. It is a duty upon every human being to respect Allah’s creation. If we ill treat any of His creation, we will be questioned about it on the Day of Judgment. Sayyidina ’Umar (ra) was very concerned about the animals during his rule as Amir or head of the Islamic empire.

Let me clarify a few myths and make a few points:

1. It is NOT haraam to own a dog, though it is not hygienic to keep a dog in the house.

2. It is NOT haraam to touch a dog or any other animal. If the saliva of a dog touches you or any part of your clothing, then it is required of you to wash the body part touched and the item of clothing touched by the dog’s mouth or snout.

3. It is incumbent upon all Muslims who own animals, whether for farming or work purposes or as pets, to provide adequate shelter, food, water, and, when needed, veterinary care for their animals. Arrangements must be made, if one is going to be away from home, to have one’s animals taken care of as well.

4. It is haraam to keep a dog or any other animal on a short lead for long periods without food, water, and shelter. Dogs need exercise and are social creatures who form organized “family” structures in nature. Dog owners therefore need to spend time daily with their dogs.

5. It is cruel, and therefore haraam, to keep any animal in a cage so small that it cannot behave in a natural way.

6. Fireworks cause untold suffering to most domestic animals because of their acute sense of hearing.

7. It is haraam to participate in any blood “sport,” like dog fighting and trophy hunting.

No animal has been cursed in any way. Animals are referred to in many instances in the Qu’ran. In Surah Kahf, mention is made of the companions of the Cave and their dog. (S18: 18-22)

We would love for Allah to bestow His mercy upon us, so let’s show mercy and compassion to all His creation. This will also give non-Muslims a true reflection of Islam, aiding da’wah.

There are many Muslims who care well for their animals, and this article is aimed at those who are misinformed.

The appeal goes out to those Muslims: Please do not abuse or neglect any animal. This gives a distorted picture to others who are not Muslim.

May Allah be pleased with our efforts.

Covert Racism - An Edible Poison

With Mr. Shi Wei'an ( 史未安; a reverted Dai'e from Jiangsu, China ) 4th from left,
MACMA staffs, and brothers of Islam in MalaysiaThis article is written by Farish Chong, please visit his blog at  http://zhangfarish.blogspot.com/
 

Covert racism is a form of racial discrimination that is disguised and subtle, rather than public or obvious. Concealed in the fabric of society, covert racism discriminates against individuals through often unnoticeable or seemingly passive methods. Covert, racially-biased decisions are often hidden or rationalized with an explanation that society is more willing to accept. These racial biases cause a variety of problems that work to empower the suppressors while diminishing the rights and powers of the oppressed. Covert racism often works subliminally, and often much of the discrimination is being done subconsciously.

Refer : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covert_racism

No doubt, we had enough of racism, especially these petty but controversial ones in Malaysia. However, there is another kind of racism that is infecting anyone subconsciously. Let’s be frank but fair. No doubt, we are all sick of hearing these racism matters floating across the media. Yet, there is another aspect of racism that needs to be heard and understood urgently, so that we can teach our future generations and not repeat this same mistake in future.


The actual ethnic name for Chinese race is Han （汉族）. And most Chinese who settled in Malaysia are of Han ethnic. Their major beliefs are Buddhism & Taoism, besides the small but growing number of Christians & Muslims among them.

Contrary to popular perception, the famous Chinese admiral Cheng Ho （郑和）is actually Hui （回族） by ethnicity. Just as Baba Nyonya race was born from Chinese-Malay mixed marriage, Hui people are of Arab/Persian-Han intermarriage. Nevertheless, Cheng Ho is still a pride not only to the Han Chinese people (the majority race in China) but also to the Muslim world, as he’s also a Muslim.

When this part is understood, you’ll know what I mean by next part. During our trip to central China, whereby the Hui population forms one of the largest communities, I often encountered a self-contradicting statement. Here’s an example that happened during Ramadan this year:

Situation 1: My delegation consisted of me and my Malay brothers & sisters. As our Hui friend casually asked about my Malay friends’ ethnicity, he was happy to know the diversity of Muslims as he asked them. When it comes to me, I replied I am Han Muslim. Immediately, he said “No matter what race, we are all Muslims”. I was astonished. Just now, you were happy to know the diversity of Muslims’ race, and now you were awkward at my race?

Situation 2: A Hui sister briefly expressed her dissatisfaction about China government’s unfair policy towards Muslims by using the term ‘Han country’ (汉族国家) instead of China. However, during the get-to-know-you session with me together with my Malay friends, she referred me as ‘Hua ren / 华人’ (another generally neutral name for Chinese race).

The Han ethnic forms the majority both in population and national administration. Hence, the Hui ethnic are not only the minority but also treated unequally although Uyghur community faces the worst treatment of all Muslim races in China.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Neturei-Karta-International
You may wonder, why do I care so much about these terms Han, Hua, Hui, whatever? Well, the following situation which had happened recently will illustrate the importance of not taking this matter lightly:

In one of the Maghrib sermons delivered by a respected ustadh few days ago, he repeatedly cursed the Jews of the Prophet pbuh’s time as he elaborated the meanings of the verses in Surah Baqarah (whereupon Jews were causing trouble to the Ummah). He even used the word Laknatullah (meaning, may Allah’s curse be upon them) and even further strengthened his statement by mentioning that the it was a Jewish, - again Jew- who poisoned the Prophet pbuh during his final moments. All these statements were as if, Jews are a cursed race and Muslims need to beware of them.

My heart felt like a stab of parang knife when he said like this, despite having great respect for his knowledge in Islamic matters.

Think about it, if it’s so true that Jews are a bunch of cursed race till the End of the world, why would Allah care to give Hidayah to some Jews who are sincere to Islam even until now? What about the Jewish lady Tsafiya bat Chai (Safiyya bint Huyayy) who became one of the respected Mother of Believers as one of Prophet’s wife? Not to forget, there is Muhammad Asad who is himself a Jews, and he had even produced a Tafsir of the Qur’an and wrote some books that are still printed until now. You may even find many Jews out there who are against the Israeli colonization on Palestine for reasons that Israel state should be established by future Messiah descended from Heaven and not by weapons. The list goes on and on.

And think again, if all that is in your mind about the Han Chinese is that they are a bunch of oppressors in China and communists gangs in Malaysia, why should you even care to Da’wah to them?

We should take extra efforts to clearly separate the minority bad ones from the majority good ones when mentioning about other races. Yes, I know very well how Jews in ancient times had hurt the hearts of many messengers that Allah had sent. But let’s not forget to put extra effort to address to the listeners and readers that these are a particular group of Jews and not the whole race itself. And even in today’s context, the one that you should hate with all your heart is the people who believe in Zionism and not Jews!




Here is another example. I have an uncle who has a great dislike towards Indians. Many times during conversations, he always reminds us not to do business with Indians, as they are always insincere and never dependable. No doubt, if you have a heart to heart chat with him, he will definitely say not all Indians are that bad, but here’s the problem: What about his audience who are listening to him all these negative remarks? Subconsciously he is implanting racism into these young minds that Indians must be hatred and avoided as best as possible. This is no joke. My younger brother himself is a living proof that now he has nothing but racist thoughts not only towards Indians but also Malays! To make things worse, my uncle does nothing to address racial unity, despite complaining many times about how racist Malay politicians are.

During my primary school time, I myself had been cheated by my Indian friend by persuading me to handover my Dragon Ball game cards so that he can trade them for better version of cards. However, he never returns a single card to me back then. Naïve as it may be, but I never let that incident increase my hatred towards Indians. A few bad apples on a tree do not mean all apples produced by this tree are equally bad too.

Furthermore, if you bear deep hatred towards a particular race, then, as ustadh Nouman Ali Khan mentioned in his Friday khutbah about Surah Hud, “You are not ready for the work of the messengers (peace be upon them)”.

In this Surah, Allah mentions about Prophet Saleh pbuh. The first words that came out of his mouth when he Da’wah was “O my people, worship Allah ; you have no deity other than Him.”. He did not say, “O people of Thalmud” or even “O people”. But he said “o MY people”. Thalmud is also Saleh pbuh’s race, but instead he began with “O my people” because he CARES for them, he is WORRIED of them.

Da’wah is the first and foremost job of all prophets (pbut). As Muslims, this is the legacy of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that we must continue, so long as there are still not yet Muslims on the Earth. Even if they do Syirik, it is not our excuse not to have compassion, because it is love that will smoothen the Da’wah, not hatred! Is the proverb “Hate the sin, not the sinner” still in your heart?

I myself am proud to be Han Chinese, no doubt at all. I am very proud of the Chinese's 5000 years of history, and I am more grateful and proud with the legacy of Muhammad pbuh and his Lord. However, this does not mean I am sidelining Islam nor mixing race with religion. Islam has to be above our races and not the other way round.

And think again. If we insist to hate Jews for the rest of our lives, then we are no different from racism towards Chinese and many other races in the world. Guess what's next? This hatred is against Allah's reason in creating multiracial humanity as stated in His Book. Allah did not mention the Jews in the Quran so that we can see how evil they are and surely not for us to keep bashing at them. Allah wants us to take lessons that happened to generations of Muslims before Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), which was Bani Israel, so that we won’t face similar downfall in future, especially in this era where Ummah of Muhammad are far away from the Qur’an.

Draf Bedah Buku "Dengan Lafaz 2 Kalimah Syahadah"

Semalam saya tengah mengemas documents dalam computer, terjumpa teks ucapan yang saya sediakan untuk taklimat bedah buku "Dengan Lafaz 2 Kalimah Syahadah" pada tahun lepas. Saya rasa ramai orang tidak tahu apakah yang saya telah berucap mengenai buku ini, maka lebih baik saya share draf bedah buku ini kepada semua.

Draf Bedah Buku DL2KS : Disember 2013
Pengenalan diri

Muhammad Ikhwan Ng bin Abdullah
Berasal dari Ipoh Perak. Memeluk Islam pada 2008 bulan ramadhan

Saya melibat diri dalam penulisan blog mengenai kisah kehidupan sebagai muslim sejak 2010, juga menghuraikan masalah yang dihadapi oleh kebanyak muallaf.

BUKU DL2KS merupakan buku pertama saya.


Apakah tujuan menulis buku ini?

Sebelum saya memeluk agama islam, saya juga cuba membaca buku2 yang ditulis oleh muallaf mengenai kehidupan mereka selepas memeluk Islam, namun yang paling penting ialah, apakah motif mereka memeluk Islam agama suci ini? Tetapi selepas saya membaca beberapa buku yang berkenaan, apa yang saya mengetahui daripada kisah para muallaf ialah kehidupan muallaf penuh dengan berbagai cabaran dan sindirin daripada pihak bukan muslim mahupun muslim.

Sekian lama, kefahaman saya pada masa dahulu dan juga majority masyarakat bukan muslim berasa aneh dengan fenomena ini. Apakah tujuan seseorang bukan muslim memilih Islam? Pembaca tidak boleh memahami faktor dan hikmah di sebaliknya dengan membaca kisah peribadi seseorang muallaf. Kerana setakat membaca kisah muallaf adalah tidak mencukupi untuk memahami hikmah Allah SWT yang paling besar, iaitu kenapa kita memerlukan Islam sebagai panduan kehidupan kepada seluruh manusia. Because, Islam is a way of life.

Secara umumnya, apabila kita menyebut muallaf, apakah yang difikirkan oleh masyarakat?

-sebagai golongan yang bertuah kerana menemui hidayah daripada Allah SWT?

-ataupun… sebagai golongan muslim yang bukan dilahirkan sebagai Islam, dan ilmu mereka juga masih berada di tahap yang amat rendah meskipun berpuluhan tahun memeluk Islam?

Saya percaya semua mempunyai persepsi yang berbeza. Kerana saudara muslim yang kembali kepada Islam, juga berasa segan dengan gelaran “muallaf” ini. Sehingga berbagai gelaran yang baru ditimbulkan seperti “Saudara Muslim”, maksudnya nama gelaran ini tiada expiry date, tak kira dia baru masuk islam ke, dah lama masuk islam ke… tiada definisi saudara baru ataupun lama. Juga ada gelaran yang amat glemer sekarang ialah ambil dari dunia barat, iaitu “reverted muslim”. Kenapa kita tidak memanggil orang yang masuk islam sebagai convert? Ia adalah kerana dari segi bahasa, convert bermaksud bertukar kepada sesuatu yang berbeza, sama ada status agama yang berbeza ataupun cara hidup yang berbeza. Bagi gelaran “revert” pula, maksudnya kembali kepada keadaan yang asal. Maka REVERT adalah ayat yang lebih sesuai kerana memeluk Islam ialah kembali kepada FITRAH manusia yang hanya menyembah kepada Allah SWT yang Maha Esa, tidak beranak dan tidak diperanakan. Sebagaimana apa yang diseru oleh setiap nabi-nabi dalam menyebarkan mesej tauhid daripada Allah SWT.

Sejak saya memeluk islam, saya mula berkenalan dengan saudara muslim yang sama seperti saya. Pengalaman kehidupan selepas mengucap kalimah syahadah benar2 membuka minda saya terhadap keistimewaan Islam. Terutamanya dari segi sains, sebagaimana saintis sentiasa berdebat dengan agamawan dan menolak segala sifat ketuhanan yang ada pada agama. Namun di antara semua agama atas dunia, hanya Islam yang boleh mengalahkan sikap saintis dengan teori “Methodological Naturalism”, yang maksudnya , sesuatu teori saintifik yang wajar tidak boleh dirujuk kepada Tuhan ataupun apa jua ejen ghaib, ataupun melalui wahyu yang datang daripada pendapat ataupun pemikiran seseorang.

Konflik di antara saintis dan agamawan sering berlaku, dan diantaranya contoh yang paling ketara ialah, mengikut Biblical cosmology, iaitu kefahaman Christian mengenai alam semesta, mereka berpendapat bahawa bumi adalah rata dan terapung di atas lautan, bukannya berbentuk bulat sebagaimana apa yang telahpun dibukti oleh NASA. (flat disc-shaped earth floating on water, heaven above, underworld below)

Maka inilah merupakan punca pengajian sains menolak doktrin agama. Kerana saintis mengkaji segala ciptaan atas dunia dengan fakta dan pemerhatian yang jitu. Ilmu dan kefahaman manusia adalah amat terhad, biarpun andaian manusia pada zaman dahulu ialah bahawa bumi merupakan bentuk rata, dimana sekiranya ada pelayar melanggar batas bumi ini akan jatuh ke dunia yang berada di bawah bumi.

Pada hakikatnya , hanyalah Pencipta sahaja yang paling memahami ciptaannya. Termasuklah bumi dan matahari, dan juga semua ciptaannya. Saya ingin menjelaskan mengenai konflik sains dan agama adalah kerana pada masa dahulu saya merupakan orang yang paling taksub kepada sains, sehingga saya berasa hanya sains merupakan agama yang paling benar. Mungkin anda semua berfikir, bagaimanakah sains boleh menjadi pegangan agama saya pada masa dahulu? Adakah saintis layak menjadi tuhan2 yang disembah?

Boleh dikatakan sains merupakan agama moden pada zaman ini adalah kerana, saintis sentiasa menerokai alam semesta dengan peralatan teknologi yang paling canggih. Sehingga seluruh dunia berasa kagum dengan keupayaan saintis yang seolah-olah mempunyai kuasa seumpama Tuhan. Contohnya seperti Klon dengan proses nuclear transfer. Dengan eksperimen klon yang dijalankan oleh Ian Wilmut, Keith Campbell dan rakan sekerjanya, mereka telah Berjaya klon seekor kambingnya yang dinamakan “dolly”, ia mempunyai DNA yang sama dengan kambing asalnya. Maka dengan teori ini saintis juga boleh klon sesiapa yang dikehendaki dengan paras muka dan DNA yang 100% sama.

Sehinggalah saya memeluk agama Islam, boleh dikatakan Allah SWT bukan sahaja menjemput manusia mengaji firmanNya dalam al-Quran, juga mencabar manusia mahupun jin untuk menghasilkan ayat al-Quran yang standing dengannya. Ini merupakan mukjizat yang paling besar kerana hanya Pencipta yang mempunyai ilmu tertinggi atas segala sesuatu, manaka manusia tetap terhad dengan ilmu pengetahuannya atas sesuatu.

Berbagai persoalan daripada pihak muslim dan non muslim

Sejak saya memeluk agama Islam, kawan muslim dan non muslim masing2 mempunyai reaksi yang berbeza terhadap pilihan kehidupan saya. Dimana muslim mengucapkan taniah kepada saya kerana telah kembali kepada Islam, manakala kawan bukan muslim pula menganggap saya telah meninggalkan adat dan budaya sebagai orang cina. Sehingga mereka menjauhi diri daripada saya. Itu hanyalah salah satu cabaran yang ada selepas memeluk Islam.

Masyarakat Malaysia terdiri daripada berbilang kaum. Namun mengenai perkongsian agama Islam di antara 3 kaum terbesar adalah masih sungguh terhad. Kebanyakan masa kita menjaga sensitiviti agama masing2 sehingga muslim dan non muslim jarang bersembang bab agama bersama2. Terutamanya apabila media melaporkan isu pengganas dan berita negatif tentang Islam, masyarakat kita telahpun menjadi pecah belah dalam senyap.

Maka dengan menulis buku DL2KS, saya ingin menjelaskan fenomena yang tidak sihat ini wujud dalam masyarakat. Seterusnya saya juga ingin menjelaskan beberapa salahfaham yang sering tertimbul di kalangan masyarakat. Seperti isu penukaran nama selepas memeluk Islam, adakah muslim boleh memegang colok atau tidak, dan apakah tanggungjawab kita terhadap ibu bapa yang bukan Islam.

Setiap persoalan pasti ada penyelesaiannya kerana Allah SWT tidak pernah memberi bebanan yang melebihan ke atas hambaNya.