DO NOT LET RACISM DIVIDE US
IN Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, Allah tells us that we must avoid suspicion as much as possible. This is because there are times when the act of being suspicious is considered a sin.
Which is why it is disheartening to see Malaysians becoming increasingly suspicious of each other nowadays. In so many politically fuelled speeches, we see the reinforcement of the concept of otherness underpinned by the prospect of loss of cultural identity and, ironically, the betrayal of Islam.
It is important to understand that Malaysia’s obsession with the culture of fear did not begin with the Pakatan Harapan win last year. We all grew up learning about divide et impera or “divide and rule” from our history books — it is no secret that it has been a political strategy to exert control over the different races well before independence.
What is disconcerting, however, is how despite ambitions to break away from the grip of fascism, we are still apprehensive
over our democratic liberties and the strength of our own voices. We are apprehensive about the world around us and about each other. We are still pandering to the racist “bogeyman”.
Which is exactly what the people who fan sentiments want. We need to realise that the ramp-up in fanning suspicion against each other in recent months is not unexpected as certain quarters grapple with political insecurities — others use these sentiments for political advantage. We must, however, rise above the frivolous name-calling and assumptions that everyone who is different from us is out to get us, strip us of our identities, take away our moralities and convert us.
No one is trying to erode anyone’s rights — not the Malays, not any other race. In fact, the opposite is true, with efforts to accord more rights to all Malaysians via the opening of spaces for liberties such as the freedom of expression and media. Malaysia is not perfect in these areas, but we are getting there because for the first time since independence, Malaysians are mature enough to handle them.
No one is trying to sabotage the Malays, except maybe some quarters who fan sentiments of suspicion and distrust towards other races.
I call this sabotage because this very act of disempowerment creates an invisible wall between friendships, collaborations and other relationships that are essential to grow and prosper into happy, successful people. To insinuate that Malays will perish in a modern and progressive community is mind-boggling.
Knowing how historically fluid the Malay tradition has always been, diversity will only enrich the vibrance that the Malay culture has been proudly known for.
And most of all, at least in Malaysia, no one is planning to destroy the faith of Muslims. People who say things like this are underestimating the resilience of Muslims.
We need to raise and recognise the strength of the faith, stop obsessing over its form, that is, policing women’s clothing, and focus on its function, that is, the creation of a gentle and loving society.
Islam is about kindness and compassion. Love must therefore triumph over hate and violence. Islam tells us to be kind to neighbours, not to be suspicious of them. We must not forget that the first to express suspicion over human beings were the angels. The Quran tells us that when the angels were doubtful about the creation of Adam, saying that humans will not only be up to mischief, but also shed blood, Allah responded, “I know what ye know not”.
While the angels placed their trust in Allah, it was Iblis who pledged to continue to mislead humankind as long as their souls are in their bodies (so that they will go to hell), to which Allah responded, “I will continue to forgive them as long as they seek my forgiveness”.
We have a choice: we can choose to not be suspicious of people who are different, to not live in agonising fear that this will lead to the corruption of our identities, and to not fuel this political crusade to uphold Islam and the Malay race which is not even under threat in the first place. We can choose to trust in Allah, for Allah loves those who trust in them, be kind to everyone and be people who spread kindness in the world because Allah is kind and loves kindness in all things (Sahih Bukhari 6024).
The different peoples and tribes created by Allah have always coexisted harmoniously.
Being multicultural, multiethnic and multireligious is what we have been brought up to be most proud of and forms the basis of our friendships and more. Let us not give these “bogeymen with agendas” any mileage to start ruining what we have built for so long. Let us not succumb to the sentiments of hate.
Instead, let us join hands and work towards a Malaysia that is for all her people. MAJIDAH HASHIM Communications manager, Sisters in Islam