Islam: Between the Malays and the Chinese

Written by Dr. Mohd. Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

Every so often, our incorrect manner in using a particular term can give a terribly harmful impact in the way other people understand certain issues. Even more unfortunate is if it affects people’s understanding on the religion. Based on my observation, among the misconception that implicates the religion is the tendency to substitute Malay as a term for Islam and Chinese as a term for kafir (non-believers). Thus, some Malays describe those who newly embrace Islam as “embrace Malay” or sometimes they even say irrelevant things such as “not a Muslim but a Chinese”. As if, according to them, the Chinese epitomize kafir and the Malays epitomize Muslims. Even worse is when they label a Chinese who has embraced Islam as muallaf (new convert) all his life and it sounds even more awful when pronounced with a northern slang as ‘Mat Loh’.

O world! Islam is not a religion of terrorism

Written by Dr. Mohd. Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Ummu Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

It is almost every week that I receive visits from various groups of impressive ‘labels’ from all corners and most of them are not Muslims. A huge number of them are avid readers of my writings. They ask for my opinions concerning a variety of issues. Among those that become the focuses of the non-Muslims is the issue of violence or terrorism.

Simplify the approach of Islam, do not make it exclusive

Written by Dr. Mohd. Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

It is indeed very heartbreaking to witness a certain group of people saying: “It is difficult to understand Islam and we don’t have the time for it since there are a lot that need to be done in this young age. We’ll just wait until we get older.” This statement is essentially an outcome of their wrong perception on Islam, thinking that Islam is a religion that is difficult to understand and to practice.

The vast attitude in receiving opinions is necessary for modern Muslims

Written by Dr. Mohd. Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

Those who are fanatical with the ideas of a certain individual would refuse to listen to the opinions of others even though the other party backs his opinions with strong reasons and evidences. Whereas, in principle, a particular opinion should be accepted not on the ground of sentiments over a certain big name but rather it has to be based on justifications or facts. At present or even in the past, a person would not have a character that is impartial towards the truth and who progresses ahead if he is narrow minded and shuts his mind from accepting reasons and facts due to a certain sentimental feeling.

The Need For A Jurisprudence Of Interactions With Non-Muslims

Written by Dr. Mohd. Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm_Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

I always feel reluctant to accept the many invitations that keep coming for attending seminars and colloquiums on issues of apostasy. Even though the organizers have their own reasons for conducting those meetings but still I keep dreaming of a big seminar that discusses topics of people in masses embracing Islam for a change.

Apostasy: Between Emotions and Reality

Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

Apostasy is a terrifying term. There’s no true believer who does not become sensitive or terrified when the word apostasy is correlated to him. Furthermore, for a genuine Muslim, upon hearing the word apostasy or infidelity he will spontaneously say in his heart, “I beg for protection by Allah from all those.” Allah says in surah al-Baqarah verse 217 (translated as): “And if any of you turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the hereafter; they will be companions of the Fire and will abide therein.”

The flatterers and the slanderers

Written by DR. MOHD. ASRI ZAINUL ABIDIN
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

A leader should know that not all who praise him really mean it. It is always possible that those praises are expressed out of fear or because they expect something in return. Thus, it is not unusual to see many leaders receive praises in all sorts of manners when they are in command but are insulted and sneered at the day they lose the power. Subsequently, the flatterer will then look for a new spot to hang about.

Also, something that is for sure is that whoever slanders and curses the leaders publicly, it is without doubt that he does not have an honest intent. A depreciator or a slanderer is in fact similar in nature to a flatterer. Both types are in for something. A slanderer hopes that by slandering others he will be raised or perceived as a hero and consequently, the desired benefits will come to him through his supporters, or may be an office position will even be granted to him.