I WANT TO TOUCH A DOG ~ If only we can have the same enthusiasm when it comes to Touching an Orphan.

I have been reading the comments from supporters of “I Want To Touch A Dog” (IWTTAD) event with great interest. My oh my, how this people believe strongly in what they did and stand 200% behind it. Suddenly they switch to become the follower of whichever “mazhab” that advocates the act of touching a dog even keeping them as pet. Some even go as far as researching and uploading photos of other Muslims in other part of the world hugging, kissing and walking their dogs to justify and defend what they are doing is absolutely right. Anyone dare to say otherwise, is deemed as enemies and they will lash out at you with their sharp toungue and fierce arguments. I was labelled “keyboard warrior” today for expressing my opinion. It would be nice if the young man who award this “makcik” with such rank check out the meaning of it first.

I am not about to argue on mazhab, hadith and all…I think I would like to keep my opinion to myself on that matter. But I must say I admire their devotion. I do. I just wish they could use the same devotion in getting closer to our Creator via other activities besides touching a dog….like touching an orphan, touching & reading the Quran, touching the poor, touching a handicapped person….or touching the heart of another muslim with kindness, respect and compassion. A number of people said almost the same thing too. And yet these supporters lashed back saying the organiser (Syed Azmi) has done a good deed by organising “I Want To Touch A Dog” event, and ask us (the criticizer) to try and do one too (good deed/event).

So here I am talking about this same subject again (Yup I am getting sick of it too!). But I feel I need to share my little experience in organising a charity event. I am sure you all know that there are many unsung heroes out there who have done lots of charity events that goes beyond “touching a dog”. Unfortunately they don’t get the same coverage and “interest” from the main media like you all did. Recently I have helped a friend organising prayers and dinner for 800 orphans. The event is funded by donations from the public. These people are the unsung heroes who pocket out their own hard-earned money, to put together an event for no other reason but in the name of Allah SWT. We wanted to invite public to joint in prayers and spend time with the orphans and also to bring us Muslims of all walks of life closer together to build and strengthen our ukhwah via such good deed.

Thousands of flyers were distributed, bunting and banners were hanged in advance. All social media were utilised to the max. I wrote to all major media, i.e.; the papers, TV and radio to help us promote it. Sadly…only a number of media responded. And these are only the Islamic and Bahasa Malaysia media. None of the English papers show any feedback. When I checked on this “I want to Touch a Dog” event, the major English and the alternative papers were quick to report them… even the Singaporean media are suddenly so interested in us being charitable to dogs. Now don’t tell me, our event is aimed at the Muslims therefore it doesn’t appeal to the their target readers. Do u mean Muslims don’t read English papers? And what about promoting Islam as a good religion in order to “instill tolerance and understanding among all Malaysians”? Don’t tell me u can achieve that only by highlighting Muslim touching a dog in your papers. We expected at least 500 guest among the public to attend…only a handful turned up. But Alhamdulillah we had almost 100 volunteers to help organised the event and filled up the mosque and dining hall and the orphans enjoyed themselves.

Like I said how I wish we can get the same enthusiasm from IWTTAD participants for us to join hands and bring families, friends, children, to touch an orphan and spend time with them and also the same enthusiasm from the media to promote it. Hey we can even invite the non Muslim, why not? Let’s see how many will turn up. Everytime I visited the orphans or charity home, I bumped into quite a number of men and women who came to visit but sadly almost none bring their children to experience and understand what it is like to be poor and alone without parents. I guess it is not as interesting as teaching your children to touch a dog.

I would like to emphasize I have no qualms on any Muslim who want to touch dogs….but u don’t need to campaign on it. If you think it is so important to touch a dog to manifest the humanity in you and to earn validation from your non Muslim community then go knock on your non-muslim neighbours door and ask permission to touch one or you can just go to any petshop or SPCA.

I have nothing against Syed Azmi, I don’t even know him. I believe he has good intentions…but there is a saying “intention doesn't condone your action”. In my humble opinion if the event only creates “fitnah” and divide us further then perhaps he should consider focusing on his other charity events that brings us closer with each other not just with the dogs. I sincerely hope he will put his sudden popularity to good use and for the benefit of the ummah.

I am sure this will not be the end of such event. But those who are against touching dogs (but against abusing dogs ok) also deserved to be respected of their opinion, feelings and sensitivity.

May Allah forgive me for my lack of knowledge and humble opinion.

I WANT TO TOUCH A DOG ~ Manifest of a Modern Progressive Muslim???

I am no ulama to comment on the “halal” and “haram” of touching a dog and I am not about to become one of those self righteous-I know all about Islam just bcoz I started wearing Hijab yesterday, nor do I want to be an “Ustazah Cyber” whose knowledge of Islam is obtained from chained/shared Whatsap and FB status. I can’t help but to question the benefit of “I want to touch a dog” event in becoming a good Muslim. Now before you all out there who think that you belong to the “Progressive Modern Hip Muslim” group makes hasty judgement on me, just hear me out first. After all isn’t a healthy debate and freedom of speech the basis of a modern progressive society?

What is the objective of this event? According to the organiser, Syed Azmi Alhabsi, it is an event to overcome fear of dogs and instill tolerance and understanding among Malaysian of all races and religion. I applaud his good intention. But why stop at dogs? I know many people who are afraid of cats…and most of them are Muslims. Some of them became hysteric and I have seen one who even jumped and squatted on her chair when this little furry adorable harmless kitten came near her feet asking to be fed. Not to mention those people who abuse cats, be it Muslim or not. And this is an animal where you don’t have to worry about washing your hands 6 times with water and one with earth. An animal stated in the hadith as the prophet favourite pet. What about other animals too like sugar glider, hamster, guinea pig, and chameleon? These are some of the pets in my most feared animals list. Yup, why don’t we organise a whole petting zoo for that matter? Shouldn’t a good Muslim love all animals and not hate or abuse them?

One misguided Muslim attendee of the event even post on her FB status saying that the aim of this event is to create awareness amongst Muslims to not hate or abuse dogs. Helloooooooo!!!!! It is sad and humiliating every time I read a thoughtless comment from a Muslim generalising the rest of her fellow believer. Please…. a person who abuse any animal is not a Muslim or belong to any religion! For a non Muslim to perceive us like that is expected, but coming from a Muslim…..Masya’Allah girl, u should spend more time in understanding Islam rather than spending your weekend petting a dog.

What I can see this is no other than an excuse to allow Muslim to satisfy their urge to pet a dog with a hidden agenda of changing the perception of others about Muslim relations with dogs. Some of the comments I read (of course most of them come from Muslims themselves), that those who did not agree with this event are labelled as conservative, barbaric, and even stupid. Well explain to me how does touching a dog make you modern, progressive, brilliant and a good Muslim? If you want to portray yourself as such a progressive Muslim let’s strive at excelling in all field that we are involved, be it at studies, career, business, science, technology, aeronautics, arts, to name a few. Or the simplest way of being a modern, good, progressive Muslim is to mind your language and manners when posting comments … apparently many of us fail to even do just that! Well perhaps there is someone out there who can think of a creative and attractive event to change these sickening so called Muslim attitude and maybe we can call it “I want to touch the Muslim in me” event.

Honestly I do not hate dogs. Being a cat lover, I do think dogs are more adorable than cats. I just don’t like the idea of being licked by one and having to go through the trouble of cleaning myself with 6 times of water and one earth. In fact my late grandfather used to have 2 dogs in the kampung….yes u got it right “kampung” as in Jeram, Kuala Selangor. The dogs were for guarding his chicken farm from wild animals and thieves.

I am not against this event. I just think there are many other better things we can do to potray an image of a good Muslim and to become one. I find this sermon from an Ustaz I heard recently very interesting indeed: “Allah ask us to touch the hands of our parents and husbands for love and forgiveness, the Prophet ask us to caress the head of an orphan for the sake of Allah, a good deed will be written to his/her account for every hair over which he passed his hand….and why do we want to go and touch a dog instead!”

If I am wrong let Allah be my judge and to Him I shall seek forgiveness.

BRUNEI & HUDUD

I have been reading on the western outcry over Brunei’s decision on implementing hudud.  It is not surprising how easy for them to jump to conclusions and brand hudud as "“barbaric, inhumane, unjust, uncivilised law that has no place in this modern society”, without fully understanding what the whole system, conditions, implementation truly entails.  Honestly I myself am yet to understand the intricateness of hudud law. But I know this much is true….Hudud is more than just capturing the first person who cry robbery and adultery and chopping off hands, stoning and canning.

Mind you, Brunei is merely a newcomer on the scene.  While the LBGT group, lead and supported by some Hollywood stars rally in front of Beverly Hills hotel condemning Brunei for its law against homosexuality, there are 81 other countries where homosexuality is illegal, and yes including SINGAPORE! It is also hardly the only place in the world where adultery is punishable by death.  I do not want to insult anyone by quoting testaments of other religions where it says adulteress must be put to death…but seek it for yourself and you will find it.

In United Arab Emirates, a favorite destination and filming location for wealthy Hollywood celebrities. homosexuals has been arrested and deported, and adulterers are sentenced to stoning. But nobody make a fuss. Why? Because the Emirates have invested hundreds of millions in American film companies through their wholly owned Abu Dhabi Media.  Well as usual politics, money and power rules the western sentiment in this capitalist world we live in.

In our beloved country, Hudud has been a highly debated subject for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t just the non-muslims, but the muslims themselves are opposing it.  You can hear “silent” protest being exchanged among colleagues “…errr you mean we all have to wear tudung, cannot drink and clubbing anymore?” Some of the protest dialogues even go like this “errr you mean our hands will be chopped off, or we will be stoned to death?”  Oh dear it is like listening to some hidden confession that you don’t want to know.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not in the position to judge anyone. To be honest, I have my own apprehension too.

However, I found this reply from  Brunei's Mufti Awang Abdul Aziz, the country's top Islamic scholar amusing and enlightening;

Awang said there should be no concerns that foreign travellers might end up avoiding Brunei after the law is implemented.
"Please listen to our answer. Sir, do all potential tourists to Brunei plan to steal? If they do not, then what do they need to fear," he said.

As the French philosopher, Voltaire said “Fear follows crime, and is its punishment”.

I have yet so much to learn about Hudud, what with so little public information and education from the experts and all you learn supposedly on hudud was fed by people who condemn it but know little about the law itself.  But I believe that the essence of all religions is love, compassion and tolerance. And for as long as we can practice that, be it heterosexual or homosexual, you and I have nothing to fear!

Peace & Good Night Lovelies.

#MH370 ~ Even If a Unity of Faith Is Not Possible, a Unity Of Love Is.

I am deeply disturbed by the painful allegations thrown at my beloved country these past few days. We are being labeled as Liars, Terrorist and even Murderers. The Jewish owned channels CNN and FOX is succeeding in making the Chinese believe that our Government are hiding information with their irresponsible reporting. Somehow I don’t believe this is “normal” of foreign media but an opportunity to create hatred towards Malaysia and creating strain in Malaysia-China bilateral relationship.

China travel agent are launching a boycott campaign against MAS and Malaysia. Their celebrities are also stoking resentment towards us. There were also some reports of Malaysian tourist being ill-treated by China immigrations at their airports and also calls to ban our Shila Amzah and Fish Leong from performing in China. China Government is not helping with their open criticism and demand for greater transparency from our Officials, and this coming from an opaque government themselves! Well all these should not been so shocking to us. What do you expect from a nation that has to be educated not to wear their pyjamas to the Stadium during the Olympics. Need I say more? But it is quite strange to read all the Chinese demands with regards to the SAR operation when they still hold to the ancient law that….Rescuing a drowning person is not allowed as it would be interfering with their fate. Hmmm….

It is easy for us to be angry and lash back at them of the 20million ringgit public donations we have extended during their Sichuan earthquake; to call for the same boycott campaign and sparkling hatred towards their product, their country and their people. But most of us Malaysian are not raised to do that, to bite the helping hands, to return hatred with hatred.

I have also read many comments from my fellow countryman defending our country and firing back at the Chinese. Let’s hope that it reach them if they are not blocked first by their Government who has been blocking Google, Twitter, Facebook and some 2,600 other websites until now. So much for a tranparent Government!

But what I want to say most, what make me proud and feeling so fortunate to be born a Malaysian is that…. these unfortunate tragedy, these allegations and hatred does not weaken us but instead unite and strengthen us….majority of us at least. Well I can’t say the same for some morons who chosed to speak ill of their own country except wishing that they are striped off their citizenship and shipped to the Indian Ocean instead. I feel so touched reading the comments of our non muslim friends sticking up for their fellow brothers upon being suggested as “terrorist” by CNN. It affirms that Patriotisme hasn’t died and there is so much hope for Malaysia.

While some speculates that these boycott may affect our trade and tourism industry tremendously, let us keep faith instead that our fate, our “rezeki” and our destiny is determined by our own efforts, hardwork, sincerity and the rest is in the hands of the AlMighty. United we stand, divided we fall. Even if a unity of faith is not possible, a unity of love (for the country) is.

Good Night my fellow compatriot….Let’s Keep Praying for MH370.

SNOWFALL IN INDONESIA A HOAX???

I saw a video about so called shocking phenomenon of snowfall in Indonesia being spread around the last few days. It is strange that it came from Chelmsford News, a media channel that is unheard of. Furthermore there is no mention of where exactly in Indonesia is this happening. There is no interview with the locals, not even one human being and the camera is panning around the same area which is no bigger than a small garden. 

So i did some googling…. There is a "Chelmsford Weekly News" a publication based in Chelmsford, Essex, East of England. It is NOT A TV STATION. They mostly report local news….local I mean as in England, NOT INDONESIA. Couldn't find any articles about snow in Indonesia at all in their website. So when i check the original video on youtube which was published on 9 August 2013, the channel only have one video which is of course the said snowfall in Indonesia video. Hmmm…very strange for a TV/Media channel to open a youtube account for just one video. 

For those who haven't seen the video….check this out for yourself and see what I mean.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3OYy4k8DHg

So i was thinking if this really happens I am sure such story would have been blasted on all mainstream media in Indonesia and Malaysia. I even search for backdated articles in August 2013 but none reported of such event. Hmmm really strange, don't you think? But i found this one instead… Let me quote what it said: "Kabid Cuaca Ekstrem BMKG Ahmad Zakir memastikan, Indonesia bukan bagian dari negara yang bakal disinggahi salju, kecuali wilayah pegunungan Jaya Wijaya. Apa yang terjadi di Vietnam tak akan singgah ke Nusantara."

So guys, let me say this again: "DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ ON THE INTERNET". It is an open media, anybody can upload anything, even an indigene of Timbuktu for as long as they have access to internet connection. Do some research and lots of readings guys for KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.

Yes I know nothing is impossible if Allah wills it. But Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said: "One who proceeds on a path in the pursuit of knowledge, God makes him proceed therewith on a path to the Garden (Paradise)."

Have a good day lovelies.

http://news.detik.com/read/2013/12/18/131539/2445425/10/2/hujan-salju-aneh-muncul-di-vietnam-mungkinkah-terjadi-di-indonesia