Warning:
If you’re a politician, a racist, a
xenophobic, a bigot, a zealot or happen to be all of them please don’t read
this article. If somehow you don’t know which one you are please proceed with
caution and when you find yourself strongly disagree with or rather offended by
what I write or cursing me to hell the chance is it’s because you are either a politician
(don’t despise politicians), a racist (have a tendency towards racism), a bigot
(have zero ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes) or a zealot (have
no desire to think deeply because you believe that faith doesn’t require brains
and love to blindly follow something or under the illusion that the more
extreme stand you take the better you are in religious matters).
I’ll
assume that you have read the warning and know what you get yourself into by
reading this article which is written because I’m extremely concerned and
appalled by how the fights between the supporters of the candidates for the
number one position in Jakarta have evolved.
The
election of a mere Governor is supposed to be a boring albeit costly democratic
process and not ends up as alarming political, racial and religious battles
that expose the ugly underbelly of our society.
It
all started when the incumbent Basuki Cahaya Purnama or Ahok – as he is called
by most friends and foes – wants to run for his second term. Unfortunately, his
candidacy ruffles many feathers in the political sphere and flames the desire of
his haters to bar his entry into the race.
There
is nothing wrong in opposing someone when you know that person is bad or when
you disagree with his disastrous policies. What is troubling me is how Ahok’s
haters’ stand against Ahok is mostly driven by the fact that he is of a Chinese
descent and partly because he is a Christian. And their desire to oppose Ahok
does not seem that simple. They seem to have a different agenda that makes me uneasy.
We’ve
been very understanding of our politicians’ dubious characters and integrity but
as a community we should draw the line on those who feel no qualm in tapping
into hatred, racism and bigotry to achieve their goals. We should know that a
racist, a bigot or a zealot should never ever be elected to govern and lead our
very diverse community.
We
should be alarmed by those who openly use racial and religious issues to
further their own agenda or to oppress and discriminate others. We should be
sensitive enough to detect any show of hatred or contempt towards particular
groups in our society because no matter how small those groups are, they are
part of us. They have the same rights as we do and deserve to be treated justly
and fairly like everyone else.
Our
community is like one big family where everyone in it is family. There are no outsiders
in a family even if there are step daughters, step sons, step father, step
mother or even if there are adoptive family members. Every single person in the
family deserves equal love and respect. It is not okay for a father to treat one
of his children unfairly just because that child is not of his flesh and blood.
If
one of the children feels an exclusive sense of ownership of his parent’s love
it is okay, but it is not okay for that child to set his parents against the
other children in order to preserve what he thinks is only his. A child should
be taught to share, to understand what it means to be part of a family. A child
should be taught to solve any disputes, grudges or problems within family through
amicable way with loving spirit and not hatred.
People
are entitled to have their own thoughts, opinions, views and feelings no matter
how negative and destructive they are as long as they keep it private. But once
those negative and destructive sentiments are being spread out to influence
other people they become a problem because they incite hatred towards a certain
group of people and promote discord and division among people.
The
notion that it is okay to be exclusionary and discriminatory is simply wrong not
to mention extremely dangerous. There are many examples to point out the long
term disastrous impacts of these policies. The most current ones are Syria and
Iraq. You might want to argue that what happens in Iraq and Syria is the fault
of the USA, but still the injustices against the minority within those
countries were the main factor that fuelled the tragedies that we have to
witness now.
Regardless
whether you’re born with a hatred towards a certain group of people or whether
your hatred is the result of circumstances around you, it is imperative to
understand that no country could be fully developed by alienating parts of its own
community.
It
scares me to see that people who support these divisive and discriminatory
ideas are not in hiding. However, the scariest part is in knowing that many
ordinary people, people that I know, my own friends seem to think that it’s
okay to feel hatred and suspicion towards the people of Chinese descent
(Chinese people). They truly believe that there is nothing wrong with discriminating
against the Chinese and that discrimination is actually a very sound and an effective
policy to save guard the supremacy of the ‘natives’.
There
are politicians and groups of people who publicly declare their sentiments
regarding the Chinese and the Christians. They seem to feel pride in announcing
their intention to change our Constitution to bar any Chinese and perhaps even
Christians from occupying the highest seat in this country.
I’m
not a Chinese nor am I a Christian. I’m what might be acknowledged as a native –
as long as their definition of native goes hundreds of years back for my
ancestor were also originated from China – and a Muslim. But as a native and a
Muslim I feel upset by the unsightly pictures which have unfolded right in
front of my eyes.
I
don’t understand why nobody wants to acknowledge that championing the major
ethnic group (the natives) over the ethnic minority is a discrimination. It
bothers me that no actions are taken against people who in broad day light
proudly, loudly and openly promoting racism and religious discrimination. It is
depressing to see that the level of hatred and distrust towards the Chinese people
is so deep rooted that I’m not sure whether another century would be enough to
eradicate it.
The
Muslims should not be the ones to incite hatred and discrimination against
others. We have brothers and sisters who face hatred and discrimination on
daily basis. The fact that the westerners and the non-Muslims around the world do
exactly the same thing towards the Muslims minority in their community is
beside the point. A wrong doesn’t turn into a right just because millions are
doing it.
The
most ridiculous argument I’ve heard when I tried to argue that it’s not right
to treat the minority this way was that if the Chinese and the Christians are in
power we would be the one being oppressed and discriminated against.
So,
are we supposed to oppress and discriminate against others in order not to be
oppressed and discriminated against by them? How about eliminating oppression and
discrimination for once and for all? How about not doing something wrong
because it’s wrong? How about doing the right thing because it’s the right
thing to do?
If
we hate seeing our brothers and sisters being discriminated against by others
because of their religion and because they are not the natives of the country
that has become their second home why do we do exactly the same thing to
others?
If
we hate being treated that way why do we want to treat others like that? The
most simple and honest answer is because we are not a good person or at the
very least not as good as we think ourselves to be, at worst? We are a
hypocrite which is the worst kind of human being. In case you don’t know what a
hypocrite is, it is someone whose action belies his stated beliefs.
Someone
who really hates discrimination would never discriminate against others.
Someone who really believes in equality would never disrespect others or demand
privileges over others because of his race, colour, or religion. Someone who
really loves justice would never treat others unfairly. Someone who is a genuinely
good person would love to do a good thing.
Preferential
treatment and privileges could and should be given to those who deserve them,
but never because of their races, colours or religious beliefs. They should be
given to outstanding people who stand up above and beyond races, colours and
religious beliefs. They should be given to people who are worthy of it through
their own merits and accomplishment.
I
could turn a blind eye and pretend that politicians are really serving our
interests. But I could not pretend that a racist or a bigot is going to be a
good leader as both of them would be incapable of delivering justice for
everyone which is ones of my bottom lines for a leader.
Leadership
should not be restricted by the words ‘native, ‘Muslim’ or ‘man’. We had already
had a sequence of native Muslim men as the Governors of Jakarta and how did
they do?
Even
if they did an amazing job – which they didn’t – it doesn’t negate the fact
that a Chinese, a Christian or a woman would be able to accomplish an equally
amazing job.
Frankly,
I find it quite offensive if someone expects me to choose him over others just
because he is a Muslim and a man.
For
those who feel their blood boiled with all due respect please refrain yourself
from throwing out Ayat or Hadiths to justify your feelings. We’ll come to the
religious teaching point of view in a second.
Meanwhile,
I’ll let you know that if we’re talking about doing something related to
religious matters I would choose you over other non-Muslim, no question asked. But
if we’re talking about specific jobs that require certain qualifications and skills
which don’t include being a Muslim in order to be done perfectly, than being a
Muslim is not going to score high on my check list.
Only
the incapable and incompetent losers will demand respects and privileges by
using God’s name and only the other losers and fools will listen.
Will
you listen to someone who never goes to a medical school or will you listen to
a doctor with 30 years of practical experiences when it comes to your health
issues? You don’t go to a cleric to ask what’s wrong with your body when you’re
sick do you? Don’t tell me you choose to follow your cleric’s advice against
your doctor’s advice when it comes to bypass surgery?
The
same principle applies to other jobs that require specific skills. Our beloved
Prophet Muhammad had advised his close companions and followers to designate
positions and jobs to those who were good at it. To give jobs not to the most
pious or closest to you but to those who were good at it. The stressing was on
qualification.
How
about those who hate Ahok because he is a Chinese? They don’t care whether Ahok
is doing a good job or not. They don’t care whether Ahok has the capability
needed for the job or not. All they really care about is his race. They don’t
want a Chinese man in the position of power. Period. They might be able to
tolerate a Christian but not a Chinese Christian who acts like Ahok.
Don’t
they know that neither Allah nor Prophet Muhammad cursed or condemned the
Chinese because they are Chinese? Don’t they know that hatred in Islam should
never come from personal feelings? Prophet Muhammad taught us to be just. When
the good things come from those you hate you need to acknowledge it and when
the bad things come from those you love you need to stand up against them.
Our
beloved Prophet had urged his followers to pursue their study to China despite
the fact that China is not an Islamic country. Why? Because our Prophet saw
education with the utmost importance. Education, knowledge and skills are
necessary for the Muslim community to reach their fullest potential.
Those
who insist that the Muslims should only choose another Muslim over non-Muslim
are undermining the importance of knowledge, skills and capabilities. This very
attitude will not promote the growth of Islam nor the Muslim community itself.
The
Muslims men who are supposed to be more superior than women and the non-Muslims
use Islam to defend their incompetency and lack of drive to be the best.
Instead of bringing in the irrefutable proof of their superiority against the
non-Muslims and women they try to intimidate others to hand over what they want
just because they think Allah gives them a blank cheque.
There
is no blank cheque in Islam. Although your fortune has been determined before
you were born, you still have to work for it. Although Islam advises to give
priority to men over women and to the Muslims over the non-Muslims, the men
need to show that they are really a better choice than the women, and likewise
the Muslims need to show that they are better than the non-Muslims.
Those
who are anti Ahok have their own sentiment. Their dislike of the incumbent
Governor of Jakarta is personal which is not surprising considering Ahok with
his potty mouth and brass attitude had offended people left and right. But to
bring Islam when he finally offended the Muslims?
As
a Muslim myself I understand why people are angry. What I don’t like however was
how this anger was being stoked then used by those who hate Ahok’s guts because
he is a Chinese and a Christian.
These
people turn ordinary Muslims who are upset by what Ahok said into a bully. A
bully who bullies other Muslims and even the Government into doing what they
want. The Muslims are not bullies. We never did and we should never be.
Do
you still unclear as to why Islam is a blessing and mercy to mankind and the
universe? Because we are guided to be just, we are guided to be merciful to
those who wronged us and to turn away from the ignorant. We are guided to take
the high road. Our akhlaq is supposed to be the best among mankind.
To
my brothers and sisters who are offended by Ahok:
‘I
understand that you’re angry and I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be angry, but
how could you be this angry over things that were said by a non-Muslim? They
would of course say offensive things about our religion, our God and our
Prophet, they are non-Muslims after all. If you want to be angry to express
your love for Islam and to contribute to Islam, don’t you think it’s better to
direct your anger at other Muslims who kill and harm their own brothers and
sisters, twist the teaching of our Prophet and destroy the good name of Islam?
Why being this vicious against an ignorant? Is it because it’s not really about
religion after all? Don’t tell me that it’s actually not even about Ahok per se
but because you were trying to hit the current President?
Our
Prophet had reminded his close companions that the Muslims were to follow their
leader even when they disagreed with him as long as that leader didn’t prohibit
them from doing what God and his Messenger had told them to do and he didn’t do
them any harm.
Narrated
by Umar, Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
‘Listening
to and obeying the leader is an obligation upon a Muslim whether he likes it or
dislikes it as long as he is not commanded to disobey Allah. If he is commanded
to disobey Allah then there is no listening or obedience.’
The
religious leaders were told to advise the ruler whenever he acted against
Allah’s orders while the ordinary citizens were told to pray for that leader so
that he could become a better leader. Disrupting a civil society in Islam is
not allowed. A coup is not allowed. An impeachment is not allowed.
A
demonstration which is seen as a sign of democracy is not known in the Islamic
tradition. Freedom of speech in Islam has a different form and purpose.
QS.
4:59
‘O
you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those of you who are in
authority. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and
His Messenger if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and
more suitable for final determination.’
Dear
brothers and sisters, do you still not understand what are the biggest
differences between our religion and others? Everything in Islam is being
counted base on our intention. Yes, you’ll definitely score a good deed by
wanting to defend Islam.
But,
Islam is never really about just the results. If you have a good intention,
then you need to use a good and honourable method to reach the result that you
want. If you do everything in accordance with the guidance of Allah and His
Messenger insya Allah you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.
If
we have a ruler that we don’t like and he did something wrong we could try to
remind him. But the purpose of that reminder is not to pressure or to humiliate
him or worse to overthrow him. In Islam the purpose of a reminder or an advice
for a ruler is to make him a better ruler. If he refuses to listen our next
step is to pray that Allah will soften his heart and guides him into the right
path. Overthrowing a leader in Islam is only permitted under the circumstances
mentioned above.
We
should reflect back on our history.
Not
long after our beloved Prophet passed away the Muslims community were fighting
for power. They even fought against and murdered our beloved Prophet’s close
companions. They refused to listen to their ruler then revolted and amidst all
those fights they even killed the beloved grandson of our beloved Prophet.
Their
disobedience had resulted in the division of the Muslim community into Sunni
and Shiah. The Muslims were destroyed not by the non-Muslims but by their own
greed. Prophet Muhammad once told his companions that the Muslims community
would be divided into numerous factions and all of them were the dwellers of
Hell except for one.
I’m
extremely disturbed seeing how some of my brothers and sisters seem to be
possessed by their desire to crucify Ahok and undermine the current Government.
They accuse other Muslims who disagree with them as a bad Muslim. They mock,
ridicule and bully their own brothers and sisters who feel uncomfortable by
their action.
Dear
brothers and sisters don’t you realize that right now you are turning into a
racist and a bigot? Don’t you realize that you’re not really fighting for
Islam, but you’re using Islam to defend your racism and bigotry!
Do
you want to tell me that you genuinely believe that Islam supports racism and
bigotry? When Allah clearly says what differentiates one human from another is
their deeds?
Yes,
Islam states that we should not choose a non-Muslim or a woman as our leader. However
this guidance is not to be taken merely at its face value and certainly not to be
applied wherever or whenever indiscriminately.
The
refusal to use one’s brains in religion might lead us to a completely wrong
path and do more harm than good. We might end up believing in things that are
totally against Islamic values and principles.
We
should understand and never ever forget that the underlying principle of Islam
is that it is here to bring goodness to all, not only to the Muslims. Every
action we take, every decision we make must ensure that they will bring
goodness to all not to a particular group or the Muslims only.
Whenever
we are in power the Muslims should be merciful to those under them regardless
of their religions and ethnicities. The Muslims are strictly forbidden to
create destruction on the face of this earth and in the universe which have
been created by Allah for them.
Bigotry,
prejudice, injustice, intolerance, oppression, extremism and destruction are
things that should never be promoted let alone acknowledged in the name of Islam.
When
Islam states that the Muslims should not choose a non-Muslim as their leader
one of the most important messages that should be grasped by us is that we have
to be more qualified than non-Muslims. The same thing goes for not choosing a
woman over a man. Instead of discriminating against women men should try their
hardest to show that they are indeed better than their sisters.
Like
I said above only the incapable and incompetent losers will demand respects and
privileges by using God’s name.
We
don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand why Islam guides the Muslims
not to choose the non-Muslim as their leader. There are many examples to point
out.
The
Muslims in China are forbidden to fast during Ramadan. They are not allowed to
practice their religion which is their fundamental right. The non-Muslim leader
has treated the Muslims unjustly and discriminated against them.
France
could also be used as a very good example to illustrate why the Muslims need to
have a Muslim leader so that their right to practice their religion could be
protected.
Nevertheless,
the injustices experience by the Muslims under the non-Muslim leaders should
never be used to incite hatred towards the non-Muslims who live peacefully
among us. The discrimination experience by our brothers and sisters worldwide
should never be used as a reason to discriminate against our own non-Muslim
fellow citizens.
That
is not how our beloved Prophet taught us. He repeatedly warned us to never make
life difficult for the non-Muslims living among us. He strictly warned us
against discriminating against them.
Narrated
by Abu Dawud Prophet Muhammad warned:
‘Beware!
Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, curtails their rights,
burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against
their free will; I Muhammad will complain against that person on the Day of
Judgment.’
The
Jews which some people would love to eradicate from the face of the earth were
treated with respect during the life of Prophet Muhammad. He made sure that
their synagogue and learning centre in his beloved city Madinah were preserved
and protected.
The
Prophet also treated the Christians with equally great respect if not even more
so than the Jews. When the Christians from Yemen came to visit him in Madinah,
he let them prayed in his own mosque.
During
his life time Prophet Muhammad personally chose a Christian as an Ambassador
for the Muslims. After he passed away Umar also appointed few non-Muslims as
part of his administration. When some Muslims appropriated a piece of land
belong to a Jew and built a mosque on that land, Umar ordered that mosque to be
demolished and the land to be returned to the Jew.
That
was how Prophet Muhammad and his closest companions behaved towards the non-Muslims.
Where
do you think you have the right to bully the Chinese Christian Ahok for his
blasphemy? Don’t you know how our Prophet Muhammad acted against those who
humiliated and insulted him? Don’t you know how Allah orders us to act against
those who insult our religion?
Allah
forbids us from engaging with them.
Prophet
Muhammad showed us that when he faced an ignorant and got insulted by him he
turned away from him. When the Muslims learned about it, they got so angry (I
bet more angry than you are right now and theirs was a genuine anger that had
nothing to do with politics) and wanted the Prophet to order them to chop that
man head off.
Our
beloved Prophet refused and said that we the Muslims were supposed to be the
blessing for mankind. We were supposed to treat others with the best of manner.
Only through an impeccable akhlaq would the ignorant learn the truth of Islam
and only through kindness and good words would they listen. Throwing insults
would only demean ourselves and our religion while using violence would only
make them hate us more.
Dear
brothers and sisters, if we really love Islam, if we really love our beloved
Prophet, why don’t we listen to him? Why don’t we follow his perfect example of
applying Islam into our daily lives?
Although
I think Ahok is just about perfect for Jakarta, this article is not intended as
an endorsement for Ahok. This article is written because I’m beyond disturbed
by what I see. I’m extremely concerned when I see Islam is being used to
justify your hatred towards a minority who is also our fellow citizen.
You
and I are brothers and sisters because of our religion but we are also brothers
and sisters with the non-Muslims because they are our country men. Be afraid of
treating them unjustly for we had been strictly warned not to do so.
If
you hate Ahok because he is a bad leader and his leadership style makes you
want to puke that is your right. But, if the real reason why you hate him so is
because he is of a Chinese descent and happens to be a Christian please do not
bring Islam into this bigotry and racism.
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