Of Islam, Churches and Temples

Art Harun

Shouldn't we, Muslims, ask ourselves whether we are – to a certain, if not large, extent – not to blame for the ridicule that has befallen our great way of life known as Islam?

Are we blind or too much blinkered by what we believe to be the ways of Islam so much so that we are unable to see the signs before us? Or is it a fact that we just could not care less?

Many of us, Muslims, nowadays have become uptight about Islam. And to make matters worse, in our country, Islam is tied up to our race, – by a Constitutional provision, no less! – our Malayness, so to speak. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Islam and Malayness are almost interchangeable. Say something which could be remotely perceived as against Islam, and you would be challenging not only Islam, but the whole Malay race. And vice versa.

And these people declare that they are the defenders of Islam. The Caliphs. Defenders of the faith. As if Islam is not so great without them. As if God would retreat into oblivion without their help and undying assistance.

In the name of Islam they would do things. And some times in doing so, they smear the good name of Islam. They reduce God into a creature of hate, prejudice and intolerance. Why? Just look at the picture.

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