Religion & Faith

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Documentary – Out of Cordoba

January 4, 2012 in Middle East, Religion & Faith, Video by Zain

‘”There is no ‘Clash of Civilizations’ between the Muslim World and the West. There is only a clash of ignorance.”

Out of Cordoba confronts these issues through an exploration of the lives and writings of the two most important thinkers to emerge from medieval Muslim Spain: Averroes the Muslim, and his Jewish counterpart,Rabbi Moses Maimonides. The 82-minute film explores the legacy of these two philosophers, as well as their contemporary importance for interfaith relations, and especially for Muslims, Jews, and Christians struggling against religious extremism.’

Watch it here: http://outofcordoba.com/

 

Among the First in Hell

January 1, 2012 in Religion & Faith by Zain

The Prophet, on among the 1st of creatures to enter Hell. Fascinating, this. A call for self-reflection too.

Extract from Nasihah Deeniyyah wal Wasiatul Imaaniyyah (Nasihat Dunia dan Wasiat Iman) by Imam Habib Abdullah Alhaddad.

During the class I was in, when this was narrated to those who attended, the scholar leading the class, Habib Ali Zain al’Abidin Alhamid narrated the anecdote below. Hope I have reproduced it accurately.

An anecdote of great scholar Hassan Basri (of Basra,Iraq), a man on the street observing ppl, called Hassan, ‘hey u who is riak.’ Hassan Basri, instead of denying it or calling the man judgmental, said, ‘I am embarrassed for tht there is in me, ‘riak-ness.”

Sept 16 Pride Without Prejudice Event

September 15, 2011 in Politics & Governments, Religion & Faith, Self by Zain

While I don’t always agree with the organizer’s, Sister’s In Islam (SIS), approach and outlook towards issues and how they tackle things, they do do some good work. But more importantly, it would be wrong for you to disengage yourself with someone who is either you’re in disagreement with, or that is wrong.

To put into context, it’s like you like the colour blue and refuse to talk to anyone who likes yellow. Or refuse to shake hands with someone who is a thief, because he is a sinner in one clear way (like yourself too, in a way that might not be as obvious).

Now back to the poster above, each speaker will focus on one prejudice area, such as age, nationality, caste etc. Mine is on political prejudice. Whether or not you attend the talk or read it’s content afterwards, it’s important to make clear first to yourself, what does prejudice means. It sounds basic, but a good amount of pointless argument and discussion can ensue should something as simple as this, is not understood let alone agreed.

Prof Naquib Al-Attas Book Launch

September 5, 2011 in Religion & Faith by Zain

Looking forward. To those not familiar, he is the brother of the late sociologist Prof Hussein Al-Attas, once Vice Chancellor of University of Malaya. I’ve personally, unfortunately, have not read much of the work of either of these two, but from over the years I’ve gathered that they’re amongst the leading thinkers, for a lack of a better term, of our time. I’m not sure if their ‘popularity’, lack of, is something I wish was otherwise or a blessing in disguise.

The following is from Wikipedia,

Syed Muhammad al Naquib bin Ali al-Attas (born September 5, 1931) is a prominent contemporary Muslim philosopher and thinker from Malaysia. He is one of the few contemporary scholars who is thoroughly rooted in the traditional Islamic sciences and who is equally competent in theology, philosophy, metaphysics, history, and literature. He is considered to be the pioneer in proposing the idea of Islamization of knowledge. Al-Attas’ philosophy and methodology of education have one goal: Islamization of the mind, body and soul and its effects on the personal and collective life on Muslims as well as others, including the spiritual and physical non-human environment. He is the author of twenty-seven authoritative works on various aspects of Islamic thought and civilization, particularly on Sufism, cosmology, metaphysics, philosophy and Malay language and literature.

Thanks Syafiq for alerting me about this.

Your Addicted View

July 28, 2011 in Individuals, Politics & Governments, Religion & Faith by Zain

Below is an excerpt (full version here)of a piece written by celebrity, former addict, Russell Brand, to and for Amy Winehouse. His take on drug addicts is worthy to note.

One that I had briefly considered when reading Jeffrey Archer’s Prison Diary, as he explained his encounter with former addicts who tried hard to overcome, but yet failed. Additionally, what moved me to post this was my recent contact with some addicts in Malaysia at a voluntary rehabilitation centre.

In all three instances mentioned (Brand, Archer and myself), there’s an apparent level of congruency that is undeniable. It starts with the non-addicts, everyday people, giving something as simple as a benefit of doubt, or hope.

All we can do is adapt the way we view this condition, not as a crime or a romantic affectation but as a disease that will kill. We need to review the way society treats addicts, not as criminals but as sick people in need of care. We need to look at the way our government funds rehabilitation.

It is cheaper to rehabilitate an addict than to send them to prison, so criminalisation doesn’t even make economic sense. Not all of us know someone with the incredible talent that Amy had but we all know drunks and junkies and they all need help and the help is out there.

- http://zainhd.com/2011/07/your-addicted-view/

Fuse & Defuse: Malaysia’s Political Islam

May 17, 2011 in Politics & Governments, Religion & Faith by Zain

Would you agree, to some extent, that while (political) Islam in Malaysia has been used as an instrument to fuse issues, it’s also been used to defuse? Read: Husam’s response to Ib Ali, among other things. A pattern of the fire and the extinguisher.

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Husam gives ‘crash course’ on jihad to Perkasa chief
Harakahdaily
KUALA LUMPUR, May 16: The call for a ‘jihad against crusaders’ by right wing group Perkasa attracted a swift rebuke from PAS central committee member Husam Musa(pic), urging its leader Ibrahim Ali to not abuse the Islamic term to serve narrow political ambitions. 

Husam, who is also Kelantan Exco member, was responding to Ibrahim’s statement during the weekend that his group would launch a ‘jihad’ against Christians in the country if they continued to ‘threaten’ the position of Islam.

“I advise him not to abuse the term ‘jihad’ which is a noble and holy pursuit in Islam, and not to bring Machiavellian politics in order to perpetuate UMNO-BN power,” said Husam.

Husam reminded that the claim by UMNO-owned Utusan Malaysia and several UMNO-leaning bloggers that Christians wanted to undermine Islam as the official religion was not true.

He added that Perkasa was unfit for any call to jihad as the organisation condoned vices and corruption by the authorities, and only sought to champion issues based on narrow racism.

“Where was Perkasa when MCA president, as the main partner of UMNO in BN, came personally to Kelantan with a view to lift the ban on gambling premises in a state where 95 per cent are Muslims,” he asked.

Husam said the priority for jihad should be in fighting the corrupt practices by BN.

SITTING TALL … Ibrahim wants to lead a campaign against Malaysian ‘crusaders’

Husam also reminded Ibrahim that Islam enjoined its followers to deal with others with wisdom, as ordained in the Qur’an:
And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah’s) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). [Meaning of Qur'an, 3:159]

“If we reflect upon this verse, if Perkasa really wants to strengthen Islam, it can do it through policies and actions which are in line with Islam such as justice and good governance, not through fiery speeches,” he said.

On a lighter note, Husam quipped that Ibrahim should first return his parliamentary seat of Pasir Mas, which he won on a PAS ticket in 2008.

Describing his seat as his debt to the Islamic party, he reminded the pro-UMNO MP that a person going for jihad was required by Islam to first settle his debts.

 

Maulidur Rasul, Valentine’s and Zain?!

February 14, 2011 in Individuals, People, Religion & Faith, Self by Zain | 1 comment

The following, is just what I posted on Twitter moments ago:

Im abt 2 rant.&no, dnt excuse me.Its a point Ive 2 make,that may only b relevant 2 Muslims as that is the target audience this time. I’m not asking or suggesting you to be for or against Valentine’s Day, neither to keep dwelling about how good or not JAKIM is. While I understand, that Valentine’s is more in your face, and probably tangible, but as with the same line the discussion has been quite involved with Islam lately. Conveniently it’s a public holiday for all tomorrow. And more so, it’s Maulidur Rasul if the basic premise of being Muslim is subscribing that the Prophet (Rasul) is your Messenger, then surely it would be within your interest to note that tonight, at dusk where the beginning of day is in Islamic calendar, is a significant one. We can go on ends debating either Valentines, Maulidur Rasul or Zain’s self righteous surprise to speak on religion, or we can do that, AND be part of a maulid/maulud. There’s one tonight at Al-Falah mosque, USJ Taipan. I’ll be there most prob.

*On Tuesday night, another function at Wilayah Mosque.

 

Tali Tenang Rap-Up Song

January 12, 2011 in Change, Ideas, Politics & Governments, RA, Religion & Faith, Video by Zain

Very recently, a rapper did a song to recap current affairs of 2010. I must say I’m crossed at 50-50, between liking the song and the fact that (probably) the most significant project I’ve done, was acknowledged in the song. (Bottom most video).

I would like to leave it at that, but there’s a chance many would be wondering what I’m referring to. In January 2010, there was a court case deciding the usage of the word Allah, which led to the attacks on places of worship.

The mood in the country was simply said: dark. Even some rational people, weren’t level headed due to emotional knee-jerk reaction. So I was part of a group of people that wanted to do something, that said a lot, without saying much. And we had a 6 day timeline.

Me, Juana and Jennie came up with Tali Tenang. An event where everyone was invited to come to Bangsar LRT, bringing a piece of string as long as their arm, in a white t-shirt with a Malaysian flag. Together we formed one long piece of string and walked together to Bangsar Village, then sports centre.

Our objective was not to make a stand on either the court ruling, nor how we felt about the attacks. We were just there to send good vibes by smiling and waving to anyone who saw us. The rest, let them make what they want of it. The support and love received for this project, could jerk a tear.

Anyway, the project received mention on the 30th second of the song below. Many days ago when twitter was buzzing what some people there liked the most about 2010, Tali Tenang was also mentioned.

- http://zainhd.com/2011/01/tali-tenang-rap-up-song/

Malik Imtiaz BFM Podcast

December 19, 2010 in Change, Ideas, Individuals, Knowledge, Politics & Governments, Religion & Faith by Zain


I’m quite certain I mentioned him somewhere previously in one of my blogposts (after I interviewed him for my Constitutional Law assignment on Article 11 Group in 2006, I think), but can’t locate it. Either way, click here to listen the recent on-air conversation with the human rights lawyer, activist (his blog). I especially liked what was said in the earlier segment of it. http://bfm.my/assets/files/InConversation/2010-12-10_InConversation_MalikImtiazSarwar.mp3

- http://zainhd.com/2010/12/malik-imtiaz-bfm-podcast/

Salaf on Action Intention

December 9, 2010 in Knowledge, Literature, Quotes, Religion & Faith, TRM Dec 10 by Zain | 1 comment

I am now in south Yemen, away from KL for 10 days. Mainly, I am in Tareem, Hadhramawt, a knowledge hub, among other things. Instead of writing of my experience here thus far, I’ll share the quote above that I came across on my first evening here while I was visiting the author of this book.

- http://zainhd.com/2010/12/salaf-on-action-intention/

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