Something we can learn...hopefully

"Muslim Leaders Oppose Ban"
Muslim community leaders have spoken out against a school’s attempt to ban non-halal food from its canteen, calling the move a step backwards for the community.
Ridzuan Wu, chairman of the Centre for Contemporary Islamic Studies, which promotes conversations between different religious groups, said:”I think we’ve come to that stage in Singapore when it’s really not practical to look at things in such a narrow way.”
A furore started when Boon Lay Garden Primary School wrote to parents last Friday, saying that on halal food could be eaten or taken into its canteen, which sells only halal food.
The announcement upset non-Muslim parents, who felt it smacked of discrimination. The school said on Monday that it had made a mistake and will not go ahead with the move.
Yesterday, religious leaders said it was not wrong for Muslims and non-Muslims to dine together, as long as Muslims eat halal food.
Religious leaders and school principals The Straits Times spoke to all pointed to the need for more eduation to avoid misunderstandings.
-The Straits Times/ Asia News Network

This excerpt was taken from The Star, page W51 on Thursday (7 February 2008) and included a picture showing Muhd Saiful Alam, an imam, teaching his daughter Minnatullah that it’s not a sin to sit next to a friend who is eating pork.
This article caught my eye on how ‘progressive’ the Muslim in our neighbouring republic is moving forward as what Islam Hadhari which is propagated by our Malaysian government is shouting on. However it is flabbergasting to note that the ‘rules and regulation’ regarding to the faith of Islam that is being practice in Malaysia seem to be quite opposite (In my personal opinion). We have been brought up knowing that we can’t share the same table as a Muslim if non-Muslim are eating non-halal food, drinking water by non-Muslim are considered ‘rude’ during the month of Fasting, non-Muslim can’t share their teachings with a Muslim (do note that I’m saying sharing, not preaching); just to name a few. As one person has mention to me before, religion should be the uniting factor in our society, but the opposite is happening in reality. It makes me wonder whether the fault lies with the religion or the practice by men which includes their own interpretation of what’s right.

Having said the above, I also believe that non-Muslims have to play a part and be brave enough to voice out their mind otherwise stop complaining within their inner circle. It’s been some time since listening to the grouses of my community on how come we (non-Muslim) can’t drink freely anytime we want during Puasa, is it purely out of respect we can’t drink publicly? Which pops another question into my mind; how come this respect only goes one way and not mutual respect; meaning to say we (non-Muslim) drink due to necessity, not out of disrespect while Muslim respect others that they are not bound by Islamic teaching, therefore having the RIGHT to drink and eat. Saying this, I understand we live in a harmonious and peaceful environment (depending on interpretation as long as ‘sensitivity’ are not question) with Malay Muslim as majority. But as long as NOBODY impose their teaching and way of life on others forcefully, I believe we Malaysians can move forward to a truly Malaysian future or as politicians say it “BANGSA MALAYSIA”…