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Black or White Female?
Bitched on: Thursday, December 20, 2007
Time: 12/20/2007 12:42:00 AM
One of my cousins is in Mecca right now performing the Hajj. A Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca (and Medina, both Saudi Arabian cities) that Muslims across the whole would have to perform at least once in their lifetime (if they can afford to). Time: 12/20/2007 12:42:00 AM
I did a minor Hajj, called the Umrah, last June. A Hajj has to be performed during the sacred month of the Islamic calender, Dhu al-Hijjah, and lasts close to a month. And the Umrah is much shorter and can be performed at any time of the year.
One important thing to note about Hajj (like the umrah) is that the pilgrims performing it have to wear the ihram clothing. For all the male pilgrims, this is usually two pieces of seemless white cloths wrapped around the body; one covers the shoulder(s) and the other goes around the waist.
The reason for this uniform clothing is to remove any form of individualism so that everyone is seen as equal in the Almighty's eyes.
But is it true? Is everyone truly equal? Lemme rephrase that, could we ever be equal in our own eyes?
I am blogging now to disagree.
We can never be equal in our own myopic human eyes.
We look at the poor with such disregard and disgust, and we idolise the rich and famous. Religion becomes an excuse to hate and the colour of skin becomes a measure for beauty.
We can never escape stereotypes, sexism and racism.
Even in Islam we see today, it seems that women in some societies are still being suppressed. Did you hear about the girl who was almost sentenced to jail (she was pardoned by the Saudi Arabian royalty, fortunately) after she was raped? I am sure that her story is one of many. Or have you heard about the countless of stories of raped victims being executed or punished by their kin as a form of 'honour killing'? Utter rubbish!
Where is the equality in that?
I was watching the documentary on Hajj the other day and they mentioned how pilgrims from African countries were being treated unfairly as second-class citizens (or even as second-class humans...) by those from Arabic nations. There were reports of how these Africans were denied seats on buses or made to receive food last etc. etc..
Which reminded me of the story my Mum and my female cousins shared when they felt they were marginalised along with other "Melayus" (what the Arabs called us) while they were waiting for their turn to visit the Prophet's tomb in Medina. The "Melayu" group had to wait while other Arab-looking female worshippers were given instant access to view the tomb. In the end, my Mum and the rest of the "Melayus" were still denied entry.
Where is the equality in that?
Millions of pilgrims from all over the world would be staying in camps during most of their stay there. Of course, the richer ones would be accommodating in more luxurious tents complete with their own washrooms and the poorer ones would be staying on the far outskirts of the camp with shared latrines.
We are never equal in each other's eyes, we can never be. Instead of just preaching, we should put it into practice.
Equality is a must. Everyone has a right.
Sometimes I envy the West. Though I admit it is never 100% free of discrimination... at least it is generally seen and understood as being wrong there. Whereas in the extremism that has become Islam today (well... in some backward societies), discrimination is not being condemned at all.
The West (especially the States), has definitely come a long way.
Now, they are close to having an African-American President. Or even a female President. Could have been both if Oprah Winfrey had run for presidency (lol).
Just the thought of either one possibilities becoming true is so mind-boggling. Just imagine a century ago, when the African-Americans were still shackled in the chains of slavery. Now, one of the descendants could become the leader of the 'Free World'.
Sigh, the Islam civilisation definitely has a long way to go.
Oh, Selamat Hari Raya Haji, by the way.
Eid ul-Adha Greetings.
Labels: Islam
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Pre-ordered Hari Raye...
Bitched on: Sunday, October 14, 2007
Time: 10/14/2007 01:35:00 AM
"Mummy, ketupat basi...,"Time: 10/14/2007 01:35:00 AM
(Mummy, the ketupats (rice dumplings) have gone bad)
I shouted from the kitchen.
"Berlendeh..."
(they have gone slimey)
Dreaded words to be heard on the morning of Aidilfitri. No more pre-ordered ketupats for us next year.
Almost everything seems to be pre-ordered this year. The kuihs (goodies and cookies) were all bought (my Mum used to make at least one type before this year).
The goodies are not bad but the ketupats, very disappointing.
Reminder for next year: buy lontongs (rice cakes) just in case...
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Selamat Hari Raye Everyone!!!
Bitched on: Friday, October 12, 2007
Time: 10/12/2007 09:59:00 PM
Lemme take this opportunity to wish everyone a fantastic Hari Raya Aidilfitri, maaf zahir dan batin.Time: 10/12/2007 09:59:00 PM
After a month of fasting, its time to PAR-TAYYYY!!!
Yeah rite. :)
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Ramadhan is here and so is 'Sun Wukong' apparently..
Bitched on: Thursday, September 13, 2007
Time: 9/13/2007 12:06:00 PM
Yay! Yay!! Puasa is here! Time to fast during this beautiful month of Ramadhan. After Ramadhan would be Syawal and that means Hari Raya! Double yay yay!!Time: 9/13/2007 12:06:00 PM
Time to loose weight and watch my diet. Can save money. More importantly be extra extra religious if you know what I mean...
Oh... on my home today I saw a huge crowd gathered around a tree near my house. Thought nothing of it until I got home and saw the reason for the commotion.
What you are looking at is supposedly an image of two monkeys imbedded on the lower end of a tree. Since it was discovered just this morning, a lot of people have been praying around it. 'Sun Wukong' or the 'Monkey God' brings good fortune and so you can imagine those praying around the tree are punters who have the least of noble intentions like to strike TOTO or 4-D.
Good lah, in the spirit of being extra religious, can pray there after praying tarawih prayers nearby. Muahaha...
Labels: Islam, Monkey God
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Arabian Nights
Bitched on: Friday, June 08, 2007
Time: 6/08/2007 06:00:00 PM
This blogger will be flying off to the Middle East tonight.Time: 6/08/2007 06:00:00 PM
Same time tomorrow, I will be in Dubai... So exciting!!! The Burj-Al Arab (above); I have a fetish for curvy skyscrapers. Of course its not the highlight of the trip. I would be performing the umrah (a 'minor' haj, pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca). I would get to circle the Kaaba (below) seven times (tawaf) and most probably shave my head bald (halq).
Yes, I am nervous.Am I ready? I have a lot of friends asking me that.
Well, it is a big deal. Visiting the holy city, the cradle of the Islam civilisation. Going back to my roots. To the roots of Islam.
"Are you sure you are ready?"
"I don't think you are ready..."
Well, SHUT it.
I'm not sure. And who are you to doubt me?
I'm leaving it all to God's grace. And maybe, you should too.
So instead of doubting me, congratulate me.
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