Maryam’s Musings

The recent Federal Court decision on Lina Joy came as a relief to many Malaysian muslims. It may seem harsh to those who do not understand the concept of freedom of religion in Islam, but it was the best decision. However, I still wish someone could talk to Lina Joy about it. Of course, she is no longer a Muslim but I wish she could see the beauty of Islam as other “reverts” see it.

It is really funny though. Everywhere around the world, more and more people are coming to Islam – there are even rumours of Michael Jackson turning to Islam. When I was in Australia, I used to attend sessions at the mosque (or Islamic Center in Melbourne City) where people say their syahadah. The most memorable session was when a couple (I think it was in 1995) said their syahadah in front of the imam and about another 100 witnesses. The wife just couldn’t stop crying. Before she said her syahadah, I remember her asking the imam if all her previous sins would be cancelled off and if she would be like a newborn baby upon reciting the syahadah. When the imam nodded and answered yes to her questions, she cried and cried and actually made everyone else in the room cry! Subhanallah.

But then again, there are still many Muslims fighting to leave the religion. I know of one person in Melbourne (I met her in 1993) who left Islam because when she first arrive Melbourne, no Muslims were around to help her! Nauzubillah. I don’t know what happened to her after she left university, but I hope she remained a Muslim. I guess it all boils down to your inner self. If you care about the religion, you make time to understand the philosophy and reasons behind it all, and if there is the desire to practice life-long learning, you will never stop learning about the religion! Ya Allah.. Ya Ar Rahman.. Ya Ar Rahim.. Guide us all to the right path… Ameen.

Anyway, I have been travelling for the past 2 weeks. First to Colmar Tropicale at Bukit Tinggi Pahang for a workshop. Since my parents were too lazy to go and my husband couldn’t take time off work, I brought my sister-in-law with me. It was quite a good trip. We managed to try (for the first time!) the sauna. And guess what? I love it. My mum even offered me her sauna set that she received as a gift. I just couldn’t resist it. But since I am too tight up now with my coming examinations, I decided to take it later. Then right after Bukit Tinggi, I had to attend another workshop. This time at a new place in Taiping called Kamalodge. It was SUPERB! It had such a nice surrounding. Cosy. Sweet and Simple. And the pool – my kids spent almost every minute there! And finally, a seminar in Johor. My husband was kind enough to take 3 days off to come with me - without the kids - so it was like another honeymoon for us. It was such a long ride though, almost 8 hours! Such boredom – although Johor Bahru was a nice place.

My exams are coming soon. I hope to survive these next few days. Pray for me.