Naked truths of a confused Muslim

A fussy dresser lifts the veil on conflicts from head to toe

COMMENT

As a Muslim, I have learned a valuable lesson: thanks to Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, I now know that wearing Hindu attire and a garland is against the teachings of Islam.

I have learned that it is not appropriate for Muslims to wear the traditional costumes of other religions. Or is it: of other races? Hmm…

I have learned that it is okay to wear a suit but never a kurta or dhoti. I am a female, so that would mean I should wear a dress and not a saree or Punjabi dress. I take it that cheongsam and samfu are also a no-no? But wait, what about baju Melayu or baju kurung with a kurta or samfu collar or neckline? I am confused.

I now worry my faith is easily swayed by my wrong choice of attire. Sigh.

But wait, what about jubah? If it is wrong to propagate other cultures, why then propagate the Arabic culture? If I am not mistaken, at the time of the Prophet, the Arabs who consisted of Muslims and the non-Muslims, all wore jubah!

Oh, I get it now – it is okay to wear any attire from a Muslim nation. But then why did Asri say it is okay to wear a suit – Mat Sallehs wear suit and most of them are Christians! Perhaps he means wear anything that is modest (covering aurat). Err… but kurta, dhoti and samfu are all attire that are modest, right? I am confused.

What do you think about the Pakistani kameez aur shalwar? Although Pakistan is an Islamic nation, the kameez aur salwar is also worn by Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists in India. So how now? Scratching my head…

How about sarong? Are we allowed to wear sarong? I sure hope Islam allows one to wear sarong because it’s so comfy, you know.

That reminds me of the pilgrims to Mecca. Why do the male pilgrims in Mecca cover themselves up like Buddhist monks and Hindu priests?

Confused… confused…

There is one thing I don’t quite understand. If one should dress like a Muslim, then why did Asri not mention anything about Rosmah not covering her head? Ayoyo I pening la. Wait, perhaps I should refrain from saying ‘Ayoyo’ (Masya Allah, may God forgive me) because it resembles the Hindus.

I have learned that Muslims are not allowed to wear garlands although it is merely an Indian way of showering respect and gratitude to guests. Perhaps Asri should also make some effort to preach to our Muslim brothers and sisters in Pakistan and Bangladesh where garlands are a normal practice.

Oh, a question! Does that mean I should refrain from wearing garlands when I visit Hawaii?

How about the orchid garlands used to welcome our guests during Tourism Malaysia campaigns?

Thanks to Asri, I have come to understand that as a Muslim, I should be careful in selecting which event I should attend. Any religious event should be a big fat no: that would include Thaipusam, Christmas and the Hungry Ghost Festival. But how about Ponggal, Chinese New Year, Chap Goh Mei, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving and Halloween? Are those festivals religious based or cultural?

Hmmm… I am more confused.

How about inviting the non-Muslims to Muslims religious events such as Eid Mubarak? Should I stop having Raya open house? Or perhaps I shall only invite the non-kafirs?

I know now that it is acceptable to attend certain religious-cultural events if you are a leader of a nation because it is your duty and responsibility to be the leader of everyone of different faiths and cultures. Fine.

Does that mean it is okay for me to attend a religious festival organised by a very close friend? As a good friend, wouldn’t it be my duty to show my love and respect by accepting his invitation? Or does it only apply if you are the Prime Minister of a country? I am confused.

I am not only confused, I am actually getting a slight migraine now.

I would really appreciate it if our Muftis would issue a fatwa on how Muslims (including the PM and Ministers) should be attired when attending non-Muslim functions. It could save me from all these confusion.

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