The education ministry recently announced a task force to re-look the Islamic education curriculum in government schools.
In line with the vision of Malaysia Baru, the task force invited feedback from all Malaysians. Immediately, Muslim and Malay groups said the move was undermining the sanctity of Islam by allowing non-Muslims to participate in the survey.
The main criticism is that non-Muslims should not comment on Islam.
Islam is a Malaysian issue, not just a Muslim one. I don’t want to use simplistic arguments, such as Dr Zakir Naik being allowed to comment on other religions, or a mufti who comments on Hindu practices.
Non-Muslims could ask if the Islamic education syllabus should address the use of derogatory terms on them.
Perhaps they could raise the issue of Quranic recitations being blared for hours from mosque loudspeakers, disturbing Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Does it require a degree from Al-Azhar to tell that it is wrong to disturb others?
Prophet Muhammad once admonished imams who recited lengthy chapters of the Quran during prayers, as it was hard for the elderly and those with young children.
Once, the caliph Umar Abd Aziz recited the Quran loudly in the mosque in the wee hours of the morning with the intention of waking people up for prayers. An elderly Muslim then told him to recite silently.
Perhaps the Islamic syllabus could also address the silence of some Muslims when non-Muslim lives are destroyed in terror attacks, leading some to ask if they are only concerned about Muslim lives.
Perhaps the curriculum could correct the perception that all non-Muslims are enemies.
Perhaps non-Muslims could ask to re-look at how gender issues are addressed so that wife-beating can be considered a crime.
During the time of the Prophet, women were treated so badly that Prophet Muhammad had to carefully change this culture by recommending to the Arabs that they be tapped lightly instead.
What about changing the way some Muslims treat minority groups such as Shias and Ahmadis, or those among the LGBT?
The curriculum should also warn students against performing the haj and umrah using dirty money.
Lastly, non-Muslims may want to ask that a new Islamic curriculum teaches students to treat non-Muslims with dignity.
The Prophet once stood up to pay respects to a funeral procession of a Jew, much to the surprise of the Muslims. When asked, he replied, “Did he not have a soul, too?”
Students should also be told how early Muslims sought protection from a Christian king in Abyssinia. Thus, young Muslims should be taught dignity and respect for people of other faiths who strive to do good.
We must learn to accept constructive comments on our faiths to help us co-exist peacefully. - FMT
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
ReplyDeleteThe Prophet Muhammad's Last Sermon
This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat' (in Mecca).
After praising, and thanking Allah he said:
"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again.
Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust.
Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners.
Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.
Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds.
ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived.
Your capital, however, is yours to keep.
You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity.
Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived...
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion.
He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you.
Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission.
If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness.
Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers.
And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat.
Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.
Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.
Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly.
Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds.
So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN.
Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you.
I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly.
Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people".
http://www.islamicity.com/Mosque/lastserm.HTM