Public displays of faith on public transport unwelcome; have modicum of respect for space of others

 

Letter to Editor

“RELIGION is like underwear. It’s fine to have it. It’s fine to be proud of it. But please don’t flaunt it in public – and please don’t try to shove it down my throat,” opined comedian Bill Maher.

The quote may sound gross and disparaging but it has been widely shared on the internet and it’s an opinion I am inclined to agree with.

Apart from being a deeply personal thing, religion is not something suited to outwardly public displays, especially in spaces shared with others of different denominations.

The social media post that sparked this rant was the annoyance felt by Threader @qistina.maiden at a group of Muslim youngsters with their so-called act of berselawat (invoking blessings) on a crowded MRT during the after-office rush hours.

The netizen was none too pleased at having her post-work commute peace shattered by these loud chants – and if one looks closely at the video – there are other passengers wearing fed-up, less-than-impressed expressions as well.

The non-plussed commuter went on to insist that even as she as a Muslim believes that there has to be some mutual respect for the other passengers who may be of other faiths.

Expressing her dissatisfaction at her brethren, she contended that she was a lone voice in trying to tell them to pipe down while another male passenger asked her to let them be.

Few things that I need to get off my chest.

First and foremost, having Islam as the official religion of the country does not entitle people to behave in such a manner.

There is a time and place for everything. There are literally thousands of mosques and surau dotted through this fine country of ours for you to perform your religious obligations. Public transportation isn’t one of them.

This may seem like an unpopular opinion but being in the majority doesn’t mean “doing what you like, when you like” is right or in this regard, treat this as a means of preaching.

Secondly, those who say the kids aren’t disturbing anyone probably has never had to endure peak hour public commute.

Where individual space is severely limited, those boundaries need no further testing with loud prayers being recited.

Note that this was NOT some private meditation being mumbled quietly under one’s breath but loud exhortations letting everyone know they are a deeply pious bunch. Sorry but I am just not cool with that and it is a view that was shared by even other Muslim commenters.

Let me put it to you this way, how would one like it if you were confronted with a troupe of bell-jingling, mantra chanting Hare Krishna devotees on that same train ride.

Would you join in, too, in their loving peans to peace, harmony and love? Sway and clap in unison?

This sort of religious upbringing sends out the wrong message as it shows children inculcated with values that has little regard for others. Your religion may be beautiful to you but not to everyone else.

Last but not least, the idea of racial and religious harmony only works when respectful boundaries are observed.

As such, ‘respect’ must also flow both ways. If one is unhappy with Muslim kids invoking blessings loudly on a crowded train and would want such practices stopped, then similarly one should also be opposed to Christmas Carol singers on such similar train rides.

Food for thought there. 

Zen Master
Banting, Selangor

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT,

- Focus Malaysia