tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-276814632024-03-14T21:33:52.331+08:00cloning thoughtsclonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-2757236867584603452007-04-25T15:53:00.004+08:002009-01-24T15:01:02.589+08:00Gong Xi Fa Chai<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBglmUBRv3ZEu2pSUolE8sc1tX-quKu44USS3oHk7IY8rIx5_F5D6apdINLDOPS1ny_vWnAwP-ek08VYkblIswKbVLsp3sfqScQSktzRdP4XpWl_t8mz6ArgBUjCyq-VU_DeK/s1600-h/gxfc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBglmUBRv3ZEu2pSUolE8sc1tX-quKu44USS3oHk7IY8rIx5_F5D6apdINLDOPS1ny_vWnAwP-ek08VYkblIswKbVLsp3sfqScQSktzRdP4XpWl_t8mz6ArgBUjCyq-VU_DeK/s400/gxfc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294399118793237970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />huuwaah...it has been quite a while i check on my own blog. It needs serious updating to do.<br /><br />I think i'll do it soon after all this economic crisis over. Am not talking about the global economic crisis here....but personal economic crisis.....hu,hu,hu<br /><br />Damn....too many mistakes, wrong moves and bad choices.<br /><br />Need to be stress free before i start cloning my thoughts again.<br /><br />Btw, listen to this music by Eric Johnson. The sound and melody is very therapeutic - sort of calming effect to your mind. A good way to de-stress. Very effective. It works for me.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2Sh1P0earDU&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2Sh1P0earDU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Need to brag a bit here; back in the mid 90's - I used to jam the tune by myself with my MIDI gear backing me up - it got me into some sort of 'in trance' mode. And during that state of mind, i felt like i could do the guitar riff note by note. I thought i played better than Eric Johnson himself. ....huhu...really love that feeling.<br /><br />Anyway wish all Gong Xi Fa Chai. Thanks for visiting this blog.clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-55002754126594633112007-04-24T01:03:00.005+08:002008-07-17T11:15:34.609+08:00Never Insult the People!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUSvaNMqNg_RK9oYdC4vUlHXkAgzcxcRZUsVjrySFwDzNh6kg1q4i3Nh2t41KkZ8UOqL_lS8U0Ebm-5hErnIprLTGipH0XJh1XjcVjK8C5MomLrv9xq976Onx0vJgX6SV6Pjh/s1600-h/people.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUSvaNMqNg_RK9oYdC4vUlHXkAgzcxcRZUsVjrySFwDzNh6kg1q4i3Nh2t41KkZ8UOqL_lS8U0Ebm-5hErnIprLTGipH0XJh1XjcVjK8C5MomLrv9xq976Onx0vJgX6SV6Pjh/s400/people.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195596745821099602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Uzumaki Naruto</em></span><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Emotion is a chemical state of the brain. When emotion is running high, it is this chemical in the brain that inhibits one’s higher cognitive capabilities. This will then hamper our capability of rational thoughts – a situation whereby mental processes are being clouded by our uncontrollable emotions or prejudice.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">There’s no doubt that during an election fever, due to its intense nature, some people would get emotionally charged up as the level of adrenalin flow in their bloodstreams shoots up. Thus it would be very crucial for the participants (especially the big guns and heavyweights) from all political parties to maintain their ‘sane emotional level’ so that they are able to remain rational lest they make fatal mistake in their strategy, decisions and/or actions that would cost them their votes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">For this coming 12<sup>th</sup> GE, the wobbly grouping of oppositions, have again (as usual) set their ultimate objective to break the formidable BN 2/3 majority. No matter how far-fetched their goal may seem to be, this time they’ve pact together by endorsing the declaration made by few individuals which then claimed to be the ‘People’s Declaration’. It may seem as a desperate move, but at least they are trying.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Each of them has come up with separate slogans and/or promises i.e. welfare state, to reduce oil price, release ISA detainees etc. But in order for them to deliver that promises, they must first win 2/3 majority and form a government.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Unfortunately, the funny part is they themselves know that it is impossible for them to form a government on their own considering the number of Parliamentary seats each of them is contesting. Basically, what they are doing is that they are making empty promises. Beyond doubt, they are truly brilliant in scheming up with such cheap ploy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">However, they must not forget that underestimating the people’s intelligence is an insult to the people.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><em><strong>Politic of Hate</strong></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">In the case of DAP; in trying to wrestle Penang, they have sinisterly siren-up their war cry - ‘A vote for BN is a vote for UMNO’. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">After a short while, Lim Guan Eng came with this statement:</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">"<em>The DAP is even willing to support Gerakan in the state assembly to ensure the Penang Chief Minister's post does not fall to Umno</em>,"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/3099/37/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><u>http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/3099/37/</u></span></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">It may seem as a creatively crafted strategy (probably by their Central Policy and Strategic Planning Commission), however this sinister tactic is sending out a not so rosy but rather ‘racy’ message with ominous racial undertone.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">What if PAS were to come with a statement such as; ‘<em>PAS is willing to support UMNO in the state assembly to ensure the Penang Chief Minister’s post does not fall to Gerakan</em>’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Would it not be a chauvinistic statement that propagates hate and racial prejudice?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">An organisation who claimed to be championing equality among races and against racial politic and but yet again playing their dirty racial game of prejudice at the same time – what else if they are not true hypocrites!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The strategy to garner votes with the assumption made that the voters are racist is an outright insult to the voters themselves.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Hopefully, no matter how orthodox PAS is, they would not stoop as low as DAP exploiting racial sentiment. It would definitely make them look like hideous hypocrites if they were to adopt such repulsive political culture.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Incidentally, is it not that Uncle Kit who is the chairman of their Strategic Planning Commission?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">It is no surprise that a Malaysian surgeon in the US who is also a regular guest columnist of Malaysia-Today, Bakri Musa, has labelled him as racial provocateur.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">(Source:<span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 0);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(153, 153, 0);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lim_Kit_Siang"><u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lim_Kit_Siang</span></u></a>. <cite>Musa, M. Bakri (2007). </cite><cite>Towards A Competitive Malaysia</cite><cite><span style="font-style: normal;">.: Strategic Information and Research Development Centre, 79. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Booksources&isbn=9789833782208"><u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">ISBN 978-983-3782-20-8</span></u></a>)</span></cite></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="font-style: normal;">Perhaps this is the sickness which psychologist categorised as ‘unconscious racism’. The only different is - such deplorable act as the above was done with conscience. </span></cite></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><em><strong>Walk The Talk</strong></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">It is a good thing that the opposition try to emulate the US Democrat presidential candidate Barrack Obama, in making full use of ICT in their political campaign and fund raising.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Just like Obama, DAP as well as the other oppositions; put the issue of transparency as one of the main agenda. Obama says he believes in transparency and he releases his tax return just to prove he has nothing to hide. His honesty has so far paid off. He is now in the lead.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">However the sad part is, unlike Obama, DAP and the rest of the oppositions never prove anything.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Anybody can say anything they want especially if they are in desperate need to win votes. Even if we were to ask VK Linggam whether he believes in transparency; his probable answer might be - correct, correct, correct.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Perhaps DAP and/or PKR leader/s should take the initiative to convince the people that they truly believe in what they say and say what they mean rather than bore the people to death with their usual empty political rhetoric. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">It is a fact that the BN is a multiracial political organisation – a time tested model of fourteen parties representing certain community working together and unites under one organisation.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Conversely, besides the PKR’s multiracial model, DAP (despite whatever it claims to be) and PAS are not multiracial. However one can find that they all share a common theme in calling for unity in their publicity campaign against the BN. It is unthinkable that they expect the people to believe in the thing that they preach while they themselves can’t even do just that – unite as one.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Have they not insulted the people enough?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Perhaps the DAP has come up with the perfect slogan – Just change it! This is excellent and the timing is perfect - it’s time to change the opposition. Malaysia is in serious need of one strong opposition that can measure up the formidable BN for a better and healthy democracy. That is the way forward toward better future.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">The people have had enough of the weak, ineffective and incompetent oppositions who are good for nothing and incapable for anything good. They have nothing better to do other than ranting empty political rhetoric and making patronizing remarks that viciously insult the people. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Hopefully in this coming 12<sup>th</sup> GE, whatever the peoples’ decision maybe – it is for better future for all Malaysian with continuing Security, Peace and Prosperity. Woof out!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><br /><p>This article can be viewed at;</p><p>Malaysia_Today( <a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/3736/36/">http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/3736/36/</a>)<br /></p><br />Malaysiakini (<a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/79269">http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/79269</a> )<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />.clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-61055849523010657972007-04-23T16:35:00.001+08:002008-05-02T10:18:37.997+08:00How about Secular Islam?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrRdSVwXSLX0LaZgDJYQjEvvzflxa9d2obf0RJcGYImjPKHe582wud-XFObQcdSP_6wZoRBD-rJ_SuWAe91ec61CB1juJ5D__0zTu9jsRfFhQACVPXbjszcUQQdK-u1V3x7tq/s1600-h/secular+islam+summit-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrRdSVwXSLX0LaZgDJYQjEvvzflxa9d2obf0RJcGYImjPKHe582wud-XFObQcdSP_6wZoRBD-rJ_SuWAe91ec61CB1juJ5D__0zTu9jsRfFhQACVPXbjszcUQQdK-u1V3x7tq/s400/secular+islam+summit-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195598695736252002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><i style="">Uzumaki Naruto<br /></i></span><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some insist that Malaysia is an Islamic State while others say it is a <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Secular</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Perhaps from outside of the field some would tell off – ‘who cares’ and yet maybe some would opine – ‘I don’t know’ (no, not Pak Lah this time). </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is petty matter indeed. It is a resource-wasting issue that shouldn’t have been there in the first place. However, as petty it may seems, it gets enough attention from both sides. One may wonders how such paltry matter could have such political imperative that both sides are bogged down by it. Perhaps this may confirms the generally held knowledge about the significant mix of religion into politics.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When religion and politics are intertwined, there is a tendency that religion gets exploited as a pawn that underpins political logic to camouflage political objectives. In which, political organizations would produce discourses to legitimize their strategies and goals in order to garner support. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In addition to the above example, there’re also moves where a political party ‘Islamicizing’ mundane matters for example declaring a city as an ‘Islamic City’ or ‘Serambi Mekkah’ and also coining Islam into various terms with respect to the various political parties for the same reason. And make no mistake that the term ‘secular’ and ‘secularism’ (tabooed by religionist), exhilarate this mixed-up politicizing game of politics.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nevertheless, it would be interesting to find out, what it is about ‘secular’ or ‘secularism’ that most Muslim scholars of present day frown upon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For one thing, Muslims scholars over the time have soundly developed the constituents of the syaria and sets of religious disciplines. These originally were ideas/disciplines opinionated by Muslim jurists and scholars of the medieval period. These ideas have been repeated until today and over the time they have become so sacred and have been thought-out as divine in origin. As a result, any creative interpretation in view of change or reform would be marginalized and resisted by the authorized jurists (ulama), and this includes the idea of secularism.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another point is that conservative religionists more than often would unwittingly associate secularism with atheism (Godlessness) – that gives out grimy aura to the term. Thus these rigid interpretations of both Islam and secularism are conceived as standing in opposition towards each other with antagonistic contradictions. This is the reason why conservative religionists would decry the inclination towards secularism in today’s modern world.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, the irony of it all is, Muslims in general would agree to the fact that the Quran stresses the importance of knowledge and also promotes actions and reasoning. This idea itself is in a way similar in temperament with the idea of secularism which generally argues for reasons, rational, knowledge and action. In essence, both ideas are compatible.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thus in view of that, intellectual synthesis between reason and faith is absolutely necessary. In other words, faith has to be in present values and should not mean blind imitation of past traditions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is mainly due to the fact that the way Islam was interpreted and understood by past Muslim scholars conformed to their own socio-cultural situation at that time. But human socio-culture is never static. Its state of affairs constantly evolves and changes through time. The human socio-culture of today demand more liberal disposition, tolerance and promotion of pluralism. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If the intellectual trend in interpretation of the religion were confined to conservative traditions of scholars of the past, it may create rigid hurdles for the ever changing, demanding and complex human socio-culture. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With religion mix into political equation; when there are other faith communities or other interpretations of the same faith that the state can become an instrument of religious oppression in the hands of the majority. Some religious issues might eventually affect the collective identity of the people and trigger religious sentiments that consequently turn into controversial political issues. Sooner than later, as religion becomes more assertive and religious zealots become more proficient at playing the system, constitutional guarantees may become futile. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Taking all that into consideration, adapting to a more liberal interpretation of secularism would be necessary. It shouldn’t be interpreted too rigidly as to equate it with atheism as many conservative religionists do. As well, the conservative interpretation of the religion from scholars of the past should not be binding on subsequent generations, as it may not conform to the changed socio-cultural situations.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the plus side, secularism in a political sense would create social and political space for all religious communities. Most importantly, it would function as an effective device to protect religions from the corruption of politics and politics from becoming an instrument of oppression by zealots.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As a matter of fact, some scholars may argue that the idea of secularism have its roots from a historical context of Islam itself. Whereby, Islam in its early stage sparked the idea of religious tolerance, understanding and appreciation of diversity in human socio-culture 1400 years ago. This idea has ignited positive social order, ethical culture, intellectual discipline and spiritual concepts in their community. It brought forth torch of wisdom and rays of light and has transformed a once backward community to one of a world super power at that time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Furthermore, the growing intellectual trends of understanding the Quran in a holistic manner would firmly suggest that Islam upholds pluralism, freedom of conscience and embrace diversity in its truest form. It does not clash with the idea of secularism and would assemble well in this complex human socio-culture of the modern world.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now back to the trivial issue at hand; while at it let’s play along with this naming game on whether or not it is an Islamic State or a Secular State. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Perhaps the best solution to make everybody from both sides happy and to put to a halt on wasting time and resources, delving on such trifling matter in the future, is to go for the middle path. How about ‘Secular Islam’?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let the nation be for all and religion for God. Woof out!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">( This article can also be viewed at: <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/guests.php?itemid=7747">Malaysia-Today.net</a>)<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">End.</p><a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/guests.php?itemid=7747"></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-49073046454094710332007-04-22T21:29:00.000+08:002007-08-21T19:07:20.093+08:00Incoherence of the PoliticiansUzumaki Naruto<br /><br />Stop corruption! Good governance! Freedom of speech! Accountability!, Equality! Social Justice! Transparency!…….bla, bla, bla.<br /><br />Who lets the dogs out? Woof,..woof,..woof,..woof…woof….<br /><br />There’s not much one can expect from dogs like chiwawas or chihuahas and the likes. Indeed they can be annoyingly loud but, pathetically ineffective or useless maybe. While they bark, the crooks steal the money and the boss of the house sleeps.<br /><br />For once they should quit barking and woofing their rhetorical craps and start using their brains. Have a look at the data below; <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEX779goGEv6mkbQpi5s2QXNdKDjhMlxhBdh5znOcWwgh7aj8os2NR6RS5uarNCNrHYwjBHHdsO1u4LhTILnmbZ1np2Fa3wGUdtrDwZlSuV8ngCdN0cdCCstfytrkuTyGGi6e/s1600-h/HDI+fig1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEX779goGEv6mkbQpi5s2QXNdKDjhMlxhBdh5znOcWwgh7aj8os2NR6RS5uarNCNrHYwjBHHdsO1u4LhTILnmbZ1np2Fa3wGUdtrDwZlSuV8ngCdN0cdCCstfytrkuTyGGi6e/s400/HDI+fig1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100777313065545074" /></a><br /><br />From the data, it can be concluded that overall Malaysia is still doing okay. Although the HDI value registers improvement, Malaysia’s HDI rank slides down 2 notches. This means that Malaysia is improving but at a slow pace. The same goes with Corruption Perception Index. Although it shows that Malaysia’s rank slides down to 44th place but still index wise Malaysia has improved slightly. <br /><br />Statistically, Malaysia sees an increase in crime rate. However not to forget that the influx of immigrants and crimes related among immigrants also contribute to the number. In other words the direct affect of the rising crime rate to Malaysians is relatively low.<br /><br />To sum it up, the data construe to the point that Malaysia is in fact improving. <br /> <br />All this translate to the fact that Malaysia as a whole in a general sense is doing okay under the present administration. This would mean that the collective perception of Malaysians would feel that the current administration has done a fairly good job. <br /><br />So the best part is this; in this coming General Election, soon after the result is announced – we will hear the usual mindless barking and woofing of the dogs blaming the ghosts and SPR for their miserable fate. <br /><br />The ‘misery’ ghosts of Ijok will come back to haunt them (Oppositions).<br /><br /> <br />Aspirations of the People.<br /><br />It has been and will always be every Malaysians’ aspiration to have a good, fair, well managed and strong government taking care of the Nation’s well being for the betterment of its present and future generations. <br /><br />As shown in above data, it is evident that the BN as a government is making an improvement in building Malaysia a better place for all. In a way they are improving themselves. But as in politics; power and money can’t be separated. There will always be greedy crooks doing hanky panky for selfish reasons. <br /><br />If BN doesn’t seem to be doing enough improvement and rectification in certain areas; a strong and effective Opposition could do the trick. Strong opposition would make a good watchdog to constantly do the checking and balancing in pushing the BN on the right track.<br /><br />But sadly Malaysia is seriously lacking that. The reality is this - the Oppositions are ineffective and inherently incompetent. They can never actually work together because they never trust each other. They share nothing in common accept for hypocrisy. <br /><br />Take a brief look into the opposition camp. <br /><br /> <br />PAS – An Islamic political party runs by conservative/orthodox religionists. <br /><br />Pas ultimate objective is to establish a theocratic state. In actuality they are with the ambition to relive and establish Middle Ages Islamic ideals into present day 21st century Malaysia. Impressive thinking is it not? <br /><br />PAS and its supporters have this crazy idea of believing that once the Nation is governed and guided by religious leaders and theocracy is the law of the land – corruption would steadily decline and the Nation and its people would progress dynamically. <br /><br />It would be pointless to reason with religionists with this mindset on how unreasonable such idea is. This is because it is simply impossible to reason with the unreasonable. Perhaps it would be better off putting the figures down for them to see. <br /><br />Below is the HDI and CPI data for oil rich Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in comparison to Malaysia.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6fNCTngLhyme2JCpOI6q0ZVr_D0Ge1eiEqibpaHLUYxky7Awm01mjY8cD0-GkAYg8OJXQTWr1AQc0c-W8csic1vtumuqvI2Kzs2p3vAXA804UubtoN0tS8pd1rsAvIuHw3Ml/s1600-h/fig+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6fNCTngLhyme2JCpOI6q0ZVr_D0Ge1eiEqibpaHLUYxky7Awm01mjY8cD0-GkAYg8OJXQTWr1AQc0c-W8csic1vtumuqvI2Kzs2p3vAXA804UubtoN0tS8pd1rsAvIuHw3Ml/s400/fig+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100776870683913570" /></a><br /><br />Factually, it is obvious that the HDI for both countries are very low (despite their wealth) in comparison to Malaysia. The Corruption Perception Index shows that they have serious corruption problems. <br /><br />This would make one wonders why would certain groups strive to transform present day 21st century Malaysia into becoming the middle ages’ theocratic state? Why would certain groups want to bring the rest of progressive Malaysians to regress along with them? This just doesn’t make sense. <br /><br />The fact is they are totally incoherent. <br /><br /><br />DAP – Perceived by many as a race based political party but proudly carries the tag line ‘Malaysian Malaysia’.<br /><br />This is perfect example of Malaysia ‘boleh’. Anything goes – ‘cincai kira lah’. <br /><br />Besides ‘Malaysian Malaysia’ there is also this call for ‘Bangsa Malaysia’. No doubt that all these are absolutely good ideas. In order to achieve this goal, logically it would be wise to set up a single Educational school system for all. <br /><br />Conversely, DAP is so adamant in preserving vernacular school system which itself is racially segregating. Perhaps they are more interested to ‘out-Chinese’ the MCA rather than focus on their objective of Malaysian Malaysia. <br /><br />This is the reason why they can ‘easily’ get the ‘overwhelming’ support from the non-Chinese and becoming a ‘truly’ color blind multi-racial political organization. Amazingly brilliant strategy on their part is it not? <br /><br />Some say with respect to certain DAP leader; DAP literally means ‘DAP Aku Punya’. However some say DAP means ‘Daddy Aku Punya’. Whatever it is, people are free to speculate.<br /><br />Perhaps it is high time for DAP to do away with its ‘Dinosaur Aged Politics’ and maybe together with the dinosaur too, why not? <br /><br /><br />PKR – A party that are made up of opportunists who have missed their opportunity.<br /><br />There is no need to say much about this political organization. It is dying a natural death. The reason for this is, the very foundation of its existence is based on emotional objectives – for Anwar Ibrahim.<br /><br />Many say that if Anwar were truthful, he should have resigned when Mahathir asked him to in 1998. That would have saved Malaysia the chaos from the entire unnecessary political stunt by both sides. Maybe Anwar might have had his own selfish reasons in doing what he did.<br /><br />PKR (Keadilan) used to have quite a number of sincere young loyalists who would spend their own money fighting for the cause they believed in. Obviously many have left the party soon after they learned the hard truth about the kind of people running the organization. <br /><br />As the well is drying out, the ‘suckers’ would scramble around looking for any well for the opportunity to suck. These suckers are pure selfish hypocrites.<br /><br /><br />Conclusions.<br /><br />Weak, ineffective and incompetent oppositions would have adverse impact to the Nation in the long run. The Oppositions have always intellectualized their disadvantage mainly because they are not getting enough support from the people (beside the ghosts stories). Some of the hardcore pro-opposition intellectuals even blame the people for they see as the lack critical thinking in casting their votes wisely. (This is an outright insult to Malaysians in general).<br /><br />All this blame game and vicious insult to the people show their desperate attempt in diverting the truth. They refused to accept the fact that the majority doesn’t support/vote them because they are incoherent – and that is why they are weak, ineffective and inherently incompetent. <br /><br />A single party Opposition would definitely be stronger than the incoherent political orgy of the wobbly tri-party opposition. A ‘pitbull’ is definitely better, stronger and effective than three pathetic species of chiwawas or chihuahas and the likes. However, the idea of the Oppositions resolving their differences and evolve into a single party is akin to George Bush embracing Islam and join Osama ben Laden in Afghanistan.<br /><br />Perhaps the best alternative solution would be for the BN to shape up by shedding off those ugly parasitic fats and put on lean clean muscles and shoot for zero opposition. Woof out! <br /><br /> <br />End.<br /><br />A slightly different version of the article above can be viewed at <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/guests.php?itemid=7434">Malaysia-Today.</a><br /><br /><br />.clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-89055741987708607692007-04-21T12:38:00.000+08:002007-10-03T01:12:56.710+08:00What sort of a muslim are you?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtIBgyLfhyma_OkfG0N-DBM2PkWrUQzvOyPafv_N_88tB621iE1jxFqXe3pkLPTP5RYFvK4lQMV6Jwss1VkSbAjAB3IJsHjUOoRE-raoeN2EUun-sl86DxPugcxdKuSjr8QYm/s1600-h/mus+21.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089333199747577154" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtIBgyLfhyma_OkfG0N-DBM2PkWrUQzvOyPafv_N_88tB621iE1jxFqXe3pkLPTP5RYFvK4lQMV6Jwss1VkSbAjAB3IJsHjUOoRE-raoeN2EUun-sl86DxPugcxdKuSjr8QYm/s400/mus+21.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Uzumaki Naruto<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is a common knowledge that Islam and Muslims in general is divided into various ‘mazhabs’ or sects that are due to theological differences. There is nothing weird or abnormal about this; it is just a natural human phenomenon and it happens in most religion and not only Islam. The reason for this is human goes through different life experiences, exposures and cultural environments from one another. Therefore differences in ideas such as religious ideas are bound to happen.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">There are good and bad sides to these differences but it all depends on how these differences are being handled by the religious authorities.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">As in the case of Islam, had these differences been looked upon in a positive manner (ie acceptance); it could have been beneficial to the Muslim world. It would help facilitate Muslims in general with a basic cultural/societal value towards welcoming diversity and respecting the many spiritual paths to ‘God’.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">This would instill the idea that spirituality or ‘truth’ cannot and should not be monopolized or owned by religious authority/institution of a certain sect. This would lay down basic philosophical foundations in the belief system that would make it more dynamic and conducive towards pluralism. Hence, would open the door to honoring the many ‘non-Islamic’ paths.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">However, the sad reality is, this never happened. Rather than promote acceptance and welcoming differences; the religious authority selfishly do the opposite. They advocate sectarianism. They creatively come up with religious edict game of branding others who hold different views of the religion as ‘deviants’, ‘heretics’, ‘infidels’ and so on. As sad as it is, this segregation has reared its ugly head and becoming the reason for sectarian conflict in some parts of the Muslim world.</span></p><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">It is important to note that the complex role of Islam plays in one's life and faith is often difficult to put in words, let alone to be put in general categories of mazhab/sect. Though some may and some may not agree with this labeling and stereotyping, why not have fun while we are at it.</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Take the test below and find out – what sort of Muslim are you.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Answer all 20 questions. On each question choose only one answer that best fits your understanding. Point scored for each question will depends on the answer you choose. Point value for each answer is in bracket at the end of it. For example: if you choose answer B for Question 1, your score will be 4 pts.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Answer all questions and add up your score points.</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Start Test.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q1. Do you perform ‘solah’ prayer?<span style="font-size:0;"> </span>What’s your view on ‘solah’ prayer?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. I don’t. God never command such thing in the Quran. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. I pray 5 times a day and keep regular prayer times without miss. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. I don’t pray the conventional way, I do it my way. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. I try to keep regular prayer times but I miss some occasionally. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">E. I don’t pray. To me ‘solah’ is just a form of meditation. (1)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q2. How do you observe the fasting month of Ramadhan?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. I don’t fast but I would attend Ramadan functions (buka) when invited. (1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. I don’t fast; I don’t see why we need to. God never command such thing. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. I fast but I do not attend mosque functions regularly. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. I fast, recite the Quran, keep the daily prayers and do extra prayer at night. (4)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q3. What is your perception of ‘Ulama’ in general?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. I don’t always agree with their views. Some are good some and narrow. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I only look up and hold high regards to certain ulama(s). (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. They are not ‘Ulama’, they are actually ‘habr’ - ‘ular dalam semak’. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. They are partly responsible and the cause for most problems facing the Muslim ummah. (1)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q4. What is Quran to you?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. It is revelation from God. One will be rewarded if one read the Quran in Arabic. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. It is from God but unfortunately many of the meanings of the words have been corrupted. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. It should be treated as it is - historical document. (1) </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. It is from God but I prefer reading it in the language that I understand. (3)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q5. What is ‘Islam’ to you?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. It is the only true religion prescribed by God and only those who profess in it will be saved in the hereafter. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. It is the same with all other religions – they are mortal construct. (1) </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. I was born and raised as a Muslim, and I am comfortable with it. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. I have different understanding about what ‘Islam’ is. It is not a religion but a way of life and that’s how I try to lead my life. (2)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q6. If you were to marry or thinking of re-marrying would you marry a ‘non-Muslim’? (Assuming you reside in a total secular country). <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. I would marry a non-Muslim if he/she is willing to convert. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. I have no problem at all. (1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. It doesn’t matter to me, as long as the person believes in God. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. No, I would only marry a Muslim. (4)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q7. How do you feel about eating ‘non-halal’ food?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. I only eat halal food and I will check out ingredient list on the labels. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. I only eat halal food but I am not that particular about the ingredient list. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. I eat anything that tastes good except for meat of pig and alcoholic beverages. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. As far as I’m concern, all food is halal. (1)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q8. What would your reaction be if your close Muslim friend told you he is gay?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. Continue to be friends with him even though you find it a bit uncomfortable with his choice of lifestyle. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. Continue to be friends with him. You feel that it’s not for you to judge. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. Continue to be friends with him as long as he doesn’t try anything funny with you. (1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. Ostracize him because he is living a life of sin. (5)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q9. What do you think of Muslims who own pub selling alcohol for a living?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. What matters is the owner’s intention. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. It is pure business. There is absolutely nothing wrong doing that. (1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. Muslims should advise them not to sell alcohol. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. They are committing a sin and should not be supported by other Muslims. (4)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q10. Would you still marry someone you love if you know he/she had engaged in premarital sex before (but not with you)?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. No way Jose, sex should only take place in marriage. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. Premarital sex is not an issue to me. (1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. I would think twice but it depends on how he/she is now. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><span style="font-size:100%;">(3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. My issue here is how it would affect my ego, nothing to do with my belief. (2)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q11. What would you do if you were invited to a gathering where alcohol was being served?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. Attend but not drink. I would explain why I'm not drinking, if asked. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. Not attend. It is ‘haram’ to be in such a setting. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. Attend and have a drink with no guilty conscience. (1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. Attend and may drink a little because you are not used to drinking alcohol. (2)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q12. Would you insist your wife and daughter wear head cover?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. No, but I would not stop them if they wanted to. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><span style="font-size:100%;">I would recommend them to wear head cover, but I leave the decision to them. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. Yes, it is obligatory and it’s a must because it is God’s command. It’s a sin for them to expose their hair in public. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. No. It is an outdated Arab tradition that has been Islamicised . (1)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q13. What is your view on Muslim leaving Islam - apostasy?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. Death to apostates. That is God’s law. No question about it. (6)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. There’s no compulsion in religion. Islam truly supports freedom of conscience. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. I would agree to some sort of short counseling session – few hours max. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. I would agree with Aqidah Rehabilitation Camp. (4)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q14. Would you enroll your son/daughter to a religious school’?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. Yes, I would make sure my kids receive good religious education. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. Yes, I would send them to a religious school if it were convenient for us. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. No, never. My children’s mind would be constrained if they were to be exposed to religious doctrines at early age.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">(1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. No, I wouldn't. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><span style="font-size:100%;">I would only send them to learn to recite the Quran in Arabic. (2)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q15. To whom do you turn for guidance on your spiritual related issues?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. I look to a particular ustaz,ulama or maulana. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. I don’t really look to anyone, but I sometimes ask a particular spiritual leader. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. I rely mainly on the Qur'an. If I have questions, I usually share views with friends. There are times I would reflect seek guidance directly to God. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. I read from all sort of books and trust the strength within myself. (1)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q16. How do you perceive those who have different understanding about Islam particularly the ‘quranist’ group?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. They have gone astray and are way off from the truth. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. I would make an effort to know their views. They make a lot of sense. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. I can relate with the idea so long they don’t act ‘holier than thou’. (1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. I treat them the same as those of different sect. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">E. They are on the right path because they only follow the Quran – words of God. (4)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q17. Do you feel comfortable shaking hands/kissing friends of the opposite sex in greeting or when saying good-bye?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. Yes, I am comfortable shaking hands but not kissing. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. Yes, it is not an issue for me but it depends on the person I greet. (1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. No, I don’t feel comfortable shaking hands with the opposite sex let alone kissing them. It is immodest and Haram. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. I feel comfortable shaking hands but only during business meetings or official social gathering etc. (3)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q18. Do you think you have found the truth?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. I am comfortable with Islam. The basic teachings help me spiritually. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. Yes and it is the Quran. I am striving to get to the correct understanding. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. Yes Islam is the only true religion – Quran and sunna lead us to the right path. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. All religious truth is relative truth. (1)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q19. How do you perceive ‘suicidal and fanatical believer’ for instance Dr. Azahari?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. He was a true believer. I agree with his struggle and I pray for them. (5)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B. He got himself involved with the wrong people. (1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. I don’t agree with his action but I’m sympathetic towards him. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. He was a good example of how religion corrupts the mind. (2)</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Q20. Which group of people in the list below whom their work or their life history inspires you the most?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A. Al Ghazali, Dr Hamka, Prof Fazilah Kamsah, Harun Yahya. (3)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">B.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Ibn al Qayyim, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Ibn Tamiyyah</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Md.</st1:state></st1:place> Illyas Khandlawi, Ashaari Muhammad. (4)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">C. Abdul Wadud, Kassim Ahmad,Rashad Khalifa, Aidid Safar. (2)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">D. Avecienna, Stephen R Covey, Al Nabulsi, Taufik Hamid. (1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">End Test.</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Add up your points and look below to find out which category you belong to.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.surveyconsole.com/console/TakeSurvey?id=369738"><br /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>25 or lower: You are a Secular Muslim.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">You are a secular Muslim. Islam provides you with more of a social setting rather than religious belief.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">You may identify yourself to others as Muslim even though you may hold secular ethical values. For you life is best lived by applying values understood by the process of reasoning. You may be a believer in ‘God’ or an agnostic. However it is less likely you are a hardcore atheist. Reason being it requires much more faith to not believe in ‘God’ than to believe in one. (Whatever you may call/define it to be).</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>26 – 45: You are a spiritual seeker. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">You are looking for answers and wandering through the world of Islam. You probably have your own interpretation of ‘Islam’. The spiritual realm of Islam particularly appeals to you. You may find that many of the social regulations or rules of Islam that are being practiced today (in general) may seem daunting and unnecessary. You have probably gone through years of questioning and researching to come to the understanding of Islam you hold now.</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>46 – 65: You are a progressive/moderate Muslim.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Even though you may hate and would never vote for the ruling party, Pak Lah must be proud of you. This is the ‘Islam Hadhari’ he has been promoting ever since. Islam is your direct path to God and guides you on matters concerning your spiritual path. You may find that many basic principles in Islam benefit you spiritually and you believe that ijtihad should be reopened. For you, Islam is a state of being that leads you to your ultimate connection to God through your submission to Him.</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>66 – 80: You are a conservative Muslim.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">You are a devout believer and steadfast in your belief in the religion. You hold dearly the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and the writings of past scholars for references in your understanding of the Quran as guidance to determine how to live your life. You are constantly aware of your religious conviction. You most likely have a ‘spiritual guru’ and you often hold religious gathering and love to hang around people with the same conservative ideas as yours.</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">However, if your score is <b>81 or higher: </b>You may fit the description of a conservative Muslim very well but leaning treacherously towards extreme side. It would be a wise move that you start mixing around with people from all walks of life. Try to see and understand people as the human being they are rather than their religious persuasion.</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />End.<br /><br />A different version of this article can be viewed at <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/guests.php?itemid=8721">Malaysia-Today.net</a><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-82315618201071993812007-04-20T02:52:00.001+08:002009-01-04T00:43:34.374+08:00Unmasking Fallacy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4k0s_jyZ3JY5UQLhM2XNKwjC__hvUt9ESuVYSOfZYk8yQ2Lh79fEaVmFGVPH_1k2Xo4YR_Xm3dOQDrimb3NTl77STqiHvOJ2XdnJX-O-k99l3_6nZBO_uX6ZQtKxHWAHMKRt8/s1600-h/cons3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4k0s_jyZ3JY5UQLhM2XNKwjC__hvUt9ESuVYSOfZYk8yQ2Lh79fEaVmFGVPH_1k2Xo4YR_Xm3dOQDrimb3NTl77STqiHvOJ2XdnJX-O-k99l3_6nZBO_uX6ZQtKxHWAHMKRt8/s320/cons3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076390344353444882" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This essay below is an analysis on debate sessions between Farouk A Peru (a quran</span><span style="font-style: italic;">ist) a</span><span style="font-style: italic;">nd</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Anti-Jihadist (islamophobic) in Malaysia-Today. See related links at the bottom of this page </span><span style="font-style: italic;">for the debate.</span><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;">Unmasking Logical Fallacy</span></o:p></b><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">By Uzumaki Naruto</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />It is imperative for a culturally and religiously heterogenic plural society as in Malaysian society to have an open platform that provides free flow of diverse ideas engaging in all kind of subject matters that affect its society. This would familiarize the society with diversity of ideas and thoughts and most importantly would put ideas in which may be deemed ‘taboo’ or ‘sensitive’ by a large part of the society to be discussed out in the open. With that, it would prepare the society with the competency in handling diverse ideas effectively. This is a crucial ingredient for a social foundation of a well informed society that respects diversity in the truest sense. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is important to note that no matter how notoriously wild this virtual <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">land</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Malaysia-Today</st1:placename></st1:place> is considered by some; Malaysian in general is fortunate to have such facility carrying out this vital task.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\house\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.jpg" title="cons3"> <w:wrap type="square" side="right"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Recent debate in Malaysia-Today between Farouk A Peru of <a href="http://jidal.wordpress.com/">Jidal Society</a> and Anti-Jihadist of <a href="http://pedestrianinfidel.blogspot.com/">Pedestrian Infidel Team</a> must have been an attention grabbing debate to some M-T readers. This is due to the fact that it deals with such sensitive subject matter as faith and belief system. In addition to that, it was put at the center stage of M-T’s letters section. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Without doubt, the debate has shown a remarkable display of passionate exchange of wits, wisdoms and ideas between both sides. Alternatively, some might see this whole debate as a showdown of the minds. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This article would try to probe the technical aspect of the debate and would try to highlight technical fallacy of arguments from a logical point of view. By doing so, it would maintain its position on a neutral ground with the objective to yield better understanding and neutral analysis on the said debate. With that in mind, hopefully it would come across as neutral and without any prejudice or bias towards a certain side.</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Delivering arguments and Strategy.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Farouk A Peru exhibits a pretty straight forward style in presenting his ideas. It is safe to say that he follows intellectual trend in scriptural hermeneutics of understanding Islam through the Quran in a holistic (meaningful and realistic) manner. He argues well (from ‘quranist’ viewpoint) that the teachings of the Quran upholds freedom of conscience and does not clash with the concept of embracing diversity in today’s complex socio-culture. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anti-Jihadist on the other hand exhibits an impressive display of attack strategy. His technique of delivering blunt crude lines of convincing arguments demonstrates his striking well polished assault skill. He is well prepared and loaded with readily available ammo of facts and information. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Although the debate initially started off from Anti-Jihadist response to Farouk’s essay on Lina Joy, it is funny to note that they are both standing on the same position as far as the issue is concerned. However it is interesting to point out that the spark that light-up this debate into a fiery spin comes from comment made by Anti-Jihadist in his attempt to dismiss the credibility of Farouk’s ideas. This is done through releasing his (Anti-Jihadist) massive firepower of blatant attack arguments.</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style="">Ad Hominem attack and Logical fallacy</b>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">Anti-Jihadist makes an excellent valid point in his remark (3/06 The Anti-Jihadist responds to Mr. Farouk) to Farouk whereby he mentions;</p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><i style="">“Usually, the accusations of being a ‘Nazi’ or ‘fascist’ follow almost immediately before or after we’re called ‘racists.’ It’s all part of the script when Muslims respond to any attacks on their beliefs. And here, Mr. Farouk does not disappoint. Ad hominem attacks do not an argument make. But what else can we expect from the self-appointed defenders of Islam?”</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /><i style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is true that Ad Hominem attack is a fallacy in which its argument focuses on the person (opposing side) in defending or countering an idea. The possible motive for this attack mode is character assassination. This is done mainly with the objectives of convincing the audience to stop listening to the opposing arguments.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, it may come as quite a huge surprise that while Anti-Jihadist acknowledges the fact that Ad Hominem attack is a fallacy; Anti-Jihadist himself employs Ad Hominem attack through out the debate. In actuality, there are many forms of Ad Hominem attack and Anti-Jihadist arguments specifically fall under the subtype - Circumstantial Ad Hominem. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Technically speaking, it is obvious that Anti-Jihadist himself dismisses his own attack argument since his attack is also Ad Hominem attack. Anti-Jihadist actually goes against his own statement. This is a clear proof that Anti-Jihadist action is self-contradictory. The fact of the matter is, his own statement, can be a decisive justification that his attacks throughout the debate are fallacious arguments.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This grand scale of naivety of self-contradicting act on Anti-Jihadist part is absurdly baffling that calls for serious question; is he aware of his self inflicting majestic blunder? Only he has the answer for that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To get better understanding on Anti-Jihadist’s logical fallacy, let’s briefly go into details on this type of fallacy - Circumstantial Ad Hominem.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A Circumstantial Ad Hominem is a fallacy because it involves substituting an attack on a person's circumstances (such as the religion, political affiliation, ethnic background, etc.) rather than on the assertions made. Essentially, it constitutes an attack on the bias of a person in trying to dismiss an argument by attacking an entire class of people. Another reason that this is fallacious is that person’s circumstances have no bearing on the truth or falsity of the assertion being made.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In this case the fallacy has the following form:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>1. Person A makes assertion X.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>2. Person B makes an attack on A's circumstances.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>3. Therefore X has no credibility or false.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Obviously, Anti-Jihadist’s circumstantial Ad Hominem attack is a fallacy. His attack arguments have no bearing on the truth or falsity of the claim being made by the opposing side (Farouk).<span style=""> </span>Nevertheless, the idea that Anti-Jihadist applies the same attack that he himself admits its fallacy is hilariously absurd. To put it in simple words, in his debate with Farouk, he ignorantly shoots himself in the head with a double barrel shotgun.</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Demo on circumstantial Ad Hominem.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In order to give a clear picture on this type of logical fallacy, this article would try to demonstrate Anti-Jihadist technique but from a different perspective. Please note that this is just a demo. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1. Have some famous hate quotes.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Randall Terry, founder of Operation Rescue. August 8, 1995</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“When I, or people like me, are running the country, you'd better flee, because we will find you, we will try you, and we'll execute you. I mean every word of it. I will make it part of my mission to see to it that they are tried and executed.”</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">James Watt, Secretary of the Interior under Rondald Reagan. May 24, 1981.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“My responsibility is to follow the Scriptures which call upon us to occupy the land until Jesus returns.”</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Randall Terry: The News Sentinel, (<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Fort Wayne</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Indiana</st1:state></st1:place>), August 16, 1993.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“I want you to just let a wave of intolerance wash over you. I want you to let a wave of hatred wash over you. Yes, hate is good... Our goal is a Christian nation. We have a biblical duty, we are called on by God to conquer this country. We don't want equal time. We don't want pluralism.”</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><i style=""> <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Gary North: The Myth of Pluralism (1989)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“The long-term goal of Christians in politics should be to gain exclusive control over the franchise. Those who refuse to submit publicly to the eternal sanctions of God by submitting to His Church's public marks of the covenant - baptism and holy communion - must be denied citizenship, just as they were in ancient <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>.”</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><i style=""> <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anti-Jihadist: Malaysia-Today, 31/05/2007 02:18:30</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“The arch oppressor of all humans everywhere is alive and well. It isn't some mythical being called Firaun. It's Islam.”</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><i style=""> <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2. Put on some violent incidents into the picture;</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">a) <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Russia</st1:country-region></st1:place>: Christian Extremists Attack Hindu Festival - About 200 people with icons and slogans have attacked the opening of Vedic culture festival in the South Russian resort of Anapa. The attackers carried slogans saying ‘<span style="">V</span>edic Culture Is Hitlers Culture’ and ‘We Will Clean Anapa of Devil Kin’. Some of them turned over a book stall, trampled down a portrait of a Krishnaite saint, tore down festival posters.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">b) On December 4th, 2000, Christians converts under the direction of Missionaries, desecrated an ashram (Hindu religious retreat) set up by murdered Hindu leader Shanti Kumar Tripura. . They desecrated Hindu idols and destroyed photos of the slain religious leader revered by both Hindu tribals and Bengalis. The Christian converts also raped two female devotees and brutally attacked two men who had come to the ashram for puja (religious rituals).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">c)<span style=""> </span>The Baptist Church of Tripura was initially set up by Missionaries from <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">New Zealand</st1:country-region></st1:place> in the 1940’s. Despite their efforts, even until 1980, only a few thousand people in Tripura had converted to Christianity. Realizing this, the Church used one of its most efficient and time-tested weapons of evangelization - creating racial and ethnic divide among the people. In the aftermath of one of the worst ethnic riots, engineered by the Church, the NLFT was born in 1989 -- but not without the midwife role of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Baptist</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place>. From its very inception, the NLFT has been advancing the cause of Christianity through armed compulsion. Every trace of indigenous culture and religion is being eliminated through violent means. Every resisting group is made to bleed its way to extinction.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3.<span style=""> </span>Cut and Paste selected verses from holy book;</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Deut 22: 23-24; “If there is a betrothed virgin, and a man meets her in the city and lies with her, then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones………….”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Deut 13: 6-9; “……………….you shall not yield to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him, nor shall you conceal him; but you shall kill him; your hand shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4. Finally, making up a conclusion with disparaging sweeping remarks to the believers of the belief-system, its holy book and the belief system.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What we have here in the conclusion is obviously a logical fallacy. In which adverse pre-select information in relation to the belief system as a whole is presented in an attempt of projecting unfavorable view. This pre-emptive smear tactic of ‘poisoning the well’ is also a subtype of Ad Hominem logical fallacy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Only a narrow minded bigot would come to such absurd conclusion. However, it is important to note that, in a whole, this is a basic structure of an effective hate message.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Conclusions.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1. Religious extremists come in many colors. They are all similar but not the same. Inciting hate is a trademark of religious extremists.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2. Anti-Jihadist has the same stand with Farouk on Lina Joy’s issue. Rather than be supportive as simple as not putting down any comment, Anti-Jihadist goes all out inciting hate. There is no other reason for this except for pure hatred.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">End of article.</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Resource:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">* S. Morris Engel, With Good Reason: An Introduction to Informal Fallacies (Fifth Edition) (St. Martin's, 1994)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">* Alan Brinton, "The Ad Hominem" in Fallacies: Classical and Contemporary <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Readings</st1:city></st1:place>, edited by Hans V. Hanson and Robert C. Pinto (Penn State Press, 1995)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>* Frans H. Van Eemeren & Rob Grootendoorst, "Argumentum Ad Hominem: A Pragma-Dialectical Case in Point" in Fallacies: Classical and Contemporary <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Readings</st1:city></st1:place>, edited by Hans V. Hanson & Robert C. Pinto (Penn State Press, 1995)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>* Douglas N. Walton, Arguer's Position: A Pragmatic Study of Ad Hominem Attack, Criticism, Refutation, and Fallacy </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">* Hurley, Patrick (2000). A Concise Introduction to Logic, Seventh Edition. <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Wadsworth</st1:city></st1:place>, a division of Thompson Learning, 125-128, 182. ISBN 0534520065.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Related links:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1. Farouk A Peru 30/05: <span style=""> </span><a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/guests.php?itemid=5051">Lina Joy - 'Save' one, lose a million.</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2. Farouk A Peru 31/05: <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/letters.php?itemid=5052">How Fascist anti-Islamists wants Islam to be the Barbaric Other</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3. Anti-Jihadist<span style=""> </span>03/06: <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/letters.php?itemid=5167">The Anti-Jihadist Responds to Mr. Farouk</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4. Farouk A Peru: 04/06: <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/letters.php?itemid=5188">How to respect your fellow Man'</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5. Anti-Jihadist 05/06: <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/letters.php?itemid=5227">Respect works both ways</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">6. Farouk A Peru<span style=""> </span>06/06: <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/letters.php?itemid=5238">Don't go to butchers to learn veterinary medicine</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">7. Anti-Jihadist<span style=""> </span>07/06: <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/letters.php?itemid=5269">When butchery masquerades as a religion</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">8. Farouk A Peru 07/06: <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/letters.php?itemid=5277">The basic art of answering questions</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">9. Anti-Jihadist 10/06: <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/letters.php?itemid=5327">Calling a Spade a Spade</a></p><br />This article can be viewed at <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/letters.php?itemid=5474">Malaysia-Today</a><br /><br /><br /><br />.clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-66490363037042131912007-04-18T22:07:00.001+08:002008-10-12T21:01:03.131+08:00An inconvenient Reality<b style=""><o:p></o:p></b>By Uzumaki Naruto<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6-6XMemTsidA0K8QZnhUIpRgXvgQqyr-tg_3K6hgs7c6cY27cnyAXuWCAZTXgeDUrwTY2gk0qjhFRvUWwOJYMAl3gn1vbw1miYEoZywgbqIXVvl7e_W6HFLbaPgZGnzM5YUB/s1600-h/wr2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6-6XMemTsidA0K8QZnhUIpRgXvgQqyr-tg_3K6hgs7c6cY27cnyAXuWCAZTXgeDUrwTY2gk0qjhFRvUWwOJYMAl3gn1vbw1miYEoZywgbqIXVvl7e_W6HFLbaPgZGnzM5YUB/s320/wr2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077932422296302642" border="0" /></a></p>Almost every belief-system in the world claims that their version of truth is rightly the only truth. There is no doubt that many devout believers in all these <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1223816401_0">belief systems</span> would affirmatively confirm this. They would wholeheartedly make the claim that they have found the `Truth' in their respective <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1223816401_1">belief system</span>. <p class="MsoNormal">At the same time, it is important to note that `Truth' with respect to these devotees is observed in a form of experience which is often called - `religious experience' or `experience of truth'. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> However, it is impossible for one to find out which `experience of truth' among the many versions of `Truth' is the real truth. This is due the fact that it is just not possible to capture `experience' empirically. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Nevertheless, base on scientific research and studies on the relation of the brain and `truth experiences' , aptly known as `nuero-theology' , one thing that all these versions of `Truth' experiences have in common is that they all show similar patterns of brain activity. This is due to the fact that it takes millions of neurons firing in the brain before a devotee can validate his/her truth experience. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> For this reason, it can be deduced that all experiences of `Truth' are just too similar regardless of which belief systems they belong to. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> All these construe to the point that `Truth' in belief-systems is relative truth hence; there is no absolute `Truth' as far as truths in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1223816401_2">belief systems</span> are concerned. For this matter, it can be concluded that the belief of one religion as the only `truth' to the path to GOD <span> </span>while others are all in error (or in short `religious exclusivism' ) is a flaw. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> There is no tangible `neuro-theological' evidence to support the validity of religious exclusivism.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <b><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Journey through time</i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> The belief in religious exclusivism is considered as one of the vital element of faith in most belief-systems. The logical reason behind this is that after the exclusivist idea has been solidly embedded into one's mind through constant religious indoctrination processes, it would make it easier for the rest of the religious doctrines and ideas to follow suit without much hassle and rigid scrutiny.<span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Realistically, the idea of religious exclusivism is a practical psychological tool to spread social ideals effectively in the early age of its emergence during the ancient time. This is due to human socio-culture and its circumstances and also the community's state of affairs at that time i.e. - limited knowledge, loose social order, lacking mobility and minimal contact with different cultures from outside world. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Taking all this into consideration, `religious exclusivism' had efficiently served the purpose for `wise men' at the time in their mission of spreading their package of `Truth' – which also consists of social ideals, positive human values and goodness. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> In time the practical aspects of the `Truth' had laid down social foundation that was conducive for human progress and later had transformed the community that led to humanity greater advancement.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> As time went by, human progress had made it possible for more direct relations and interactions between communities of different cultural beliefs. This later on created competition between cultures that led to political strains; and finally the growing tension end up in war. Unfortunately, more than often, religion fuelled by exclusivism logic became an explosive propaganda in waging religious wars that has spawned all sort of crusades, holy wars (<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1223816401_3">jihad</span>), genocides and hostilities between cultures throughout the centuries.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Sadly enough, the continuation of this devastative trend of exploiting religious exclusivism is still going on at present time. It doesn't stop at drawing the line between different beliefs; it goes deeper and has played a murderous role between different sects of the same belief-system. The ongoing sectarian conflicts in Iraq and occasionally in Pakistan , India and <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1223816401_4">Indonesia</span> for example, prove how such religious idea that seems to be harmless can turn out to be deadly. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Religious exclusivism has reared its ugly head. The once dignified spiritual mechanism responsible for human progress seems to have lost its purposeful function. Its application for peaceful means that it used to be has now turned into a lethal ideological belief that has brought misery to humanity in some part of the world. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Religious exclusivism in today's modern socio-culture is morally wrong and inherently divisive. It reflects bigotry and narrow mindedness. It separates humanity into the camps of believers and non-believers; a dichotomy between `us' and `them'. It creates and promotes systematic derogatory labels between people out of their spiritual differences, for example – deviant (sesat), heathen (musyrik), infidel (kafir), heretic (munafik) and so on. These psychologically divisive labels would only promote hate that could lead to communal disharmony. The saddest part of it all is that all these are done with the sense of righteousness.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Religious exclusivism of today, hiding under the banner of `respecting diversity' is hypocrisy in the highest order.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Time has changed and human social culture has evolved to a new height. <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1223816401_5">Differences</span> in belief should never be the reason for social conflict of any form. It is obvious that the once decent idea of religious exclusivism has lost its noble function and is a misplaced idea in present time. The idea has become irrelevant and there should be no place for religious exclusivism to fit in today's heterogenic plural society. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> A more inclusive approach in belief-system would be vital towards respecting diversity in the truest sense thus enriching human effort in their spiritual quests. Rather than looking at differences and magnify the inconsistencies that may ensue social repercussions; belief-systems should be the platform that could pull all devotees (from all different belief-systems) deeper into unity of not only of common interests but also capacities and intelligences that far transcend those of the individuals. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Possibly, in time, this may bring humanity closer together in harnessing their power of collectives towards finding solutions to humanity most complex problems of the day and the future.</p><br /><br /><br />*This article can be viewed at <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/guests.php?itemid=4900">malaysia-today.net</a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">.<br /></p>clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-7212266590360049992007-04-17T13:59:00.000+08:002007-06-21T10:47:12.253+08:00Liberating Islam<span style="font-style: italic;">By Uzumaki Naruto</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><br /><b style=""><i style="">With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion. </i></b>~ Steven Weinberg ~</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbA7bFBiFuKldjh93WAnnl8c1NIuINRq90qOtOzp1vmsc4TTDyrMF2oLIJpp8Npyg2-0vP8OiAeudhKOHJP34VCdGLUm2TWf1xaVi1nm3a6LUakzsw0qfILj7Zvr8nwVLphbX/s1600-h/liberate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbA7bFBiFuKldjh93WAnnl8c1NIuINRq90qOtOzp1vmsc4TTDyrMF2oLIJpp8Npyg2-0vP8OiAeudhKOHJP34VCdGLUm2TWf1xaVi1nm3a6LUakzsw0qfILj7Zvr8nwVLphbX/s320/liberate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077935613457003602" border="0" /></a><br />It has been very depressing lately. Malaysia has witnessed the hideous nature of a ‘force’ that has swept the country and left its people with a string of disheartening events of religious disputes – <span style=""> </span>corpse snatching, baby grabbing, breaking up family etc.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In a true sense, this force was a manifestation of ‘power’ that had been carried out by the religious authority for the purpose of maintaining and safeguarding the sacredness of the religion and the power of the religious institution.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ironically, it seems that the religious authorities are oblivious to their socially-destructive deeds and far from realizing the damage they might have brought upon the fragile social fabric of multi cultural/religious society. Reason being, they failed to notice that such imperceptive act of gross injustice ensue social repercussions.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It would draw the perception of backward religiosity to the believers of Islam in general. Thus would give rise to negative religious sentiments directing towards the religion itself and consequently create animosity among the people in the community. In reality, they (religious authority) have stained Islam with morbid image of vile ruthlessness that doesn’t befit the culturally and religiously heterogenic plural society of the modern days.<span style=""><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">They have fashioned Islam into an institution that is armed with repressive ideological stupor. They have utilized their power and exploited the religion into an oppressive tool victimizing the defenseless poor and the innocents. As repulsive as it is, they have actually hijacked the religion by disseminating corrupt doctrines embedded with extreme ideology of religious intolerance. Evidently, they are themselves the ‘hijackers’.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Islam is under siege. <span style=""></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>It has been echoed in the Muslim world that Islam has been under siege; that there have always been foreign forces/powers that are constantly trying to weaken and destroy Islam. There are many Muslim thinkers championing the cause of Islam who follow this familiar theme. There are also some who would go to the degree of relating contemporary reality of the West as ‘morally decadent’ with ‘un-Godly’ secular values (that have crept into the Muslims’ societies) as the cause for all the ills and miseries plaguing the Muslim world. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>All these above are mostly the usual themes many Muslim thinkers would go by in their analysis. As a matter of fact, this is a clear sign of mental-siege syndrome; an indication that they are in the state of denial and refusal to be objective/rational in finding way out from the problems inflicting the Muslims. They have opted for the easy way out – the convenient blame it on others. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Muslim thinkers (especially) have to step out of the box and disregard this obsolete paradigm of thoughts and initiate shifts by looking inwards and be critical on every doctrines/ideas that have been dumped into the package brand of ‘Islam’. They have to identify and disregard doctrines that are detrimental to human progress, doctrines that sow the seeds of fanaticism, and doctrines that are harmful to social foundation of multi cultural/religious society and inter-faith relation. This has to be done with the objective of finding solutions to overcome the drawbacks and limitations that are detrimental to the community’s full potential for progress collectively.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>However, the question remains; is Islam under siege? </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Focusing on <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Malaysia</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s Islam; one can find that such has been happening here. <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Malaysia</st1:place></st1:country-region> has witnessed the radicalization of Islam through enforcement of strict religious codes that infringed the private domain of individuals. Islam is considered being under siege whereby the community which comprises of believers and non-believers are subjected to an oppressive religious law. There has been one too many cases of gross injustice that had been directly inflicted upon the born-Muslims and the non-Muslims indirectly. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>That said, the radicalization of the religion has held ‘Islam’ under siege, in which Islam is being hijacked by shallow, oppressive and extreme religious ideals that impede the collective potential of human progress. They have numbed down freedom of thought, insensitive towards private spiritual welfare and provoke the harmonious interfaith relation. This in turn would set a ground for social foundation that is susceptible to the virus of fanaticism. <span style=""> </span>To sum it up, Islam is indeed under siege; surprisingly not by foreign forces but from the forces within. Islam has been under siege by the ‘hijackers’.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>There is a need for Muslims to liberate Islam from this stranglehold of the hijackers. They seem to be working religiously in dragging Islam to the slippery slope to worthlessness. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>If Islam were to maintain its claim of truth and relevancy in multi cultural/religious society of today and the future, a more progressive/liberal approach is needed to position Islam as a dynamic belief system. This is due to the fact that human socio-culture is never static; it constantly evolves and changes through time. Strict, outdated, rigid and shallow ideas must give way for a more functional and liberal understanding/interpretation that can absorb and respond to the latest challenge of the continuously changing human socio-culture. Adapting to a more pluralistic and inclusive premise of thought would be vital in raising the sensitivity towards enriching human effort in their spiritual quest.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Muslims have the option to reject change and continue living in the past; or liberate Islam and bring it well into the future. The choice is in their hands.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><br /><span style=""> </span>© 2007 naruto_of_mt@yahoo.com</p>*This article can also be viewed at <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/guests.php?itemid=4736">malaysia-today</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br />.clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-63365895106393027672007-04-16T03:09:00.000+08:002007-06-20T10:01:09.366+08:00Battle of IjokH. Muhammad<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcyDMi3gHtKfeahIbivKlV4JXFjwkbT_mUj-sF9JlDT5PGVYkX_G4MHeA3cy9YMvGOlXFXdaDRMVKjzZDRni4fsTJzukZxrIn3mjjVTnsfMISQ-wpo4VK5mr4wktzbExQ1bkG/s1600-h/ijok1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcyDMi3gHtKfeahIbivKlV4JXFjwkbT_mUj-sF9JlDT5PGVYkX_G4MHeA3cy9YMvGOlXFXdaDRMVKjzZDRni4fsTJzukZxrIn3mjjVTnsfMISQ-wpo4VK5mr4wktzbExQ1bkG/s320/ijok1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077960099065558114" border="0" /></a><br />Ijok, a calm semi-rural town in Selangor had been in a nationwide media spotlight for almost two weeks. It became an overnight sensation in the political limelight as it was the set of the political-battleground between formidable BN and its feared political opponent PKR, for which Anwar Ibrahim is the Advisor.<br /><br />The Ijok by-election had gained enormous publicity due to various strategic political reasons. But most important of all; it was the electoral battle-theatre to gauge the come back of Anwar Ibrahim in the political scene since his release in September 2004. Ijok a BN stronghold under MIC was his first direct electoral involvement - a ‘win’ for PKR would perfectly be a preliminary sign that he is back in the reckoning, a perfect chilling message to the BN.<br /><br />As expected, the battle was fierce. Ijok had witnessed an intense electoral campaign that saw fierce fight between supporters from both camps. BN and PKR fought tooth and nail for every single vote until the last second. The whole BN machinery was put in swift motion. It is said that 10 yrs of back log development was put into Ijok in a week’s time with 36 million instant projects approved. Considering the fact that the General Election could be called at anytime, it was obvious that BN needed this ‘win’ badly in order to push down the rising momentum of the newly charged oppositions force psychologically.<br /><br />Ijok by-election official result: BN (58.5%), PKR (40.1%).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VdIQ86JEVTdqQrFFg_wrdJDmgb86FQJOzxxnSO9dRYFDFGq9VdhGnUJGcRn9NNRfhl_BmsLlaZ7tu6Qb9PPyGYi2srTBVn_K7f4gT2Q9UK6Oh5PnGNpI5r0_criTDkK4Zevk/s1600-h/ijok2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VdIQ86JEVTdqQrFFg_wrdJDmgb86FQJOzxxnSO9dRYFDFGq9VdhGnUJGcRn9NNRfhl_BmsLlaZ7tu6Qb9PPyGYi2srTBVn_K7f4gT2Q9UK6Oh5PnGNpI5r0_criTDkK4Zevk/s320/ijok2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077960103360525442" border="0" /></a><br />The people of Ijok have spoken. They have made their decision and they have chosen BN (Pathiban) over PKR (Khalid Ibrahim).<br /><br />BN won the battle. This much needed win gave BN the euphoria of winning which has invigorated the talk of having an early General Election. PKR lost in Ijok was definitely a major blow to Anwar Ibrahim and the oppositions in general. They had suffered a defeat that could adversely affect their performance in the coming General Election.<br /><br /><strong>Post Ijok – The agony of defeat.<br /></strong><br />As anticipated by many, PKR being PKR; upon defeat they would cry ‘foul’ and resort to their cheap ‘blame-it-on-others’ game for their crushing defeat. This pathetic nauseating politically motivated stunt is the trademark of their revolting ‘denial’ in accepting the hard fact of their miserable lost.<br /><br />Repulsive enough, the rest of the oppositions jumped into the bandwagon and start humming the same tune. It didn’t take long for this blame-game rhetoric to become the oppositions’ ideological stupor and it spread like an airborne transmitted diseases infecting the mind of pro-oppositions ‘intellectuals’. Rather than being objective in their analysis about PKR’s humiliating defeat, they foolishly put the fault on the voters by ‘intellectualizing’ their (voters) inability to think critically that had led to unwise voting decisions. This sheer disrespectful act is an insult to the people.<br /><br />The excessive indulgence in this grimy political rhetoric by the oppositions construes their lack of integrity and significant presence as credible political organizations. Hopefully, it won't be too late for them to make a turn around and realize that they are heading the slippery slope to irrelevance.<br /><br /><br />© H. Muhammad 2007clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-1147616872814019962007-04-09T22:25:00.001+08:002008-04-27T18:26:17.513+08:00Islamic Secularism?By H. Muhammad.<br /><br /><br />In this era where religion and politics are complexly intertwined, political parties produce discourses to legitimise their strategies and goals. Religion is exploited as a pawn that underpins political logic and camouflage political objectives. For example the brand name ‘Islamic State’ is coined into various versions respectively to the political party in order to garner support for their political objectives. And the label ‘secular’ (tabooed by scholars), exhilarate this political game of branding names. But what is it about secularism that the majority of Muslim scholars are frown upon the idea?<br /><br />Muslims over the time has soundly developed the constituents of the Syaria law. The law in turn has formed the structure of the ‘institutionalized’ religion of Islam. Historically, these intellectual trends in scriptural hermeneutics (interpretations) of Islam were opinionated by Muslim jurists and scholars of the medieval period. These ideas have been repeated until today and over the time have become so sacred that they have been accepted as divine in origin. The concept of ‘exclusivism’ had been dogmatised into the religion and any creative interpretation (unaligned with the set discipline) in view of change or reform would be marginalized and resisted by the authorized jurists (ulama).<br /><br />It is explicable that conservative religionists would decry the propensity towards secularism in the modern world. Reason being, conservative religionists naturally associate secularism with atheism. These rigid interpretations of both Islam and secularism are conceived as standing in opposition towards each other with antagonistic contradiction. But one would agree to the fact that the Quran stress the importance of knowledge and also promotes action and reasoning. Thus an intellectual synthesis between reason and faith is absolutely necessary. Rationally, faith has to be in present values and should not mean blind imitation of past traditions. Blind faith could lead to blind submission to religious ideology that lead to extreme exploitative practices. Thus, it is very important that one employ ones rational faculty to safeguard against such possibility.<br /><br />It is important to note that the way Islam was interpreted and understood by past (medieval period) Muslim scholars conformed to their own socio-cultural situation at that time. But human socio-culture is never static. Its state of affairs constantly evolves and changes through time. If the intellectual trend in interpretation of the religion is confined to conservative traditions of Muslim scholars of the past, it may create rigid hurdles to go along with the ever changing, demanding and complex human socio-culture of today and of the future. Thus rationally, the conventional interpretation of the religion should not be binding on subsequent generations, as it may not conform to the changed socio-cultural situations.<br /><br />Secularism generally argues for reasons, rational, knowledge and action that is independent of religious belief. There is a need to adapt for a more liberal interpretation of secularism. In essence secularism argues for pure science. It shouldn’t be interpreted too rigidly as to equate it with atheism as many conservative religionists do. Secularism should be taken in a political sense rather than philosophical sense, in which it will then create social and political space for all religious communities.<br /><br />The human socio-culture of today demand more liberal disposition, tolerance and promotion of pluralism. This in fact is in line with the message of the Quran, with the provision that the interpretation and understanding of the Quran is approached in a holistic (meaningful and realistic) manner. In which one can find that Islam upholds pluralism, freedom of conscience and embrace diversity in its truest form. It does not clash with the concept of secularism in a political sense and would assemble well in this complex human socio-culture of the modern world. In other words Islam itself is liberal in the form of non-atheistic secularism.<br /><br />It can be argued that the concept of secularism originally developed within a historical context of Islam. Islam in its early stage sparked the idea of religious tolerance, understanding and appreciation of pluralism and diversity in human socio-culture 1400 years ago. This idea has ignited positive social order, ethical culture, intellectual discipline and spiritual concept in their community. It brought forth torch of wisdom and rays of light and has transformed a once backward community to one of the world super power. Undeniably, they’d progressed into an empire with advance knowledge of science at their time. They had produced great names in mathematics, medicines, astronomy, chemistry, physics and anatomy etc. whose breakthrough ideas had contributed immensely to the advancement of human civilization and whose names were still admired until this day. Noteworthy, these very same ideas had paved the direction that had brought Europe out of the dark ages.<br /><br />It would be a just call for conservative religionists to break ranks and promote diverse ideas and multi-disciplinary intellectual trend in the interpretation of the religion. And also de-monopolize knowledge in the sense of advocating the free flow of diverse ideas in understanding Islam. Decreeing others who interpret the religion in an unconventional conservative manner ‘deviationist’ would reflect intolerance towards others of different viewpoint hence tarnish the image and beauty of Islam itself.<br /><br />It is important to note that it is all right for one to choose conservative understanding of Islam for oneself. One should be free to be conservative Muslim, non-conservative Muslim, liberal Muslim or non-Muslim as long as they don’t impose their views to others of different viewpoint.<br /><br />Let the nation be for all and religion for God.clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-1147143883332475592007-04-08T10:58:00.001+08:002008-10-12T21:05:52.704+08:00The 'Cartoon' calling for Boycott.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZ5YiwZ7K04mHcdFFCSBI8LeTBQpiNrPsX2xEyfFKM9r6rclDyjGdGukymwVYWPDlm8-fXsXsDMxKqZ6ucS5tzvWP0RK1A-C8XpTwOEYJhmhlQuENI8hA69NvD40H-YHSSUF5/s1600-h/danish1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZ5YiwZ7K04mHcdFFCSBI8LeTBQpiNrPsX2xEyfFKM9r6rclDyjGdGukymwVYWPDlm8-fXsXsDMxKqZ6ucS5tzvWP0RK1A-C8XpTwOEYJhmhlQuENI8hA69NvD40H-YHSSUF5/s320/danish1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091698915228929922" border="0" /></a>by H Muhammad<br /><br /><br />Of late 2005, Muslim world were shocked by caricatures of Muhammad (PBUH) published by Jyllands—Posten of Denmark. A lot of Muslim in the ‘Muslim Nation’ went frantic and retaliated by rioting, picketing, and some went to the extreme by torching down the Danish embassies. When the Danish government refused to apologize on behalf of Jyllands—Posten, some of the ‘educated and sophisticated’ Muslims professionals started to incite intolerance in a non-violence manner. They called for trade sanction against Denmark and called for boycott of the Danish goods.<br /><br /><br />I wrote this letter below to a writer - Dr.azly Rahman, who called for boycott of Danish goods in his article ‘Should we boycott Danish product?’ The writer is a columnist for Malaysiakini one of leading Malaysia online publication. I started the letter with a header of a quote by Frannk Llyod Wright in order to insinuate him for writing his ‘intelectually challenged’ article in call for the boycott.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>‘I’m all in favor of keeping dangerous weapons out of fools. Let’s start with typewriters’. Frank Llyod Wright (1868 – 1959)</strong><br /><br />Dear Dr Azly Rahman,<br /><br />Best wishes to you and your family, may you and family be blessed with happiness and greatest well being.<br /><br />Reading your writing reminded me of an incident with my 10 yr old son – my eldest. As parents, we’ve tried to teach him, nurture and guide him in all best possible ways for him to go through phases of growing up. Since he started primary school, we’ve kept on encouraging him to make his own decision with the hope that whatever challenges he may face and whatever decision he has to make later in life, it will be the best decision. One rule of thumb - never do onto others what you don’t want others to do onto you. It was as simple as that. I would also at times share with him news of major events going on around the world in order to expose and give him some understanding of what was going on. For example in the event of WTC 9/11; how it was so wrong for some western minds branding and generalizing ‘Muslims’ as terrorists just because the act of few suicidal pilots (supposedly Muslims) in the name of ‘jihad’.<br /><br />But recently, I have to say that I was quite surprised by my son’s judgment, while we were watching local TV news. The news shown was on the events of rioting and torching down Danish embassy in retaliation to those stupid cartoons. While watching the news, my son made a statement,<br /><br />‘<em>come on lah people, it was only because of one cartoonist and his cartoons… why blame the whole Denmark’</em>.<br /><br />Later on I told him that I was proud of his judgment and told him that, for that matter he’d made better judgment than most adults did – the rioters, the embassy ‘torchers’, the picketers and the writers who called for boycott on Denmark goods just because of the stupid cartoons – and these are all adults.<br /><br />I feel that kids at a young age, they tend to see, understand and relate to the world around them with sincerity and honesty, unlike some adults who see the world through corrupt and contemptuous lens and sometimes with hidden agenda in mind.<br /><br />I’m sorry to say that I strongly feel on that specific issue my son did make better judgment than you did. As hurtful as it is for ordinary Muslim to be generalized as religious fanatics, so are the Danish when they are generalized as insensitive ignorant secularist fanatics.<br />Please help me to understand your rationale in calling for boycott of Danish Goods as a mean to penalize Jyllands-Posten and the cartoonist himself for their blasphemous act against Muhammad the prophet.<br /><br />I feel that your call for boycott would only advocate the spirit of fanaticism and extremism in those with vulnerable and innocent minds. Don’t you think so?<br /><br />I wonder if it ever crosses you mind that this kind of suggestion would implicitly sow the seed of negative stereotyping amongst humankind. And this in turn would further worsen and weaken the already fragile relationships. Would you agree that the call for such retaliatory act would instigate intolerance and hatred amongst cultures?<br /><br />Don’t you think that there is a possibility that your call for radicalism will lead to fanaticism and senseless justification for violence? You are against violence, aren’t you?<br /><br />I think you should know that I as a peace-loving Malaysian despise your self-righteous avowal of social prejudice and your patriotic rhetoric to justify your xenophobic call for boycott.<br /><br />Dear Dr Azly, please help me understand this.<br /><br />Why should Denmark, home of 5.5 millions Danish be penalized for the insensitive act of a cartoonist of Jyllands-Posten? Was it because;<br /><br />a. Denmark was ranked third in E.U countries for total contribution (as per citizen) made to Tsunami victims.<br /><br />b. However, most of the contributions went to the hardest hit area especially Acheh and Sri Langka but not Kuala Muda, Malaysia.<br /><br />c. Danish mobile Hospital was stationed in Acheh but not Kuala Muda? (hang org Utara ka?)<br /><br />d. As for their corporate responsibility programmes, LEGO set up ‘Save The Children Denmark’ to help the poor children in Ethiopia and Angola only but not Malaysia.<br /><br />e. LEGO distributed tons of Lego toys every year to charity organizations around the world. f. LEGO toy products are very expensive.<br /><br />g. The Danish government refused to apologize to the Muslims due to the values and principles the government upholds. However, on 31st Jan 2006, Jylland-Posten did make a statement, apologizing to the Muslims for publishing the cartoons.<br /><br />h. 85% Danish professed Christian faith.<br /><br />i. You don’t like Danish Cheese and you hate Danish Butter cookies.<br /><br />Is your answer going to be all of the above? And that was why on 13th Feb 2006, almost 2 weeks after Jylland-Posten made the statement, you wrote ‘Should we boycott Danish Goods?’ in your column in Malaysia Kini.<br /><br />I personally don’t condone the insensitive act of the cartoonist and Jylland-Posten. I understand why it had stirred wrath and anger amongst some Muslims due to their insensitive act. Having said that, I feel there’s a need for cross-cultural connection with regard to the issue. In this ‘information age’, Muslims should prepare themselves with the ideas of diverse social ideals, cultural values and moral principles – they’re right in front of our doorsteps. This readiness will equip them with the right competencies to face challenges in the ever-shrinking world.<br /><br />I feel that in the event of ideals clash of such, to apply one’s religious taboo to others who don’t share the same belief is inappropriate. To over react would be unwise. If one strongly feels the need to react, the measures should be focused, selective and fitting. Wouldn’t you say so?<br /><br />The irony of it all is that you are a columnist for ‘Malaysia kini’, who claimed to be the media championing free-speech ideals. Is it right for the Danish to assume that Malaysiakini calls for boycott of their goods? Wouldn’t it be silly if they were to assume Malaysiakini represents the views of Malaysians.<br /><br />In summary, my point is you should able to differentiate the cartoonist, Jyllands-Posten and the Danish people as a whole.<br /><br />Please let me make some comments of your posting.<br /><br />You wrote in your article:<br /><br /><em>We wish to be called a "moderate Islamic" nation but do not know what that means in this context of global humiliation that continue to equate Islam with terrorism. Humiliating Muhammad the prophet of Islam was the most Fatal of all the humiliations. I do not think Europe will ever understood What Muhammad means to the Muslims.</em><br /><br />I agree with you on that. Only ignorance and irrational mind would equate Islam with terrorism. Only dull and dim-witted mind would humiliate Muhammad the prophet and some of them would never ever understand. But what about those people (like you for example) who equate the cartoonist to Denmark and Europe?<br /><br />Please if I may, I would suggest you work on your area of influence rather than your area of concern. Did you ever try to get *Malaysia kini* Editorials call for the boycott? I bet they will have a good laugh. Hmm, I wonder why *Malaysiakini* have to have disclaimer notes on editorial regarding columnist writings.<br /><br /> Honestly, to me your column on the boycott only illuminates the fallacy of hypocrisy in the highest order.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />H. Muhammadclonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-1148977989019262282007-04-07T16:21:00.000+08:002007-04-20T20:56:43.518+08:00Blame it on the West.H. Muhammad<br /><br />I wrote this letter back sometime ago, can't remember exactly when. This letter was intended to a Muslim writer whom with the mindset of 'blame it all to the west' for all the suffering and misery of the Muslims. And he went all the way blaming the 'misguided' system of secular west. How convenient it was for some to blame others for our own weaknesses, but never once we blame ourseves. The letter goes:<br /><br /><br /><strong>"A weak mind is like a microscope, which magnifies trifling things but cannot receive great ones." — G.K. Chesterton, (1874-1936)</strong><br /><br />I refer to a letter by our own transcultural philosopher (the writer), ‘West must demand cure for itself’.<br /><br />It is hard to comprehend for one who is very critical in his writings towards the government, would have a double standard stance towards others who have critical views to matters that rivet to the public spectre. One should have been able to differentiate between personal domain (ie faith,belief etc) and public domain (laws,gov. policies, constitution etc) in which any creeds that impinge on the latter are of public concern. For some to be critical on matters of public domain manifest their concern and love for the country, just as his (the writer) ever-critical views towards the government especially the higher education system. Even Dr. M himself is now very critical of the present administration. After all, their motives are always the same and that is better future for all Malaysians.<br /><br />It is admirable of a Muslim thinker like (the writer)himself who actively contributes ideas in seeking to reconstruct the Islamic identity with prime objective to revive the Islamic civilisation of global political power it once used to be. He follows the familiar theme of relating contemporary realities of the West as ‘morally decadent’ and ‘un-Godly secular’ values as the cause for all problems plaguing the Muslims and Muslim world.<br /><br />However, it would be injudicious for one to judge morality through one’s own stiff moral lens, and magnify the inconsistencies in order to create discourses on moral issues with the objective to support and advocate one’s simplistic view in championing Islam. One need to step out of the box and disregard outdated paradigm of designating the ‘morally decadent West’ as the cause for all the ills and misery in the Muslim world, lest one fails to look at the big picture. A prudent move would be to end this ‘blame it on the West’ rhetoric but rather look inwards to find and acknowledge our own weaknesses.<br /><br />On the need of secularism; it is evident that religion plays a role in people identity that in turn would indirectly play a role in politics. Since religion and politics are complexly intertwined, there is tendency that religion is exploited as a pawn that underpins political logic and camouflage political objectives. Political parties would produce discourses to legitimise their strategies and goals in order to garner support for their political objectives. One can find that political party ‘Islamicize’ mundane issue for example declare a city as an ‘Islamic City’ and also coined the brand name ‘Islamic state’ into various versions respectively to the political parties for the same reason.<br /><br />Noteworthy, when there are other faith communities or other interpretation of the same faith that the state can become an instrument of religious oppression in the hand of the majority. Some religious issues might eventually affect the collective identity of the people and trigger religious sentiment that consequently turn into controversial political issues. Warily, as religion becomes more assertive and religious zealots become more proficient at playing the system, constitutional guarantees become futile thus religion disguised as national interest dubbed with political motive can become the instrument of crime against humanity.<br /><br />Justifiably, there is a need for a functional device that is independent of religion to protect religions from the corruption of politics and politics from becoming an instrument by zealots. There is a need for secularism.clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-1147853875109700312007-04-04T16:15:00.002+08:002008-05-02T13:47:48.453+08:00Why They Banned Mak Yong?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevOgIqbTiR6cl81kKs7irJSrHz0Xy-R_ZlL2JPNX71x2euOfmCSZIxaJ_BWdhkuhl6wOAkMV2e3jTkJHXocmr5UpJZtTQHKH7WWYxw2TMnHWjIB7nEt8oA_1ub4tP0Kuf-J51/s1600-h/makyong.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevOgIqbTiR6cl81kKs7irJSrHz0Xy-R_ZlL2JPNX71x2euOfmCSZIxaJ_BWdhkuhl6wOAkMV2e3jTkJHXocmr5UpJZtTQHKH7WWYxw2TMnHWjIB7nEt8oA_1ub4tP0Kuf-J51/s400/makyong.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195653044252415602" border="0" /></a><br />by H. Muhammad<br /><br />I am not a Mak Yong lover nor Kelantan born. But to me 'Mak Yong' dance performance is a traditional artform, which is unique to, and synonimous with Kelantan. To ban the artform would mean a lost to Kelantanese cultural identity and traditional heritage. I don't know for sure the reasons why in the early 90’s they (Kelantan government) banned the artform, but I feel there should be better ways to handle the issues.<br /><br />If the decision made to ban the artform was due to the Mak Yong's storyline, which they (PAS) deemed as propagating 'myth and superstitions' and therefore against PAS ideals, they should've considered other options. One of it would be to persuade the performers to change the storyline to one that suits the PAS ideals. I don't see the need to ban the artform altogether. Perhaps they could suggest the performers to come up with a religious storyline instead, such as the story of 'Isra Mi'raj', the night Muhammad PBUH ascended to heaven on Buraq.<br /><br />If the ban is due to the act of women dancing, they should've given directives to Mak Yong performers that only men dancers are allowed. Again I don't see the need to totally ban the artform. I personally feel it'll be a lost to the richness of diversity in the Malay cultures particularly the Kelantanese traditional art and culture.<br /><br />If the decision to ban Mak Yong for the purpose of guarding the 'aqidah' of its people against 'un-Islamic animistic' elements of influence, they should realize that historically despite such restriction on the artform, Islam managed to flourish. It was the beauty of the religion itself, which had appealed to the Malays at that time. And PAS hadn't even existed during the time Islam made its way into the Malay Peninsula. Seriously, I don't see how Mak Yong performance could ever be a threat to Muslims aqidah or revert them back to their old animistic belief.<br /><br />But still, I can’t stop wondering why the need to ban such beautiful cultural art form. Who benefits? What’s the motive, if there’s any, and what would it be? Why is there a need to outcast Mak Yong as ‘decadent’ culture in an impudent manner while preaching and propagating their (PAS) ‘preferred cultural ideology’ to the masses? Why can’t they embrace diversity in its truest form? It’s mind boggling, that some (majority of Kelantanese) agreed with this disadvantageous partiality, why?<br /><br />Let’s look into the land ‘they banned Mak Yong’ and seek for answers.<br /><br />It is obvious to see a dichotomy of ‘perceived’ levels of class-consciousness: the upper spiritual level (ulama) lead, rule and guide, while the lower subjects submissively follow. The former monopolize knowledge, and instill ‘favoured cultural ideals’. They (ulama PAS) achieve this by setting a spiritual paradigm, which encompasses all aspects of living. The latter (follower) abide to these set of rules faithfully and continuously strive to support and maintain this complex structure — the structure that was built upon ‘perceived levels of spirituality (religious conviction) with foundation based on subliminal inequality and mental oppression. And that is the complex structure of mind domination.<br /><br />In the early 90’s the decision made to label and then ban what was deemed as the ‘decadent culture’, was a strategic pre-emptive political move fuelled by conservative ideological ideals that set a foundation to speed up the process towards ‘preferred culture’ ideology. This was the preliminary phase — ‘purifying’ phase. The propagandists from upper ‘spiritual class’ started to indoctrinate the masses to submit to the ideology. They started to broadcast through loud speakers ‘ceramah’ in every ‘wakaf’ and village from dawn till past sunset. Not to forget, such broadcast could also be heard from every street side corners of what now is declared as the Islamic city. All these were sheer moves to manifest power and send clear message to the people in its subtlest form of who is in control.<br /><br />It is quite obvious to some that in this class and caste structure lies insensibility that characterized the social structure of the ‘Master’ and the ‘Subjugator’. The latter, who are submissive, has been ‘culturalized’ into an active medium for spreading the ‘preferred cultural ideology’. The upper spiritual class who now have the means will continue to dominate the docile minds so that the present and future generations will not be able to critically reflects and decide for themselves on issues/situation. They (the follower) prefer to be dictated even on the matters of personal faith and aqidah. In the end, these happily subjugated docile minds will be the force that continues to support and maintain the ideology and the power of their ‘masters’ with the objective of preserving this complex structure.<br /><br />Considering the above, it wouldn’t be hard to conclude why the need to ban, and who benefits from all this. Is it not obvious who are ‘the dominator’ and ‘the dominated’ in this complex structure of domination? Who employ this skilful utilization and exploitation tool of mind domination? In this era where religion and politics are complexly intertwined, political parties produce discourses to legitimise their strategies and goals. This is a clear example of how religion is exploited as a pawn that underpins political logic and camouflage political objectives.<br /><br /><br />Thia article is actually in response to an article in Malaysiakini. It can be viewed here;<br /><a href="http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/2006/05/reader-pesponse-mak-yong.html">http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/2006/05/reader-pesponse-mak-yong.html</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />.clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-1147679973489185482007-04-03T15:52:00.000+08:002007-04-21T16:38:38.610+08:00The Marhabban Experienceby H Muhammad<br /><br />It’s a common thing for most of us to have memorable childhood experiences of listening to and sharing ghost stories. But to some people , they still find these kind of ‘un explainable’ phenomena intriging that they enjoy reading mystical or superstitious stuff and still believe in them at their mature age. That explains why the periodical digest like ‘Mastika’ is one of the best selling digest in the country. Probably this is also due to the environmental and cultural background influence in the process of growing up, and according to some this kind of mystical phenomena do happen in the religion, but in the form of ‘mystical experience’.<br /><br />But how do ‘mystical experience’ and religion relate to each other? The answer is faith. Un-explainable phenomena in religion are always related to faith and God that in a sense they are proofs or signs of truth. This is true in all religion and not only Islam.<br /><br />A Johorean who is a lecturer in the United States disclosed to me about his ‘Marhabban’ experience. To him it is a beautiful and overwhelming religious experience of one being free and close to one inner self. He told me that one has to follow certain discipline of singing the mantra in order to reach that mystical state. And the whole singing the Marhabban is about praising Muhammad (PBUH). But honestly, to me his mystical experience was just another form of religious mystical experience. This is how I explained to him about his mystical experience of Marhabban.<br /><br />Religious mystical experiences such as his that can be achieved in Marhabban do also occur in other religions like Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jain, etc. Nevertheless, religious mystical experiences may in certain respect have different characteristics. The practices/rituals vary depending on the cultural background of the religion itself and the traditions of the region, etc. However, no matter how different they are, it would be no surprise that some of the believers of the belief systems would come with very similar claim that they’re able to lead one to attain a mystical overwhelming experience. The reasoning and explanations of such experience are also dependent on the religion and cultural background of the observer (one who was practicing). Nevertheless, all of them vouch to attaining the beautiful and overwhelming mystical experiences of such.<br /><br />The approach to attaining this state of mystical consciousness even though may vary between religions but in the case of marhabban, one could make a claim that there are similarities with Judeo-Christianity ritual practiced by the Franciscan nuns called ‘centering prayer’ as far as the approach is concerned – concentrative approach on ‘mantra’ where the focus is mainly on the words (song/chanting). At one point during the exercise the observers claim to attain a higher stage of consciousness – an overwhelming beautiful mystical experience.<br /><br />An important point one should be aware of is that mystical experiences in all religions produce similar physiological results. Physiologically speaking, during the state of mystical consciousness there will be an amazing increase in the frequency and intensity of the alpha brain wave. Such practices/rituals actually activates or simulates the attention area in the frontal brain. And at the same time it shows a decrease in activity of parietal lobe of the brain, which in turn lead to a lack of spatial awareness. This will gradually diminish the sensory intellectual consciousness and in the end is replaced by an entirely new kind of consciousness – the mystical consciousness. In essence all ‘mystical experience’ of all religions/beliefs yield the same physiological result.<br /><br />Is this mystical experience a religious phenomenon?<br /><br />No matter how any one (observer) explained his/her experience to be, it is actually a natural process of the mind to evolve to a higher stage of consciousness. As a matter of fact, there is nothing miraculous or supernatural about it. It has nothing to do with one’s belief in God or one's faith in religion. In fact one doesn’t need to believe in God to attain such ‘experience’. And I’m sure that in the case of Marhabban experience, it has nothing to do with praising Muhammad or even the need to understand what one were saying to achieve such 'mystical experience'. The mystical experience can be attained by anybody regardless of his or her religious background, belief, culture or traditions. All they need to do is chant, full focus in whatever they’re chanting, and keep on chanting. This requires faithful practice, and practice makes perfect.<br /><br />As mentioned , the variety of explanations with regard to one’s mystical experience are purely based on one’s religious belief or cultural background.<br /><br />And in the Marhabban case, his (the Johorean lecturer whom I met) explanation was based on ‘his truth’ on that matter – the truth that was gradually formed since his early religious exposure. He had swallowed the whole capsule of truth prescribed by the religious teachers. This ‘prescription of truth’ facilitated him to explain the ‘marhaban’ experience in alignment with his truth. And that’s all to it.<br /><br />Since then this lecturer never talk about his mystical experience nor any matters regarding religoun with me. But he’d asked me whether I’m a Muslim. 'What has Marhabban got to do with one being a Muslim?' And that was what I told him.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Copyright © H. Muhammadclonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-1147750305201351472007-04-02T11:15:00.000+08:002007-07-27T11:19:31.454+08:00The Book<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_uOyVW9OgPikun54rjVrdfUiZCr8HwhfhBhGGrIn6CRXbV_P6deIjE5zXepFLfpnYYvT9QRIVwZCRmR075zSbCEv_zdoLO84t_Szi_GSo6I0jL2wYLybaJNlrpO_7GZr1FVX/s1600-h/s1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_uOyVW9OgPikun54rjVrdfUiZCr8HwhfhBhGGrIn6CRXbV_P6deIjE5zXepFLfpnYYvT9QRIVwZCRmR075zSbCEv_zdoLO84t_Szi_GSo6I0jL2wYLybaJNlrpO_7GZr1FVX/s320/s1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091711027036704658" border="0" /></a><br />H. Muhammad<br /><br />It was quite sometime ago, I came to know a person by the name John Ianucche (ethnic Italian American). After a while we became good friend. We used to hang out,got high on weed, went fishing, jamming and did a lot of stuff together. There were times that we hanged out at famous local nude dance joint till wee hours because he had to pick up his sister who worked few nights a week as a stripper at the bar.<br /><br />He told me that it was a bit awkward for him the first time he saw his sister dancing totally naked, and he still felt the same every time when he came to picked her up. I tried to make him felt better and I told him that I have no problem with that at all because she(his sister) was one hell of a babe. She's a fox. She was one hot, gorgeous sexy girl.......wa cakap lu (John understood this phrase). We had a good laugh that night.<br /><br />John was the kind of guy who I could say a bit spacy, couldn't care less type of guy, cool, simple minded ,and at times he could really be an annoyance. He was from broken home with no deep religous background. One day after good set of jamming in the basement he came upon the translation of the Quran, he asked me if he can borrowed it, I told him to go ahead since nobody really read the book. It (the book) had been sitting there and collecting dust for quite sometime. He started carrying the book everywhere with him and seem so obssesed reading it. And it went on for almost a year.<br /><br />I noticed the personality change in him to better him. He was calmer,happier ,more in control of himself. It caught me by surprise that one night after getting our supply of 'six-pack's (our favourite COORS) he asked me to pull over by the road side. He told me that he had to pay his dues to the 'salvation army'. He started contributing some portion of his weekly pay to charity. Wow he really did change. I told him that what he did was good as long as we can still go pick up his sister from her workplace. We had a good laugh.<br /><br />It was that same night he told me that he is already a Muslim and asked me load of 'why' questions on Islam which I couldn't answer any. He told me that he don't understand why the muslim pray in such a way, which he couldn't find it anywhwere in the Quran. I burst out and buffed him " U son of a bitch! if you want to be a muslim, you just follow them, or else go back to your church! Cut all that crap questions of yours. Why can't you just follow!".<br /><br />I could very well remember that exact line. It was my last sentence to him. I regret it, because he died the next night. It was friday night. He was on his way to help out at the *'soup kitchen' (soup kitchen is a place where they give out free hot meal and shelter to the poor and homeless during winter run by volunteers.) when he was hit by a drunk driver.He died on the spot, his body laid motionless at the front door of the soup kitchen.<br /><br />If angel really existed, he was the angel that came to me. If heaven existed, he deserves it. Where ever you are John, I am really sorry dude.<br /><br /><br /><br />Copyright © H. Muhammadclonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-1147054994336321262007-04-01T10:09:00.002+08:002009-01-04T00:46:02.218+08:00Theological Fracas in the Cyberworld<span style="font-size:100%;">by H. Muhammad<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">This whole article is about observation and analysis on human consciousness in its cyber dimensional form. It is purely based on observations and analysis on conversations, discussions and activities in a number of Muslims cyber communities.<br /><br />If the human mind determines the shape of their social structure and culture within the parameter of their community in the physical world, this article attempts to reveal the pattern of cyber social community in the cyber world. It highlights the diverse theological patterns of understanding of commonly shared theological concepts. These patterns suggest the free flow of ‘ideas’ as a result of freedom of thoughts. The observation will also reveals how each community react to ‘stimuli of dissimilarity’ in the event of ‘idea’ clash. It is interesting to note how the outcomes of the clashes of theological ideas would affect the individuals within a cyber community. Taking that into consideration; one may ask, how would that reflect in the physical world and would there be lessons to learn from it?<br /><br />This piece is specifically about the debates that have been going on endlessly between the ‘Sunni’ and the ‘Anti Hadis’ advocators. Please note that the labels Sunni and Anti-Hadis are used in this article solely for ease of understanding, as these are the commonly used terms. Also the 'war situation' in this article is metaphorically used to depict cyber-debate solely for the purpose of making it a bit more interesting.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The community.</strong><br /><br />It is a known fact that there are thousands of religious forums and email groups (cyber communities) on the net worldwide. And among them are forums and groups that are moderated by groups of Sunnis. Sunnis generally are those who uphold the Quran and Sunna (derived from Hadis). Their communities in the cyber forums are usually set up and run by Islamic NGOs, Student Associations, Dakwah groups and other sub-sect of all kinds. There are usually some key respected figures participating in the groups who for example are high position religious figures, political figures, Ustaz etc.<br /><br />‘Anti Hadis’ on the other hand is a label given to those who do not believe in the authenticity of Hadis and do not consider Hadis to be a valid reference/guidance besides the Quran in order to elucidate the religion of Islam. They are people who uphold nothing but the Quran as their source of divine guidance.<br /><br />In time, some of these cyber communities turned into battlegrounds between ‘Sunnis’ and ‘Anti Hadis’. Prior to joining such groups, 'Anti Hadis' will usually do some intelligence gathering. They will look up for groups or forums that are not moderated with high number of memberships. The more the merrier. These 'Anti Hadis' are deemed the Special Forces commandoes. They would slip-in into targeted Sunni cyber community in small numbers or some would prefer to be lone rangers. They will survey the area and do their target analysis. Upon the Anti Hadis commandoes’ first strike on the Sunni community, one could see the formation of the Sunni Brigade (described below) almost automatically.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Sunni Brigade.</strong><br /><br />Sunni brigade in general can be classified into four groups and they are: Sideliners. True followers Replacement killers. Crusaders.<br /><br />1. Sideliners.<br /><br />These sideliners are the majority. They took up more than 95% of the Sunni brigade. They come from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. They are in stand-by mode. They never participate in any of the clashes directly but there are some who would watch the progress closely. There will be no input coming from these sideliners. Within this group are a small number of them who are just fond of forwarding email messages. It is safe to say that quite a chunk of those messages are religious rubbish. At times one could find a lot of religious rubbish going around on the net in which quite a number of them are so sickening that it would bring embarrassment and degradation to the religion of Islam itself.<br /><br />2. True followers.<br /><br />True followers are a very interesting lot. These are the people who would ask questions during ‘ceramah’ or religious Internet Q&A sites. Their favourite sites are religious sites or just about any ustaz sites. They are most likely those who would have complete collection of Raihan or Rabbani nasyid albums. Some of them would have expensive Arabic khat art on their living room walls and in their car they would probably have ornaments of 'ALLAH and MUHAMMAD' or stickers of 'doa sebelum memandu' in Arabic. They usually 'short sell' themselves. They underestimate their own capability. They believe that religious matters are only for those with certain qualifications. They believe that they can fall into apostasy accidentally. Therefore, after reading books like Sulman Rushdy's Satanic Verses, they'll 'mengucap'. Some goes into the extreme of avoiding altogether those kinds of books. They are usually with low interest in the subject but nevertheless highly spiritedsoldiers. You can easily identify their inputs during debates. Their messages are usually short, merely showing their support to the other Sunnis and also to show others which side they're on. Nonetheless, some do write trashy remarks. They seldom have any points to make, but instead they would forward arguments or articles, which they see fit. They probably do this because they wouldn’t want to be responsible of thinking. They sometimes try reverse-psychology or intimidation techniques. Unfortunately sad to say, they all fire blanks.<br /><br />3. Replacement Killers.<br /><br />They are mostly smarter and more intelligent. They are those with high interest in the subject and highly spirited soldier at the same time. This group is usually in the process of learning the trick of the trade. They arm themselves with knowledge and would have started to do their own research. They are simple people who you’d most probably rub shoulders with at 'pasar malam' or ordinary folks who are waiting in line at the cashiers in TESCO or CAREFOURRE. They are mostly sincere, cool and polite in their inputs. They are the ones who would probably ask questions during a debate. At this level they have no 'killer weapons' yet but do watch out for them. Just wait and see how they will rise and come back with more advanced and sophisticated 'killing machine' in a short time. They are the ones who will be ardent contender to the 'Anti Hadis' commandoes.<br /><br />4. Crusaders.<br /><br />These are the cream of the crops. They can smell 'Anti Hadis' from miles away. They knew all the tactical warfare of 'Anti Hadis'. The instant an 'Anti Hadis' make a slight move they will be put under full constant surveillance by these Crusaders. Crusaders are also the ones who would be telling off the 'rubbish forwarders' for the junks they pass around. Crusaders can be recognized through their well-structured writings and their arguments would follow a certain flow. As expected, they choose to assume the responsibility of guarding the Sunni's faith and the faith of its followers. Generally, Crusaders can be classified into two. They are i. Formal Crusaders and ii. Informal Crusaders.<br /><br />i. 'Formal' Crusaders are those who studied religion formally. They are the graduates of Al Azhar, UIA, University of Cairo, Medina U. etc. They hold degree in Feqah, Revealed Knowledge etc from these institutions. They usually hold high positions in government religious dept., NGOs, as well as key figures in political parties. They have vast religious knowledge but unfortunately they don't have good stamina. They have the advantage of possessing ‘nuclear bombs’. Their ultimate tactic is to call up the moderators of the groups and give them the code to nuke the 'Anti Hadis' out. 'Anti Hadis' who were banned from the groups then considered themselves as martyr.<br /><br />ii. 'Informal' Crusaders are those who with no formal religious background. They are professionals in their own fields. They are usually highly educated and highly intelligent people. Sunnis should be proud of them. They are well respected in their community. They soak up religious knowledge in such a short time. They are very well informed and could be at par with ‘formal’ Crusaders as far as religious knowledge is concerned. They are very persistent and assertive and most of the times strive to have the last say. They can sustain in long battles with precision execution of reinforcement artillery and their stamina seems endless. But there are also times when they get nervous breakdowns due to over exertion. They are true warriors of the Sunnis. They are the 'Kalid al Walid’ in the brigade of Sunni cyber defenders.<br /><br /><br /><strong>‘Anti-Hadis’ Commandoes.</strong><br /><br />‘Anti Hadis’ come from wide spectrum of backgrounds. Majority of them are with tertiary education. What is unique about ‘Anti Hadis’ is that there are no leader or such thing as ‘ulama’ in the group. They are individuals who each have their own understanding of the Quran. They freely share their views and ideas among themselves because they all agree to the principle: (which is taken from a verse in the Quran) — ‘listen to all views and choose the best’. They can be generalized into two kinds: i. Non-radicals ii. Radicals.<br /><br />i. Non-radicals.<br /><br />This group is the majority. They make up 85% of ‘Anti Hadis’. They like to be involved in the group discussions among Anti Hadis but rarely engage directly in any confrontation with the Sunni Brigade in the cyberwar. Nevertheless, most of them do follow the progress closely.<br /><br />ii. Radicals.<br /><br />These are the Anti Hadis Special Forces Commandos. They are the ones who are actively involved in direct confrontations with Sunni Brigades in the cyber world. They intentionally provoke the Sunnis into debates. They like to challenge and be challenged. They would contest just about anyone and they even fight among themselves (as far as ideas and understanding is concerned). They seldom reveal their true identities even amongst themselves, so nobody knew for sure who was behind a certain name in the cyber world. In general, these radical Anti Hadis Special Forces can be classified into three types and they are; i. Emotionally radical ii. Consciously radical iii. Rationally radical.<br /><br />i. Emotionally Radicals<br /><br />These are ‘Anti Hadis’ extremists. They feel that they have been duped into believing and doing all sorts of rituals and ideas, which they now find ridiculous. They would use all kind of bad words in their writings. ‘Sunni bashing’ is their expertise and their favourite targets are sensitive Sunnis holy figures such as Bukhari, Abu Huraira and the Ulamas. It is hard to comprehend what their objectives are for opting for these extreme measures, intolerance and prejudices towards Sunni, but one thing for sure, they rouse those extreme and intolerance Sunni fanatics to wage war against them.<br /><br />ii. Consciously Radicals.<br /><br />Their writings and messages are mostly harsh and stern but do not fall into extreme category. Probably because they are still in the state of excitement of their newfound belief and that reflects in their writings. Their articles and writings are more concentrated on the subject of ‘un-Quranic’ rituals and disciplines in our Muslim society today.<br /><br />iii. Rationally Radical.<br /><br />In this group are those who could recall most of the verses on any subject matters in the Quran by the verse numbers almost in an instant. Their main interest is to get the meaning of certain words in the Quran by the Quran itself (using tools such as the Quran Concordance, etc). Some of their works are very time-consuming due to the painstakingly meticulous method they employ. They mostly analyse certain key words such as shalat, bait, bakka, Ramadhan etc.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Confrontation: Anti Hadis tactical warfare.</strong><br /><br />In the immortal world of cyberspace, there’s no need for bulletproof vests or underground steel bunkers. A confrontation in the cyber world is a showdown of minds. All that matters are wits, information, knowledge and understanding. All these are put to a test. These are the decisive factor that makes the difference. Roughly 95% of ‘Anti Hadis’ got their first introduction to their newly found understanding from the net. So this is the place where they most feel comfortable to put their understanding to a test — a confrontation. There seem to be a pattern of ‘Anti Hadis’ tactics in waging cyber wars against the Sunni Brigades. Below are generally ‘Anti hadis’ tactical warfares.<br /><br />1. Ambush – As mentioned earlier, Anti Hadis favourite ambush are on ‘rubbish convoys’. This type of warfare is usually executed by ‘Anti Hadis’ radical newbies. They are testing out their knowledge. But don’t be surprised that sometimes, Anti Hadis themselves are the ones who pose as the ‘rubbish forwarder’. They intentionally collect religious rubbish on the net for the purpose of using it against the Sunni. Sometimes they would pose as a pious, uncorrupted Sunni with the intention of acquiring ‘ilmu’. They would then ask leading questions and set a trap for the Sunni.<br /><br />2. Lure – Anti Hadis would post controversial articles or writings with the hope to get responses from the Sunnis. They set these as bait to get the Sunnis attention. The war will rage as soon as the first response comes.<br /><br />3. Assassination – this type of warfare are done by the Anti Hadis ‘Elite Squad’. They are the anti hadis elites and they are after specific target, mainly the Sunni Crusaders. They never get involved with any ongoing clashes but they do monitor the Crusaders closely. Once a Crusader goes out of line, they will move in for a kill. They are also known as ‘Izrael’ (angel of death) because when they make a move it will be short, precise and decisive. Their mission — to demoralize the Sunni Brigades. But to some Sunni Brigade they are known as ‘The Devil’.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The aftermath.</strong><br /><br />One may ask what is the purpose of this entire theological fracas. What good does it do? Of course the war seems to be a never-ending war. It seems that it is reaching a stalemate — probably there will be a few sporadic clashes here and there, nobody will raise the white flag, and people will choose to believe what they want to believe. But there are two important points that need to be highlighted.<br /><br />One of the most popular and easiest ways to ignite a war is by a surprise attack on convoys of 'religious rubbish' passing through. 'Anti Hadis' jump at this opportunity by ridiculing the Sunnis mainly to make a point on how absurd they think the sunnis religious belief is. This will in turn cause havoc and the war will drag on. Sunni Crusaders are aware of this tactics, this is classic 'Anti Hadis attack 101'. They will make sure there will be no 'rubbish convoys' passing through'. Therefore, the benefit of this is that at some point in time there will be a drastic decrease in the number of 'religious rubbish’ (which degrades the religion of Islam) being passed around on the net.<br /><br />In a good heated debate neither party could afford to make stupid mistakes by relating references that do not exist. Either party will be a sitting duck if they do. All books and reference will be out in the open — Quran translations of all kinds, Bukhary Hadis collections, and a vast amount of other religious references. More people from both parties will start reading; more people will then begin to understand. At the end of the day, like it or not, all these theological fracas will create more Sunnis with the knowledge of the religion that they choose to believe in. At least then, they are no longer following blindly.<br /><br />Amazingly in the end, the passionate but violent exchanges of wits and wisdom then turn out to be a blessing in disguise one might say. One shall find that debating is a form of learning method where one put one’s own understanding to a test, which in turn will further strengthen one’s own belief and gain understanding and tolerance. It creates wiser and well-informed individuals between the two parties and further strengthens their beliefs in what they choose to believe thus creating more people with open mind, tolerant, respecting others’ beliefs and most importantly non-judgmental. Ironically, 'anti hadis' could turn out to be the agents that help advocate and instill a stronger belief in the heart of the Sunnis. In the end both parties are winners and nobody’s a looser.<br /><br /><br /><br />*writer's note*<br /><br /><em>Hopefully you will be able to see that debating/confrontation as one of the learning methods where you put your own understanding to a test, which in turn will further strengthen your own belief and gain understanding and tolerance. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>If you wish to engage in one, I suggest that don’t get emotional if you were to find yourself on the losing end. Make some adjustments, re adjust and re-invent yourself and get on with it again. Perhaps you might opt for a more challenging battle – climb to the peak and confront those atheist and those agnostics. There the fight has to be at the same level of battle theatre (knowledge of science) since the Quran is no longer a relevant book of reference because they ( atheists) never believe in it.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Perhaps, then you will be at the point where you no longer follow but you explore, in an exploration into GOD.</em><br /><br /></span><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><em></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"> © H. Muhammad</span></p>clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27681463.post-1147004244733116282007-04-01T07:51:00.000+08:002007-04-22T16:42:23.877+08:00Into the world of cloned consciousness.<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If the Genome project would provide us with knowledge that could make it possible for humankind to clone their physical being, the cyberspace on the other hand is the closest we can get thus far in our capability to clone our consciousness. Although there are some limitations to it but the cyberspace is the place where most people find comfortable to pour out their emotions and ideas and at times share with others their deepest secret and innermost thoughts in full sincerity. As these happen, human conscious thoughts are being modelled into byte sizes and ‘trans-wired’ into its cyber dimensional form in the cyber world. That in turn would create a world of its own. It is the world where the mind speaks. It is the world of replicated human conscious thoughts. It is the world of cloned consciousness.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">H.Muhammad</span>clonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04841806615956483805noreply@blogger.com2