POSITION PAPER NO.2

“ Of course religion is important. But, I am a Malay first before I become a Muslim. Discuss.”

From my point of view, I do think that both elements, religion and race, are equally important. It seems that in some occasions, race is important and in certain situations, religion is essential. However, it is strongly agree that religion especially Islam is the most crucial part in life since it is a guideline for us to live our life to the fullest.

Why do I say that race is also important? It is because it shows our differences from the other races and cultures. Besides, it also indicates our uniqueness in our lifestyle among multiracial society in Malaysia. Yes, I am Malay first before we are introduced to the religion in my life. However, I believe that religion has its own significance since it determines our path throughout the life either it is positive or negative. It is all depends on us how to manage our life properly. It is not based on our culture or race, but most importantly based on our belief and faith. In addition, in doing things in life, religion should be the first thing we should consider. As Muslims, we are abide by rules which is stated in Al-Quran and As-Sunnah as a guidance for us in doing things rightly and successfully. Unfortunately, people nowadays tend to protect race and culture better rather than religion. For example, there are certain issues in Malay customs that are obviously wrong and should be left since it is contradict with religion aspects. But, those people still implement it in their life. For instance, the “bomoh” things. It is definitely brings more negative elements rather than positive elements in one’s life and it is certainly one of the prohibited things according to Islamic Law since people tend to believe in other things beside Allah. So, how come people still trust on those things?

Furthermore, being a Muslim is vital because there is judgment regarding on practicing it in future life, in hereafter life. On the other hand, there is no judgment on how best your race is or how best your culture is. Being a Muslim, each individual will be judged pertaining to the way he or she performing and living his or her life either according to Islamic law or not. Then, Muslims also will be asked how best they do what they have to do which means permissible things and how much things do they have left for the prohibited elements. So, here we can see, even though both elements, race and religion, come and created by the same Creator, but in terms of judgments it is totally different. It emphasizes more on religious elements. At that moments, it does not matter either you are Malay, Chinese, Indians, English, Hispanics or Africans as long as you are Muslim who are doing your duty in the right manner and leave all the prohibited things as that are required and stated in Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah. It is because one’s faith and belief will determine his success in life although it will have a little influences of his race and culture.

As a conclusion, I can say that religion is the most influential elements in dealing with situation happens in our life. However, i am not saying that race and culture are not important, it is just as a cognition for the people uniqueness and identity that will help them to communicate and respect the others in well manner.

Prepared by Nurul Farhana Sulong (0724700)