Selamat Hari Natal-Happy Christmas: A message of Peace from a sincere Muslim

The many faces of our society has formed our social fabric into a unique one, one that depict a diverse but yet a united society. We have lived in the diversity ever since Malacca was a busy port of international merchants and traders. There, our history began and developed to become one of the most diverse society and that finally was embodied in the formation of an independent Malaya which the world knew today as The Federation of Malaysia.

We also live in the society today where diverse faith has become the basic character of Malaysia. Islam as the religion of the state provides the neccesity to others to practice their faith in harmony and respect. Today, our fellow Malaysians of the Christian faith celebrates Christmas in a joyfull and merry mood. While every faith has their own unique celebration and manner in which they symbolizes their gratitude on such day, I, as fellow Malaysian and a Muslim urge all Christian to continue the journey of peacefull relationship between faith and cherish our diversity  as a sign of The Creator the Almighty.

As a Muslim I was taught by my Prophets including Isa Ibnu Maryam (peace be upon all of them) to cherish diversity and live with respect to others. I was told by my  Book (Al Quran) that it is vital I live strongly with my faith but at the same time accept diversity and live with respect strongly. It is within this context that my conviction of a peacefull interfaith relationship has turned into a sacred struggle where the soldiers of peace and bridge builder come together not to draw their sword to 'others' but to convey the message of PEACE OR SALAM with full of COMPASSION and LOVE but with DIGNITY and PRIDE.

I stood today as fellow Malaysian in your Christmas celebration to call you to fight with me against injustice, racism and religious extrimism and to say with a clear voice WE LOVE THIS NATION AND WE WILL NOT SURRENDER TO THOSE WHO WANT TO DESTROY IT IN THE NAME OF EXTRIMISM AND TYRANNY.  Let celebration deserve to those who has the right to celebrate it today for it is my duty as a Muslim and as a Malaysian to protect that right. May your celebration of Christmas bring joy and happineess to all Malaysians and forget not the poor and the needy because it is them that we should bring joy and happiness.

 

" You will find that the nearest in love to Muslim believers are those who say: We are Christians- because among them are priests as well monks for these never puff themselves up. and when they listen to the message of the Quran handed down to the messenger Muhammad, you see their eyes overflowing with tears.  for they perceive at once its truth, and they pray, : O Lord, we believe- write us down among the witnesses" ( Al Maidah 5: 82-83)

Mujahid Yusof Rawa

Source: malaysia-chronicle.com