I went to listen to Imam Tariq Ansaar Aquil ( a black American Muslim, an Imam of a mosque in the US) speak again.When I first heard him at Rumah Universiti lunch reception, a day after his arrival in KL, I was like oh mannn...can this man speak.
So when I got invited to the evening at Boulevard, I jumped at the idea and took Kak Pah along with me (Nik had another dinner the same evening).The Imam was sponsored by a local NGO working on world peace (backed by government agencies and other private organisations)and he travels with other religious leaders around the world with peace mission.
I am just amazed by the speed this NGO organises things.They were in 120 places nationwide..as though mobilising the nation on a single pursuit: rebuilding family, renewing society.
I only have a small question on this whole thing. If as according to so many foreign guests at the dinner at Boulevard, Malaysia is a wonderful country which allows diversities and religious tolerance, why the theme rebuild family and renew society? In fact the good Imam said we need to export our secret recipe on our success managing such a diverse nation.I think the theme should have been 'fine tuning existing success' or something along that line.But it was good seeing so many people of different race and religion coming together with an awareness that it is important to ensure the well being of the family institution.It's only when one of the American pastors started to evangelise that I got truly uncomfortable.I think he spoilt the Malaysian spirit of "bagi mu agama mu, bagi ku agama ku" (the religious tolerance).But it's OK.He's the new kid on the block.He doesn't understand (yet) the Malaysian way.
2 comments:
My name is Tariq Ansaar Aquil. I am the resident Imam at Masjid Omar in Kansas City, Missouri [USA]
I returned to The United States two days ago after a wonderful experience in Malaysia. This evening while surfing the web I came across an article entitled "An Evening at Boulevard" posted by Faridah. I realized the article mentioned by presence at a UPF function in Malaysia. First, I thank the writer for her kind words and keen assestment of the events of that evening. I believe we can always "fine-tune" what we have and improve. I also repeat my words to those present at the event, that what I personally witnesses in Malaysia showed me that the interfaith, interracial harmony is an exportable Malaysian commodity.
I hope that I am fortunate enough to visit Malaysia again in the near future and I wish all the best to the wonderful people there.
Imam Tariq Ansaar Aquil,
Email: TariqAnsaarAquil@Yahoo.com
Web Site: www.forthosewhoreflect.com
Click link to View photographs of the event:
http://picasaweb.google.com/
Anstar2006/MalaysiaPeaceTourNovember2006
Ya Rabb, it's the Imam himself!!!! :))
Thank you for visiting my blog.What a pleasant surprise and I am glad that I did not say more than I should in this blog about the Boulevard evening.:)
It was a pleasure listening to you and let's hope my university will invite you for a greater event, one day.
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