Sungai Gelugor mosque celebrates first interfaith buka puasa
Masjid Jamek Sungai Gelugor celebrated its first interfaith iftar in Seri Delima without a hitch last night.
Many who attended the event expressed their gratefulness that Malaysia is peaceful enough to allow interfaith events in mosques and other places of worship...
Masjid Jamek Sungai Gelugor celebrated its first interfaith iftar in Seri Delima without a hitch last night.
Many who attended the event expressed their gratefulness that Malaysia is peaceful enough to allow interfaith events in mosques and other places of worship.
Among the guests was activist Sudhagaran Stanley, who said the event was "fantastic," especially in light of ongoing race and religious issues in the country.
"Events like this can bring together all the races. This year, it is special because such events are being organised by various mosques in various places," he told Malaysiakini.
"There are even communities from other religions who invited Muslims to attend their functions to break fast.
"This is something very encouraging, and should be supported as it sends out a strong message to those who try to separate us – that you cannot break us apart; we are all children of God."
Priscilla Ho, a work-play therapist who attended the event for the first time,called it "very meaningful."
To Yazid Misnan, a human resources manager, the event was something "special".
"Every year, I try to buka puasa with my in-laws (non-Muslims) for at least one day. This year, I also break fast with others in the mosque, it's very special," he said.
Their comments come in the wake of Johor ruler Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's royal rebuke against Johor Bahru MP Akmal Nasir, who attended an iftar event in a Sikh temple.
Penang was not spared, with criticisms being hurled at non-Muslims elected representatives distributing zakat (tithes) during iftar events.
Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor defended the act, however, saying it was permissible (harus) in Islam.
Penang exco Zairil Khir Johari, meanwhile, said Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was playing up the issue to divert attention from party leaders allegedly swindling money from religious institutions like Lembaga Tabung Haji.
Echoing this, Seri Delima assemblyperson Syerleena Abdul Rashid (photo) said the issue was blown out of proportion as it was not the first time that non-Muslim representatives distributed zakat.
"We cannot let this hate permeate in our society," she said during her speech in the Masjid Jamek Sungai Gelugor iftar event last night.
Syerleena said Ramadan is also a month to stay away from negative feelings, anger and lust (nafsu).
"However, there are certain quarters who are overly sensitive, who raise issues when there are none.
"As Malaysians in New Malaysia, when we see such negativity, we must counter with positivity," she said.
"In other words, we must counter hate with love and respect.
"I hope the iftar events are not only about enjoying scrumptious food, but also about celebrating it with others as true Malaysians.
"We are all humans and we must treat everyone equally, not only during Ramadan, but for all time," she added.
Syerleena said the event was jointly organised with Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh. It was also attended by Wan Salim.
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