The problem when you have an independent body to issue so called Islamic regulations or fatwa’s, disagreement/misunderstanding might arise, just look at our neighbouring Malaysia.
What they face is something which Singaporeans should avoid, in their case, different states have different Muftis and sometimes their fatwas or religious opinion clash with one another. Now if Singapore has their own independent Islamic body to regulate all these issues, who exactly are the committee who will regulate all these issues? How do we know that these so called independent Ulamas come up with such regulations not for their own benefit? In fact it causes more mistrust because these so called ‘independent body’ think they are holier than thou.
I think the author is just another sour-grape who has personal issues with MUIS. What MUIS has done for the Malay Muslim community in Singapore is commendable despite the lack of funding, support. The system is not perfect but it has serve its purpose bcos no system is perfect.
Honestly if the author think covering Aurat is a major issue well think again. I would rather have a lady who never covers her aurat but yet contribute more to the society than a hijab lady who is hypocrite and and gossips too much with her fellow hijab frens. A hijab person doesnt also mean that she prays 5 times daily, in fact she just could have put on hijab out of family pressure. So focus on the main social issue first before coming up with such petty issues.
Im sure Allah is forgiving. In fact we humans tend to judge others more… it’s also very stupid to actually declare Jihad on this or Jihad on that not everything has to be Jihad… Just use more common sense.
If the author thinks that by having an independent body to regulate Islamic regulations and fatwas, then they need to come up with reasons and even flaws which MUIS has overlooked before we can consider having an independent body. Otherwise don’t waste other’s ppl time with such proposals, bcos then you are just like a ‘rebel without a cause’…
Nasiruddin Pungut shares his view in reference to a previous letter written by R1C reader named Firdaus Abdul Samad who felt that there should be a new set up of an Independent Ulama Body to closely look into matters of Muslims in Singapore.
Good to share opinion and exchange of ideas. What is your view about this matter? Do you think Singapore should have an Independent Ulama/Islamic Body or not? Share you opinion with us at Rilek1Corner.
This letter is dedicated to Miss Adee Sardali, the lady clad in tudung or hijab as seen in the Pinkdot video 2014.
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Dear sister in Islam who has a beautiful name Adee Sardali.
I may not know you, but I do know we share the same religion, we are both from the same race, and we don the hijab.
The only difference now between you and me is that, I am a mother of a newborn baby. Just want to share my life story with you Adee, and the readers of Rilek1Corner.
Just like you, I was an avid supporter of PinkDot SG for two years, in 2010 and 2011. The reason why I was a supporter of PD was because I have been a closet gay since I was in secondary school but only came out and revealed myself to close friends when I joined the Singapore Police Force. I met my first girlfriend in the police force during training.
She was a beautiful and smart Malay girl with big eyes and fair skin. The first time I laid eyes on her, my heart skipped a beat. That was the start of my gay life. And it was a also the start of many heartbreaks and sleepless nights. Partying and getting drunk is a norm. Life without alcohol and sex is meaningless. Sex was amazing, and I learned to do things that I never thought I could. In short, my life was happening and I enjoy being a lesbian. And I have never regretted being one, up to this day.
I met more likeminded people in lesbian pubs and back then it was a popular place located at Far East Plaza. I changed partner easily because as long as you are attractive and charming, life as a lesbian can be very exciting and and lively. Quarrels on the other hand can get violent. Bruises from punches and kicking was a norm for me.
I love my parents and they have no idea that I was gay. But my mom seemed to have growing suspicion that I was gay because I only bring home girlfriends and they usually sleep overnight in my room, door shut and locked.
Soon my mom began to drop hints that I should settle down after several years in the police force. She said she is growing old and she wants to see her grandchildren before she pass away.
I felt pressured. I felt I had to succumb to societal conventions. Mentally and emotionally there is a tussle between who I really am and the person that my mom and society wants me to be. I hate being myself and there were thoughts about ending my life because I don’t want to continue this life and living a lie.
Soon someone in the same station introduced me to a guy who is also in the home team. He seemed very interested in me because he said I was not as girlish as those he knew. He doesn’t know that I am gay and we continue to be friends. After 2 years of knowing each other, I decided to bring him home to shut my mom up from nagging about marriage everyday. My mom was very happy and started asking him questions about settling down. I was so angry and disappointed in my parents.
Soon he brought his parents over and the engagement and marriage dates were finalised. In less than a year I was engaged to him. My girlfriend was there as my chaperone. She said I was selfish and heartless for doing this to her. She braved herself to come down and help me with all the engagement preparations. She told me I can change my mind and we can quit the force and leave the country. I chickened out. I was not ready to disappoint my parents and break their hearts. But I broke the heart of the lady I love the most at that point. I was a mess.
A year lady, I got married to the home team guy. My girlfriend refused to be attend my wedding. She tried to MIA from my life. I was broken. I wasn’t ready to lose her.
After marriage I continued my life as a lesbian. I was defiant, hated having sex with my husband. I felt it was a chore but i had to do it because i do not want him to find out about my lesbian life. He worked shifts, and so do I. I was a terrible wife, I couldn’t be bothered about him. I never pick up his phone calls unless necessary. I was a bad wife and mean.
But I couldn’t care less. My priority was to reinstate my relationship with my girlfriend. I wanted her to know that nothing has changed since I got married and I am still the same person. Marriage doesn’t change me at all. We got back together but things can never be the same again. She cheated on me again and again because her reason was I cheated on her and got married. I forgave her many times but soon realised I got tired of forgiving someone who cheats on me.
Soon my husband, seldom came home. He went out with his friends regularly since he was bored that I was home late all the time. He started partying. One day I caught him partying at St James. I told him we should get a divorce and accused him of having sex with prostitutes. He got a shocked. I went ahead and filed for divorce at Syariah court. My parents was so sad. My dad fell ill. My mom was distraught. My husband’s family was disappointed in both of us. They encouraged us to fix things, but I remained adamant to get a divorce and get my life back as a lesbian. I wanted to be single and be who I really am. Gay in every sense of the word.
I got drunk everyday. My husband tried to make amends. He changed and put up with alot of my crap. I threw all his favourite things, scratched his brand new car, sold his expensive clothes to karang guni. I even put dead rats in his working boots. I was a bitch. I made his life miserable because he made my life miserable as a his wife.
One day, I met my good friend and confidante who is a straight guy. He heard about what happened to my marriage. He also knew about my life as a lesbian. He told me that I was lucky that my husband doesn’t find out that I am a lesbian. He told me that I have never been a filial wife let alone give him any care and concern. I never respect myself because I cheated not only my husband, but also my lesbian girlfriend and my parents. In truth he told me to give my marriage another shot and clean up my act. Give a chance for my lesbian girlfriend to move on with her life and stop making her pin hopes for nothing.Happiness starts with me and only I can make a difference in my life and the lives of others who loves me.
Fast-forward, I changed. I really did. Don’t know why i changed but I changed for the better. I stopped all contacts with all my lesbian friends. I went cold turkey. I learned to like my husband. Gradually love blossoms and now I can safely say that i am much happier than I was before. My objective and goals are clearer. I am no longer confused and messed up. In April this year, I gave birth to our first child. A daughter has bring joy and meaning to my life. Nothing else matters except her.
If you ask me if I regret being a lesbian, My answer again is no. It is part and parcel of life and discovering myself. Till today, my husband has no idea about my life as a lesbian. And I can never imagine what happens if he finds out about it. Let that be my secret. Good and bad memories, I take it as life lesson. It made me stronger and it made me understand about myself better. I even started wearing tudung when i got back with my husband.
Now, I fully understand my mom whenever she says “one you will only understand how I feel about you my dear daughter, when you give birth to your own flesh and blood”.
And now, I share this advice with you sis Adee Sardali. One day…one day, you will know.
Allah has a reason for making things haram. When something is haram it’s for our own good. If all men married men and all women married women how would the human race continue? Perhaps, you have not been a parent and you don’t know how it feels like to raise a child. The day you give birth to your child, your own flesh and blood, you will understand how your parents feel about it. As parents we have high hopes for our children. Good or bad, we take it all in. Our hope as parents is to see our children grow up as responsible individuals and live long enough to see our grand children grow and continue the generation. Maybe, you will get that one day. And I am sure, at the point you see your newborn child, you will understand what i mean right now. At this time, and given your age, you will not understand. Not yet. God created women for a reason, he created women as a companion for men, for each other. So if men were meant to have sex with other men, God wouldn’t have created women.
Sis Adee Sardali, I wish you well and hope you will ponder on what I have been meaning to tell you. If you wish to contact me, please contact the editors of Rilek1Corner as I have given them permission to release my email address to you only. And you only.
Nat
EDITOR’S NOTE
We have received many emails asking if Sis Adee Sardali is gay or a lesbian. Rilek1Corner are in no position to comment Sis Adee’s sexual orientation. However, Sis Nat reiterated that this letter is dedicated to Sis Adee because of her open support for PinkDotSG and not because of her sexual orientation. Sis Nat merely shares her life story so that Sis Adee and readers of Rilek1Corner can learn thing or two about life as a Muslim gay or lesbian in Singapore.
Thanks Sis Nat for sharing your interesting life story. To Adee Sardali, please email us at [[email protected]] if you wish to contact Sis Nat.
It is late-June. The day of the Pinkdot activity at Hong Lim.
Muslims are also gathering. By the thousands. But not at Hong Lim. But at numerous stadia around Singapore – Bedok, Hougang, Tampines, Yishun etc stadia. We gather to celebrate the Sanctity and Sacredness of the Family in Singapore.
It is a fun and festive atmosphere. Families are having picnics. Amidst that, Asatizahs give talks.
As the sun sets, we all gather for salatul Maghrib. Those who can, stay on till Isha. Its the first night of Ramadhan and we all pray tarawikh.
Prior to the day itself, our Mufti makes a strong stance against the LGBT movement. Emphasis is made that no Muslim should join the Pinkdot activity. As it is tacit approval to acts so heinous in the sight of Allah azzawajal.
In conjunction with PERGAS, a series of ‘roadshow’ talks are held in the satellite mosques, talking about the dangers of the LGBT movement and Liberal Islam. At the same time, there is full publicity for the show of support in the stadia on the same day of the Pinkdot gathering. The legion of Social Media enthusiasts encourage the youths to attend the gathering in support of the Sanctity and Sacredness of the Family.
This is my dream.
It is not impossible. Subhanallah. MUIS has great potential to lead our community. They organised the salat istisqa. I was at Razak mosque. A VAST MAJORITY of Singaporeans stayed back after Jumuah salat to perform the Istisqa in Jemaah and stayed back for the khutbah.
Lo and Behold, the next day Allah azzawajal sent the rain.
Imagine what Allah azzawajal will be willing to do if we close ranks and show our resolve to push back against acts heinous in Allah’s eyes. If we sit back and continue in our state of docility, the pinkdot mvt will keep on pushing their agenda. And pretty soon, there will be Gay Pride parades down Jalan Sultan and Orchard Road, with images of gays in drag being beamed across the world, and the Sultan Mosque is the backdrop. A stark reminder of our docility, when we should be struggling for the Deen of Allah.
I have a dream. It can be a reality. If MUIS and PERGAS decide to wake up from their slumber. And truly lead the community.
Wallahua’lam. Have a wonderful night in the remembrance of Allah. Let my dream be our collective dream. And let us make sincere doa that Allah azzawajal sends his Nusrah. And protect our Aqeedah and that of our progeny for many generations to come.
Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) membantah penganjuran acara “Pink Dot Penang 2014” di George Town, Pulau Pinang yang didakwanya bertujuan meraikan kumpulan Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT).
Poster acara tersebut telah dimuat naik di Internet, dan ia akan berlangsung di 1926 Heritage Hotel pada Mac 29.
ABIM berpandangan bahawa acara sebegitu amat bercanggah dengan nilai-nilai pelbagai agama dan adat budaya di Malaysia, kata Setiausaha Agungnya Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz.
Katanya, berdasarkan rujukan terhadap laman Pink Dot Singapore, pada tahun 2013, acara seumpama itu telah diadakan secara besar-besaran “dengan tujuan menyeru persamaan hak bagi komuniti LGBT agar hubungan sesama jenis tidak dianggap suatu yang negatif”.
“ABIM memandang berat penganjuran acara sebegini sebagai satu usaha yang biadab dan jelas tidak menghormati sentimen majoriti masyarakat Malaysia yang rata-ratanya berpegang teguh dengan ajaran agama.
“Acara sebegini seolah-olah ingin membawa anasir kebebasan percintaan songsang yang telah kedengaran di merata pelosok dunia termasuk di negara-negara maju seperti UK, Perancis dan lain-lain,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan hari ini.
“Namun ABIM juga menilai acara tersebut sebagai reaksi dari sikap dan persepsi buruk masyarakat yang amat keterlaluan hingga mengakibatkan hilang pertimbangan keadilan dalam keadaan tertentu ketika menghukum mereka sebagai seorang warganegara hanya atas dasar mereka cenderung dengan kelompok LGBT,” tambanya.
Bagaimanapun, katanya, ABIM melihat memadai untuk kelompok ini didekati dan diberikan bimbingan tidak sehingga diberikan pengiktirafan meluas menerusi acara seperti yang dirancang.
Sehubungan itu, katanya, ABIM akan menghantar surat bantahan kepada kerajaan negeri Pulau Pinang, Jabatan Agama Islam Pulau Pinang, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) serta Pejabat Menteri serta Pejabat Ketua Pembangkang.
Selain itu, katanya, ABIM juga akan membuat laporan polis menuntut siasatan dilakukan kerana ia bercanggah dengan semangat yang terkandung dalam Perkara 3 Perlembagaan Persekutuan yang secara terang-terangan mengiktiraf Islam dan agama-agama lain sebagai teras kepada nilai kenegaraan.
Malaysia tidak mempunyai undang-undang terhadap homoseksual, tetapi liwat adalah satu jenayah di bawah Kanun Keseksaan yang boleh disabitkan hukuman penjara sehingga 20 tahun.
Pada tahun 2011, acara yang sama ‘Seksualiti Merdeka ‘ di Kuala Lumpur telah diharamkan, di mana kira-kira 30 anggota polis menyerbu majlis itu semasa ia sedang berjalan.
