The theory that as long as people are talking about you it is a good thing, is highly debatable. Sayings such as “there is no such thing as bad publicity” and “I don’t care what they say about me as long as they spell my name right” are also not as straightforward as they may appear to be. Such instances can be seen in the current news hogging the headlines in Malaysia involving renowned non-Arabic speaking Islamic scholar who has been called an “authority on comparative religion”, recipient of the King Faisal International Prize (KFIP), Dr Zakir Naik, of India.
Dr Zakir Naik’s Tour to Malaysia 2016 currently underway from 9th to 20th April involving a number of venues including Terengganu, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur is no short of controversy itself mainly due to inappropriate responses from certain groups in the country. A highlight is the cancellation (later which was given the go ahead) of his public lecture scheduled for April 17 at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) on the advice of the police.
Malaysia has its own scholars and hence it is unnecessary for a controversial preacher such as Dr Zakir to come to this country and create a mess which the public would have to clean after, said Tourism and Culture Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz. Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) on the other hand calls for the Home Minister to immediately revoke Dr Zakir’s visa, deport him and impose a permanent ban on him, said its chief P. Waytha Moorthy, while Penang Deputy Chief Minister II, Prof Dr P Ramasamy described Dr Zakir as “Satan” in his Facebook status, before deleting it three hours later.
Amidst all the obstacles and challenges faced by Dr Zakir and his team in Malaysia, a letter addressed to him, written by a Faridzul Nasaruddin has surfaced on the internet. Faridzul is a young and upcoming lawyer-motivational speaker and in the letter which he wrote on his Facebook page, he claims to apologize on behalf of fellow Malaysians. Below is the full text of the letter.
AN OPEN LETTER TO DR ZAKIR NAIK FROM A MALAY MALAYSIAN
Assalamu’alaikum wbt.
Dear Dr Zakir Naik,
Foremost, I hope it is not too late to welcome you to Malaysia. I understand that this is not your first time to be here so I suppose you know already the attractions in Malaysia that you can enjoy.
My name is Faridzul Nasaruddin. I am a Malay (one of the ethnics in Malaysia). And obviously I am a Malaysian. I am a subscriber to Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah and I follow Mazhab Asy-Syafie.
To be truly honest, I am actually curious what would you feel by now after a few days being in Malaysia. You must have read and heard what happened for the past few days about how some of us have reacted to your tour this time.
Sincerely from my heart, I would like to apologise. I am not sure whether I can also apologise on behalf of my fellow Malaysians as I am not given a clear mandate to act on their behalf, but, I am confident, most of us would really like to say to you: “WE ARE SORRY”.
We just want you to know that what was said and done by some of us did not actually represent the majority of us.
When our IGP said earlier that one of your programmes is banned (which has been lifted, alhamdulillah), it does not at all mean that the majority of us dislike you nor we disrespect you and your knowledge.
When some of us uttered some hurtful statements to describe you, it does not at all mean that the statements represent our perceptions towards you and your knowledge.
Please be convinced of the fact that most of us indeed welcome you to be here in Malaysia and share with us your knowledge.
Malaysia and Malaysians are now undergoing an indescribable transition from one point to another point. None of us could firmly determine whether the process that we are going through nowadays would lead us to a greater level or otherwise. Just please pray for us Dr Zakir.
Last but not least, enjoy your stay here Dr. I believe that tests and tribulations are not unusual for you. I just hope that you will not generalise the deeds of the few Malaysians to reflect the whole of us and I truly believe you will not.
Again, I am sorry, Dr Zakir Naik. We are sorry.
Reaction from the internet community regarding the letter varies with the majority voicing out their support behind Dr Zakir. Some internet users took to Facebook thanking the writer for coming up with the letter on behalf of the people of Malaysia. Everyone is entitled to form their own opinion. In fact, that way we are able to train ourselves to become critical thinkers and criticise constructively. Let us as a society move away from the notion of extremism and move together towards tolerance, respect and moderation and continue to uphold our values in life.
Upcoming event with Dr Zakir Naik in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday.
Dr Zakir Naik’s Tour to Malaysia 2016 is brought to us by Hidayah Centre Foundation and partners. For those of you in the Klang Valley, don’t forget to book your free seats early to catch Dr Zakir Naik’s public talk live at Stadium Hoki Nasional Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, 16th April 2016 titled “Is the Quran God’s word?” See you there.
Iconic Zain Bhikha who has won the hearts of Muslims throughout the word for three decades of song, story and the Dada and Me children’s series, releases a deeply personal song after many years. “I’m Not Ready To Let You Go” is an emotionally moving tribute to his beloved father Rashid Bhikha, a man who embodied faith, strength, unwavering love for his family, and left his mark on the world for his contribution to medicine and humanity.
Zain’s songs have always been a reflection of his personal life’s journey reflecting his faith, but more so, the meandering nature of being human, and this one is no different. Though the nature of its message speaks to the universal feelings of love and loss that we can all relate to. With hundreds of songs inspiring and motivating hearts towards Allah, “I’m Not Ready To Let You Go” is undoubtedly going to become a comfort and a favourite of Zain Bhikha fans.
“My father passed away a few months ago, he was the anchor that held us all together, the mountain upon which we all stand and the guiding light that showed us the way, I miss him every day,” said Zain Bhikha.
I’m Not Ready To Let You Go is available as a voice-only version. The official video is available on the ZainBhikhaOfficial YouTube channel and the audio, on all major music streaming platforms.
Other Releases
“Voice In Your Head” is a deep reflection of the unwavering love that parents bestow upon their children. It talks of the all-encompassing nature of a parents’ dedication to their children and the way that bond shapes who we are and who we become.
“The Forgiven” (featuring BoonaaM) delves into a powerful Hadith (prophetic narration) about forgiveness and Allah’s mercy. This song artfully tells the story of a man’s journey towards redemption.
“Salvation” (featuring Ashley Belal Chin) takes listeners on a heartfelt exploration of seeking Allah (SWT). The song emphasizes the closeness of Allah’s presence, reminding us that He is always with us.
All three songs are available in both voice-and-drum and voice-only versions on all major music streaming platforms. You can find the official videos* on the ZainBhikhaOfficial YouTube channel.
Selain Munif Hjjaz, seorang lagi figura yang aktif menghasilkan karya secara konsisten, tidak lain tidak bukan, penyanyi dan komposer terkenal; Daqmie.
Kali ini, Daqmie bekerjasama dengan Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia (PERKIM) Cawangan Datuk Keramat menghasilkan sebuah lagu raya terbaru berjudul Yang Mulia. Lagu ini disampaikan oleh Daqmie dan Mestica.
Pengerusi PERKIM Cawangan Datuk Keramat; Ustaz Mohamad Suhaimi Abdul Aziz yang juga merupakan penulis lirik, berkata lagu tersebut mengisahkan hubungan masyarakat dengan golongan mualaf di negara ini.
“Lagu tersebut dinyanyikan oleh Daqmie dan juga Kumpulan Mestica yang mengisahkan hubungan antara masyarakat dengan golongan mualaf.
“Ia sebagai salah satu usaha dakwah kami agar masyarakat turut sama terlibat dengan usaha yang kami gerakkan ini sekaligus membantu mereka yang memerlukan,” katanya ketika sidang akhbar yang diadakan di sini.
Menurutnya idea penghasilan single ini tercetus hasil perbincangan dengan Daqmie yang juga merupakan komposer bagi lagu tersebut.
“Selaku Duta Mualaf PERKIM Datuk Keramat, Daqmie pernah melontarkan idea agar usaha dakwah PERKIM tidak terlalu terikat dengan kaedah lama namun harus dipelbagai agar sesuai dengan zaman.
“Bermula dari situ maka terlahirlah lagu ini yang turut diterapkan dengan melodi kontemporari bagi menarik minat masyarakat khususnya generasi muda.
“Kami mengharapkan dengan kepakaran dan populariti Daqmie dan kumpulan Mestica dapat menarik minat lebih ramai anak muda dengan kerja dakwah yang aktif di platform digital dan media sosial,” ujarnya pula.
Terdahulu PERKIM Datuk Keramat meraikan golongan mualaf dengan mengadakan Majlis Berbuka Puasa sekaligus melancarkan single raya tersebut.
Sementara itu Daqmie ketika mengulas berkata cabaran utama ketika penghasilan lagu ini ialah kekangan masa sambil berharap single raya ini dapat diterima masyarakat.
“Antara cabaran ketika menghasilkan lagu ini ialah masa yang diberi agak suntuk. Ketika Ustaz (Suhaimi) maklumkan PERKIM mahu terbit lagu raya pada mulanya saya agak terkejut.
“Namun setelah berbincang dengan rakan-rakan kami akhirnya bersetuju menerima cabaran ini, alhamdulliah kerjasama yang diberikan semua pihak akhirnya single ini berjaya direalisasikan.
“Semoga lagu ini dapat diterima semua pihak sekaligus memeriahkan sambutan Aidilfitri pada tahun ini,” katanya pula.
Pemilihan kumpulan Mestica sebagai rakan duet dalam lagu ini dilihat mampu mengubat rindu dikalangan peminat Mestica yang sentiasa menantikan karya baharu dari kumpulan nasyid popular tersebut.
Lagu Yang Mulia telah berada di pasaran dan boleh distrim di semua platform penstriman muzik digital yang sah. Manakala video muzik Yang Mulia boleh ditonton di saluran Youtube Daqmie Channel.
Untuk rekod PERKIM merupakan organisasi yang aktif dengan kerja-kerja dakwah dan kebajikan untuk menyebarluaskan syiar Islam kepada golongan Islam dan belum Islam di negara ini.
Umat Islam di Malaysia akan menyambut Hari Raya Aidilfitri pada hari Rabu, 10 April 2024 bersamaan 1 Syawal 1445H.
Pengumuman ini dibuat oleh Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-Raja; Tan Sri Syed Danial bin Syed Ahmad dalam Pengumuman Tarikh Hari Raya yang disiarkan di semua radio dan televisyen tempatan sebentar tadi.
“Bagi menyempurnakan titah perintah Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, setelah diperkenan oleh Duli-Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja-Raja, maka adalah dengan ini saya mengisytiharkan bahawa tarikh Hari Raya Puasa bagi negeri-negeri seluruh Malaysia ditetapkan pada hari Rabu, 10 April 2024,” katanya.
Penetapan tarikh Hari Raya Aidilfitri ini dibuat berdasarkan rukyah dan hisab.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri diucapkan kepada semua umat Islam. Maaf zahir dan batin.