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Fa Abdul
Updated 3 days ago · Published on 10 Aug 2017 7:00AM ·
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The sermon continued for at least an hour or so without any scrutiny from
Randy’s officemates. According to Randy, everyone tolerated the sermon,
Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
“Sorry, that is the call for prayer coming from my phone. It reminds me that it’s
time for prayers,” she explained, still not switching off the application installed
on her phone.
“Ah, does that mean you have to excuse yourself to go perform your prayers?”
The trainer was surely dumbfounded by her answer like the rest of us. Why on
earth would anyone disturb a training session with the sound of azan if they
are not planning to perform prayers upon hearing the call to do so?
On second thought, why does any Muslim who is dedicated to perform daily
prayers need any reminders? Shouldn’t the time for prayers be imprinted in
their minds already?
Anyway, I ended up sharing Randy’s story with my brother a few nights ago,
only to have him share his own experience.
“Please inform your staffs to remove their miniature Gods and Goddesses
statues from their cubicle. This is an office, not a temple,” lamented the Muslim
head.
My brother obliged but before carrying out the orders, he pointed at the framed
Quranic verses hanging on the wall in his department head’s office and asked,
“Does that include the holy scriptures in your office? I could ask Samy to help
me take them down.”
“You are too much. This is an Islamic country, let me remind you!” she said
after a few moments of being gobsmacked.
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The head of department went silent and adjourned the brief meeting.
I was quite pleased with my brother’s story and am planning to share it with
Randy – I think it is important for him to know that not all Muslims are ignorant
and self-centred.
However, I believe it is not wrong to bring our faith into our workplace. After all,
our faith is within us and goes where we go. However, no religion promotes
ignorance and self-centredness. In fact, all religion emphasises the importance
of mutual respect to everyone.
It is high time we stop tolerating people who do not practise mutual respect.
Whatever the consequences are, is it not better to be honest and upfront with
the people we work with instead of grumbling behind their back? – August 10,
2017.
* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily
represent the views of The Malaysian Insight.
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