Original site: http://hakim.org.my/blog/?p=308

I would like to clarify on few contentions raised by Datuk. S.S. Subramaniam in his letter “Language of the science” (StarEducate, Nov 20).

In that letter he lamented that Bahasa Malaysia as a “new language” is very slow in coming to terms with modern scientific discourse. This premise is utterly false because there is no such a thing as Bahasa Malaysia. The correct name that he supposes to refer is Bahasa Melayu where the root of its development begins more than 600-years ago especially in the advent of Islam in Malay Archipelago. If he meant Bahasa Melayu lacks the weight in supporting scientific discourse, in which this point currently becoming the staple argument for proponent of PPSMI (The Teaching and Learning of Science and Maths in English), this is also another red herring.

The richness and prowess of Bahasa Melayu in subsisting scientific discourse can be proven in the long history of Malay civilization. Bahasa Melayu for the past 600-years has able to carry and produce plethora of original and indigenous scientific works ranging from medicine, astronomy, mathematics, botany, craftsmanship, chemistry, and physics that has been utilized and appropriated to the condition of the livelihood of the Malays in this region not just at the level of small settlements but most importantly at the level of civilizational where Malay sultanates were once reign supreme in this region conducting trades and economic transactions with world super-power of those days. These achievements could never be possible unless the Malays through their language Bahasa Melayu, able to convey and develop their own knowledge system for their civilizational advancement as portrayed in the history. The proof of their succesess and contributions had been showcased from February to June this year by Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in the exhibition entitled “Al-‘Ilm: Science and Innovation in the Islamic World”.

Further more, Bahasa Melayu as rightly deliberated by Tan Sri. Professor Dr. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas, is also a member of vast network of Islamic languages such as Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Turkish where many scientific key terms are being shared across among each of them. All these great Islamic languages have churned out numerous accounts of scientific works that made Scientific Revolution possible in the West during the Renaissance and Enlightenment era. Contemporary academic discourses especially in the West have already acknowledge how indebted they were to the Islamic civilizations in bringing forth their scientific knowledge via the translations of the works from its original language bearer which mainly were Arabic and Persian into Western languages. By altering Bahasa Melayu to Bahasa Malaysia we have done great injustice to the language itself by cutting its original root and authority in which it has hinged upon the successes and potentials exemplified by the Malay civilization in the world history.

On the account of the biasness of policy-makers against English as a colonial and foreign language, this is not unfounded and unacademic assumption. Our early policy-makers understood well that Malaysia being a post-colonial country needs a solid foundation for its national education with its own identity rather than co-opting the largesse of Colonial British. The formulation of our national education system is a two-pronged effort not just about attaining advancement and prosperity in material sense but also in forging the national unity. This can be further testified through the formulation of National Culture Policy of 1971. From that policy ensued more robust development plan that suites our local socio-cultural milieu that has stood the test of time in extending prosperity and avoiding calamity of the 1969 though there are still more room for improvements. Bahasa Melayu definitely is the language where knowledge transactions should occur especially with regard to scientific and any form of intellectual discourses in Malaysia because it befits and compatible to local values within the backdrop of our socio-cultural milieu as agreed through the formulation of National Culture Policy 1971.

In contrast, modern western science, which transpired through Western languages notably English, is indeed by nature, exhibiting colonialist tendency. This can be understood by closer reading of a work written by the father of modern science, Francis Bacon in his Novum Organum. Max Weber the great German sociologist has also confirmed how modern science that emerged after Renaissance and Enlightenment has disenchanted the realm of nature that currently lead to serious problems in the realm of science and extending them further into the life of modern man. Climate change, environmental destruction, extinction of species, and series of other global problems have been attributed to the dominant and imperialistic tendency of modern science has upon humanity as testified by western physicist and thinker such as Fritjof Capra in his seminal work The Turning Point: Science, Society, and the Rising Culture.

Colonialism in the Malay Archipelago has indeed to certain extend, stunted the development of Bahasa Melayu in becoming the main language of scientific discourse. Indigenous knowledge that came into fruition under the aegis of Bahasa Melayu were systematically being displaced by colonial language especially English, resulting the dominant of Western science over traditional and indigenous knowledge.

Modern sciences that currently persist in our education system are mainly drawn from the Western scientific corpus that arose from the experience of Scientific Revolution in the West in the era of Enlightenment. Though there are universal benefits and values that we can shared and utilized from the Western scientific achievements, yet still there are many things that deem incompatible to our world-view for example on the teaching of Darwinian evolutionary theory that has been subsumed into various knowledge disciplines such as sociology and economic. If incompatibility arises, it is due to the incongruence and unfounded basis that Western science has upon our indigenous sciences, for example theory of evolution has never been integral to the Easterners especially among the Muslim whereas the feud between Evolutionist and Creationist is never-ending in the West.

Currently Western world is in deep intellectual, cultural and spiritual crisis as manifested through series of unfortunate events in Europe and United States of America. It is an intellectual and cultural suicide for us to improve our livelihood by just using their knowledge system without critically engaging upon their scientific discourse via our indigenous intellectual lenses. It is such a waste for us not to think on reviving our very own knowledge system that hinged upon our socio-cultural milieu where language is one of the main intrinsic foundations in the development of those indigenous sciences.

Since Bahasa Melayu is the national language of Malaysia, it is our duty as Malaysians to spearhead the development of the language in acclimatizing it to contemporary scientific challenges. We cannot just short-change ourselves on the basis of utilitarianism and short-termism especially with regard to education, which by default is a value-laden pursuit for excellence. Malaysia can show to the world the diversity that we have can be galvanized further not only at level of socio-cultural richness but also reviving civilizational glory in scientific discourse that fits into the real needs and purposes of our people rather than blindly following the dictation of faceless multinational corporations. For that to be realized, one must be aware upon our national identity that was forged by our forefathers for us to strengthen and refine in standing against another test of time.

Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal,
Research Fellow,
Assembly of Intellectual Muslims (HAKIM).

This essay was published on The Star dated November 27, 2011

Picture taken from Nuruddin Ar-Raniri’s Durr al-Faraid Li Syarh al-’Aqaid, 16-th century Malay intellectual. 

Assalamualaikum & Greetings~ :)

Back in the olden days, Malay girls or young ladies in Malaysia are seldom seen clad in blouse & a pair of slacks. They were more often seen wearing baju kurung or baju kedah and kain batik. That simply symbolizes their decency. 

In this new trending world, modesty & decency is abruptly leaving oneself. From a fully covered attire, people tend to migrate to a cloth-less lifestyle. What causes this phenomena to occur? Why is this way more loved by current society? That is briefly an example to start with.

We can clearly see that this "nature" is not only engulfing the fashion-sense of our people, but it has also affected the behaviour, spoken-language & to anyone's disbelief, the gestures! These unpredicted ways have given a deep impact towards the environment of forgive & forget. With the heavy attitude, harsh words & improper sign-languages can cause a person to be wrecked at heart.

=======================================================
SITUATION : At a mamak restaurant, best friends meet as usual.
Ms.X: Hey friend!!
Ms.Y: Hello!! How are you today?
Ms.X: You are asking me?? I can't even sleep with you bugging me late yesterday night!! No brains?? 
Ms.Y: ~ ~ ~ +_=" (deep inside: why am i being talked to in this manner in public??)

--> Ms.X & Ms.Y could be the best of friends in this whole wide world. But Ms.X might not realize that Ms.Y is probably already having some problems of her own before the conversation. Ms.X's harsh words towards Ms.Y had made Ms.Y felt her best friend that she rely on most no longer loves her as a friend. :'(

If you were to be in Ms.Y's situation, which option is yours?
A. Forgive but will remember what she said for as long as you live.
B. Just forget what she said, but never forgive her doings.
C. Revenge is sweet!!
D. Forgive her and forget what had happened and move on.

Choice A
Normally, people have the tendency to forgive but not to forget. They forgive verbally but they bury the treasure of anger within their heart. They will remember every single word that is uttered towards them and every gesture that is portrayed against them. They will keep deep within their heart, long enough before it becomes a volcanic eruption. At a point when an argument begins, they will start to recall all the negative moments that have occurred all this while. They will start blaming each other for as little as childish stuffs.

Choice B
People with this choice will have the similar attitude as of choice A, but this time around they will try to erase the scene from their mind and at the same time they make an oath not to forgive the person as long as they live. The grudge within oneself can one day turn bad and stale the whole friendship / relationship into one big puddle of mud!

Choice C
As the saying goes "What you give you get back!", people with this choice will somehow seek opportunity to revenge on the other person that had embarrassed them publicly. The slightest mistake of the opponent will create the path for them to be nailed down. They will feel very satisfied with their revenge.

Choice D
Easy-going people often make this option their choice. They have good intention in the friendship / relationship. They would not want a simple mistake to become a huge obstacle in their communication in future. Therefore they'll go with this choice bearing in mind that "Every human makes mistake!". This kind of attitude is not only loved by people around them but also The Creator.

========================================================

Towards the end-of-the-world era, we as human have to start thinking about real life!! If we are prone towards negative doings, we shall stop and start repenting, as this is now the perfect time to wash away all our sins that have mounted up since puberty. Apart from Prophet Muhammad S.A.W., no one in this world is clean from sins, in other words maksum. So we better gear-up ourselves and start nearing the mosque or musollah. Our steps should also more often meet ways to attend religious talks or discussions.

We no longer have time for pleasure and pointless leisure. These activities can lead us to do lagha things. Therefore, no matter how pious you are or how devilish you are, start cleansing yourself now. No matter what people do to you, revenge is never sweet as the larger revenge shall be in akhirat (after-life). Just forgive the person who hurt you, regardless of how hurtful you felt, for the benefits will take place later.

The more you have the grudge feeling, not having the slightest intention to forgive others, the more you will actually suffer!! Because you will keep thinking of it over and over again regardless of time. It will cause an emotional breakdown and you will just simply collapse then ...

Therefore it's your choice to FORGIVE or FORGET or FORGIVE & FORGET~

MAFIA: We live our life only once. Make useful things out of it. Never let the bad influence come into your way to live a good life. Be happy and smile always. Open your heart to forgive others because Allah will forgive you. Remember: "Every human makes mistakes! A matter of big or small that matters~".

Assalamualaikum & Selamat Sejahtera :)

Wow!! Title untuk post kali ini nampak macam GEMPAQ kan? ^_^ Ini bukanlah propaganda semata-mata, tapi itulah perancangan yang telah dibuat dan invitation di Facebook yang telah dihantar kepada majoriti Alumni IKRAM. Namun atas sebab kekangan masa dan pekerjaan, maka kami hanya dapat mengumpulkan wakil-wakil daripada 5 generasi sahaja. Tapi alhamdulillah, respon daripada wakil-wakil ini adalah amat baik. Oleh itu, setelah perbincangan dibuat, 31hb Mac 2012 menjadi pilihan & mendapat kata sepakat. :)

Apakah tujuan program ini?

* Menjalin semula ukhuwah yang terbina kerana Allah yang telah lama terputus kerana masing-masing mengejar cita-cita

* Mengeratkan janji persahabatan yang pernah kita terbina

* Mencari semula jejak terciptanya ikatan istimewa kita sebagai keluarga

Tempat kami menunggu ahli dari Klang, Puncak Alam/Perdana, Subang ialah di Restoran Hakeem lama di belakang UiTM Shah Alam (seperti Unplanned Programs yang sering kami adakan ^_^). Sementara menunggu ketibaan tetamu-tetamu kehormat, kami yang dari Shah Alam sudah bersiap sedia memesan sarapan pagi bertemankan suasana sejuk kerana hujan renyai-renyai sejak pukul 8.30 pagi.

Setelah penat menunggu mereka semua, akhirnya penantian kami berakhir setelah semuanya berkumpul. Yang menambahkan kemeriahan dan mencuit hati masing-masing ialah apabila team dari Klang dengan penuh bersemangatnya memakai pakaian bersukan lengkap (kerana dalam tentatif prog terdapat aktiviti "mendaki bukit curam"). TAHNIAH!! Mereka berjaya menghidupkan suasana.

Tentatively, kami harus bertolak dari Shah Alam pukul 9 pagi. Namun atas faktor cuaca, dalam pukul 9.45 pagi kami bertolak. Kereta yang dipandu oleh Faiz (Abg Cha) mendahului dan kereta saya yang terakhir. Kami menggunakan 3 buah kereta yang comel-comel saiznya.

Kereta Satria Neo

Pemandu: Faiz

Peserta: 'Aisyah (Cha), Amin (Awe), Sayuti (Utea), Tuan

Kereta Viva

Pemandu: Fadhilah (D-la)

Peserta: Fatimah (Temah), Aziah (Azi), Huwaina (Wena), Diyana (Dee)

Kereta Kelisa

Pemandu: Shazwani (saya)

Peserta: Iman, Amirul (Kimi), Munawwar (Muna), Hafizi (Fizi)

Dalam hujan yang renyai-renyai itu kami menelusuri Federal Highway menuju ke NKVE. Namun malang tidak berbau, NKVE sesak yang teramat! Oleh yang demikian, tour guide telah detour dan menghala ke Sg.Buloh. Alhamdulillah tiada kesesakan di laluan tersebut. Namun hujan masih belum mahu berhenti. Tidak mengapa!! Kami berjiwa kental, bakal meredah halangan.. Insya'Allah.. :)

Separuh perjalanan, kami berhenti di R&R Genting-Sempah. Para peserta terpaksa berhenti untuk menyahut seruan alam (nature's call). Sambil itu mereka berpeluang membeli aiskrim d R&R tersebut. TAK LOGIK!! Hujan-hujan pun mereka sanggup bersejuk-sejuk lagi dengan aiskrim. Tapi tidak mengapa, asalkan mereka bergembira. :)


Setelah lebih kurang 20 minit berhenti, perjalanan diteruskan menuju puncak!! Kami memusingkan stereng menghala ke arah Bukit Tinggi. Perjalanan ke sana mengambil masa lebih kurang 30 minit selepas berlepas dari R&R GS.

Sesampainya di Bukit Tinggi, kami meregang-regangkan otot yang dah lama berdiam diri mendaki bukit yang curam. Harga bayaran masuk ke kawasan Bukit Tinggi ini adalah RM12 per person. Di parking area, mereka telah dipaksa oleh saya untuk memakai button badge yang saya reka khas buat semua.


Kembara kami bermula di Colmar Tropicale. Areanya ala-ala di England. :) Kami naik dari carpark, terus menuju ke satu bangunan yang sangat tinggi sesuai untuk sight-seeing of the whole Colmar. Kiranya bangunan tu boleh dikategorikan sebagai menara tinjau. Pelbagai aksi-aksi yang tak pernah orang awam fikirkan, telah para peserta lakukan.

~ Temah tiada dalam gambar kerana sedang sibuk menguruskan pembelian hartanah :P ~

Selesai menjelajah ke Japanese House yang sungguh sederhana itu, kami turun semula ke tempat meletak kenderaan. Kami berehat-rehat sebentar sementara menunggu untuk makan-makan ringan tengahari. Cuma makan-makan ringan roti sekaya & lovely cupcakes yang Temah buatkan untuk Azie.

Sudah kenyang melapik perut, enjin kereta dihidupkan dan kami menuju ke R&R GS. Di sana kami berhenti untuk solat Zohor & Asar. Asal cadangan hendak makan tengahari di sana, tapi tiba-tiba idea yang lebih bernas munucul di minda! :)



MAFIA: Setiap yang bermula pasti akan berakhir. Itulah yang dinamakan program! Namun permulaan ukhuwah kita tanpa paksaan, maka pengakhiran ukhuwah kita perlukan kerelaan & keredhaan. :)

Pengecualian dari hukum asal ikhtilat tersebut 

Apabila Wujud Keperluan atau Hajat Muamalat Maliyyah (urusan harta)

3. Penyaksian (urusan mahkamah) 

Penyaksian wanita diterima syara. Di dalam kes-kes tertentu seperti dalam kes harta dan berkaitan. 

4. Urusan kerja 

Wanita diharuskan keluar rumah untuk bekerja dengan izin suami atau penjaganya. Urusan kerja kebiasaannya melibatkan pergaulan wanita dengan lelaki. Tambahan pula bilangan tempat kerja yang mengasingkan antara lelaki dan perempuan secara total amat terhad. 

Harus bagi seorang wanita melayani tetamunya dengan syarat ia mestilah ditemani oleh suami atau mahramnya. Ini kerana, kewujudan suami atau mahramnya untuk mengelakkan berlakunya ‘khalwah’ (bersunyi-sunyian) antara seseorang wanita dan tetamunya. Begitu juga, harus bagi seseorang wanita untuk makan bersama tetamunya dengan kehadiran suami atau mahramnya bagi menjaga hak-hak tetamu. 

6. Keperluan lain yang tidak bertentangan dengan syariat 

Oleh itu pergaulan yang berlaku contohnya dalam kenderaan awam dibolehkan atas alasan ianya adalah keperluan yang mendesak. Namun demikian, keharusan ini tertakluk kepada syarat perempuan itu keluar rumah bukan untuk tujuan yang tidak syarie seperti untuk berfoya-foya . Ia mestilah bertujuan syarie seperti bekerja untuk menyara diri atau keluarga , menziarahi keluarga , pesakit dan sebagainya. Begitu juga keadaannya jika seseorang wanita perlu ke tempat-tempat awam seperti stesen bas, keretapi, pasaraya dan sebagainya. 

Pergaulan antara lelaki dan perempuan di dalam majlis-majlis keramaian yang tidak bertentangan dengan syarak seperti kenduri kendara atau majlis-majlis keraian, ziarah keluarga atau jiran serta sahabat, melayan tetamu dan sebagainya dibolehkan. 

8. Pergaulan semasa belajar 

Umum mengetahui bahawa situasi keadaan di Malaysia di mana semua rakyatnya berhak untuk mendapatkan pendidikan. Walau bagaimanapun, mungkin timbul dalam usaha menuntut ilmu ini, persoalan tentang pergaulan yang mungkin wujud semasa proses pembelajaran tersebut. Sebagai pelajar sudah tentu akan wujud bentuk komunikasi antara rakan sekelas seperti bertanya soalan, study group dan tugasan secara berkumpulan dan sebagainya. Semua ini jelas menunjukkan betapa pergaulan tidak dapat dielakkan semasa proses pembelajaran.

Adab-Adab Ikhtilat dalam Islam 

Tidak bersentuhan antara perempuan dan lelaki ajnabi. 

1.Tidak melihat perempuan atau lelaki secara mengamati dan menaikkan syahwat. 

Andai anda mahu membaca lebih lanjut berserta dalil2 yang lebih meyakinkan, sila berjumpa Mr.Iq ~ ^_^

Tapi INGAT!! Jangan gunakan pengecualian2 di atas sebagai landasan untuk kita bermaharajalela di sebalik kelonggaran yang diberi. Don't take advantage!! Batas atau sempadan untuk pergaulan bebas antara lelaki dan perempuan itu tetap ada walaupun terdapat kelonggaran tertentu yang berlandaskan syariat. Sila fahamkan dan amalkan lalu sebarkan~