Selamat Hari Raya

There are times when I wish that more positive image of Muslims are shown in the mass media, and that good Muslims are considered representative of Islam rather than the exceptions. Apparently, to many friends here, Japanese and non-Japanese alike, "Muslims" often remind them of terrorists, a bunch of people opposed to any intellectual discussion, and yes, oppressed women.

This morning, in Nihongo 1 class, we learned how to say “there are bla bla bla inside/outside/next to/near bla bla bla”. We were asked to practice by telling our peers what was the content of our bags. When it was my turn to show my group what I had in my wallet, one Chinese (as in from China) girl seemed amazed that I am in possession of a driving licence and to learn that I could drive.

I supposed she thought Muslim women in Muslim countries are not allowed to drive when she learned that women are prohibited from driving in Saudi Arabia. Hence the surprise registered on her face when she was told that many Muslim women around the world can drive and are legal drivers. She also seemed fascinated at learning that not only I am a blood donor, but also have pledged to be an organ donor (with a Malaysian organ donor card to prove it) and that Islam allows it.

While I’m far from being an exemplary Muslim, sometimes I do wish that my deeds or doings could be considered representative of Muslims in a positive way. Like letting others know that yes, Muslim women can drive too. And yes, we can be involved in outdoor activities too (my group saw my photo taken at the top of Kinabalu). And yes, we can do well in studies too (alhamdulillah, I have gotten the top place in several Nihongo 1 tests now)

I often got stared by kids on the road and has gotten quite used to it. Once, upon returning from collecting my Alien Registration card at the City Office in Naka Meguro, I came across a bunch of elementary school students, coloring and doing their stuff in the outdoor. As I walked further ahead, I saw two boys and two girls from the same class, seemingly lost as they kept guessing which road to turn into. When I passed them, I stopped and directed one of the girls in halting nihongo to where their friends were. The girl thanked me profusely and one of the boys stared at me in suprise, perhaps because he did not expect a weird-looking lady in hijab bothering to stop and help them out. I smiled as I walked away, hoping that I had left some good image of Muslim to those young kids.

Two days ago, upon returning from buying some ingredients for rendang, kuah lodeh and kuah kacang, I was given a chance to help out a blind obaasan (granny) walking up the stairs at the Shin Okubo eki. I don’t think the lady knew that it was a Muslim who assisted her, but I hope that there is at least someone among the crowd who saw that small common courtesy act who took it as a positive image of Islam. I knew that someone actually appreciated it. As I entered the train, there was one vacant seat, and the obasan (auntie) who entered the train before me invited me to take the seat. She sat down when a seat became vacant at the following eki, so I knew she was not the type who prefer standing over sitting in the train, and her offering the seat to me first was an acknowledgement of some sort that she approved of my earlier deed.

On the eve of this Eid, while I know my life is still far from being exemplary, I found myself hoping that with what little I can do, I can somehow contribute to reflect Islam in a positive image among my foreign friends as well as the people around me. That perhaps, will give my sacrifice of being away from home (especially from my young son) so soon after giving birth, a deeper meaning and makes my stay here more worthy.

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To all my Muslim readers, at home and abroad:
Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Maaf zahir dan batin.
Kullu a’m wa antum bikhair.

P/S: The news people have predicted fair weather on Bunka no Hi (tomorrow) and the day after. So, insya Allah, Malaysian Muslims in Tokyo will not only enjoy a day off (Bunka no Hi - Cultural Day is a national holiday) but a fine weathered Eid too...