In the past year, an alarming number of gang rapes are reported in the local newspapers. Each and every incident was horrifying.  Young adults, young women and older women were  not even spared.  There may be many more horrendous cases that was never reported for various reasons. Offenders get to go free quite often while the  victims suffer.The few groups who  advocate to fight against such crimes and social problems are ineffective.

Raping, killing and mugging have become the norm of our daily life. There are many other social issues that need to be addressed, and tackled too. But these are not ‘important’ issues for debate and discussion for the law-makers, religious leaders, politicians and the public. Most people  are more concerned and worried about trivial issues to notice or even to care about the bigger problems in our society.  And we,  the public act as  blind and deaf puppets. We let others manipulate and deceive us. We help them to achieve their own agenda for nothing in return.

Hate Messages - from Facebook

It is this type of madness that proves it is violent and intolerant. It is then, people doubt about its teachings, and question those who claim to follow the ‘true authentic path’ as genuine believers. The cult behavior that promotes your sect of Islam frustrates many people, including me. That frustration is leading to rebelliousness and  to break free from an imposed religion.

You are not advocating for a peaceful religion, you are not fighting to protect Islam, but you are promoting an “Arab religion” and their culture and customs. Yes, you heard me right! It’s not Islam that you follow but the ‘Arab religion’ where everything is recited in Arabic, praising, magnifying and glorifying God.  Even greeting each other is uttered in Arabic, not in Spanish, French, Urdhu or in Dhivehi, but in Arabic. Sometimes I wonder if God is an Arab, a ‘person,’ who is capable of understanding only one language. Or if the Devil converses only in Arabic.

“The Arabs insist all ‘Muslims’ irrespective of their racial origin and language follow the supposed personal habits of an Arab prophet in all things, including the way he dressed, stood, slept, ate and cared for his teeth.” (Quoted from “Arab Conspiracies Against Islam.”)

Its idiotic when you say, “Allah is most merciful and most forgiving” and when you stress, we  should recite in Arabic, if not, it’s unacceptable to God. But you never seem to ‘understand’ the contradiction there, ‘self-sufficient’ God ‘demanding’ from His slaves, unwilling to forgive to those whose native language is not Arabic.

The people and the books that influenced you failed to teach you, that there is no compulsion in Islam and no one should be pressured or threatened to embrace it.  You don’t understand the difference between Islamic religious practices and the Arab cultural practices that influence Islam. Sunni, Shia and Wahhabism are sects in the ‘Arab religion.’  Isn’t it inappropriate for a ‘pious’ person like you to express loathing and hatred towards the others who follow a different sect?

Your bloodthirsty state of mind envisioned me practicing Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity and sometimes you suspect I could be an atheist.

You told me not to eat from my Hindhu friend’s house because she may have offered the food to her idol God, before she cook the vegetables or cut the fruits which you say, would be ‘haram’ for me.

It is baffling how you over reacted when I attended the Wesak celebrations with a Buddhist friend to see the lanterns and the parade.  I was hesitant to go inside the temple, thinking they would not like a Muslim in their temple, but to my surprise they were eager to welcome me. Just imagine an unbeliever getting the same treatment in a Muslim place of worship!

If you are  inhumane, what you advocate in the name of religion has no value to it.  The notion that Muslims are the most superior people on earth and their faith would survive and strengthen if we stay ignorant about other faiths is simply ridiculous.

You say you do not shave your beard because you love your Prophet. You keep your pants above ankle because you believe “what hangs below the two ankles is in fire.” But you dishonor your parents and siblings and disregard your relatives.

You advocate women to choose Arab garments, emphasizing to choose black color over the others because it ‘protects’ women better.  And you shamelessly stare at women, veiled or not, when the teachings you claim to believe recommend you to ‘lower your gaze.’

You say you spend your time learning Quran and Hadith and there is no time to work and earn a living.  But you have two wives and four children to support.  It is very convenient and justifiable for you to ‘borrow’ and not pay back the  ‘haram money’ others earn, working ten or twelve hours a day, seven days a week.

It does not stop there.

You frown  family get togethers, because it is someone’s birthday.When it is Eid you don’t greet or give  gifts to those whom you ‘believe’ are Kaafir’s in the family.

It irritates you when you see us read anything other than Quran, watch anything other than those nonsensical ‘Sheikh’s performing’ their best act on television.

And you find time to stalk others and me on Facebook and look at photographs.  Then, you call or text us to teach ‘true Islam.’

Now why am I ranting here? Because I am angry about all that has has happened and that still continues. I am outrageous because this was allowed to happen.

image from Facebook.

I am angry because you resemble so much like one of them. I am mad because just like them, you believe that we should follow your cult.

I am furious because we were all in denial, unwilling to accept the fact that there are extremists in many corners of this island nation. Anyone who is bold enough to acknowledge that fact and express concern is label as ‘unbelievers.’ Only a few young people envisioned  it would, one day, lead to violence. No one else did!

Finally, its out in the open. Blood shed in the name of religion. It does not matter if it is one individual or hundreds.  If it is a minor or a major injury.  What is important to acknowledge and understand is a ‘new type of  war’ has begun. They are openly advocating to murder anyone  whom they SUSPECT, and BELIEVE to have  a different belief  or aspire to embrace another religion or follow none. And we just ignore all these and sit and wait? For how long? Until when?

Indeed, one of the ways to bring harmony to the world is through enhanced pluralism. Pluralism means that you realise there are many paths to the truth. There is not just one right way. The tree has many branches and leaves, but the roots are the same. We come from the same source and we inhabit the same planet. We face the same challenges of being human. Pluralism means actively promoting tolerance, understanding, and respect.

While you may worship a God different from that of your neighbours or worship no God at all, there are lessons you can learn from every faith tradition.” The Power Of Giving.

Today, some Maldivians believe that there is just one right way, and every Maldivian should follow it their way. We  act upon our wishes without even thinking about the consequences. There is no respect and tolerance towards other faiths, friendly nations and individual people.

How can I embrace your way, when you set such bad examples? How can I be a proud Muslim, a Maldivian, when your actions are so pathetic and humiliating?

The thought that comes to my mind now is, rebel and not belong to a group of people filled with hatred.

When I reached the main road it was already blocked by vehicles, the morning rush as usual. I was listening to the radio, looking at the traffic light, occasionally glancing at others trapped in their cars. The woman in my right lane was signaling to enter my lane. She was eating something and playing with her phone.

The light went green twice but no one moved.  The third time it was green, still there were  no movement from anyone, except the woman on my right. She suddenly made a move to enter my lane and I panicked and honk and stared at her, frozen at that moment. She stared back and took control of her car. I felt we both stared at each other for a long time. Suddenly, she drove away  and took a U-turn and vanished. She was in the U-turn lane and no one was in front of her all that time. I thought she has escaped and abandon whatever she has to do this morning.

I drank some water and ate a ‘foah kolhu’ to let my nerves cool down before the traffic began to move. And in less than twenty minutes, another incident. On my route, there is a very busy junction that is always congested, as it leads to many exit points leading to other major roads and high-ways. But it is rare for me to get stuck in that crawl, as I have to take a U-turn from this particular area, instead of crossing the junction. So, my lane is almost always free, as it is a ‘free right’ with no traffic light and the traffic always moving.But there would be people who have to approach from that  ‘free right,’ to get into other lanes to cross that junction. Those  who cross the area everyday would know how it leads and would try to get in their preferred lane in a way without blocking it. But today, there was one car that was blocking our way. The lane he intended to get in was not moving as the light  is red. He chose to wait in the wrong lane, without any consideration to others, until he gets his way. A large majority of the drivers  in here are too disciplined to honk their car horns so its rare to hear that. So it was not surprising  to see when the  two cars and a motorist in front of me waited patiently. I did the same.

From my rear mirror I could see a motor bike and several cars behind me. Someone lost patience and started honking. After a few seconds we were able to move and I took the  U-turn. As I turned and moved towards the ramp ahead, I saw an orange car, on my left, with its windows down, giving me the finger. I thought what the fuck is wrong with this mad man? What have I done? I repeated his action but my windows were up and I was moving further away to my right, while he drove away to my left. I wished if he could see through my tinted glass. I realized there are several types of bullies and it was a road bully.

Morning incidents long forgotten, I started back home in the late afternoon, only to get stuck in an unusually slow bumper to bumper crawl. Forty five minutes passed and then an hour. Unable to move, alone, not knowing what is happening and when you would reach home is a torture itself. The only positive thing in that situation was that I had enough fuel on my tank, it’s cool inside and I could listen to some music. My mind drifted from one to another and to people and places I never wanted to go back.

The traffic began to move slowly after it seem like a  long, long time. I concentrated on the road and its movement and moved slowly but forward. Then I saw it. A man or a woman, someone’s daughter or son, a mother or a father has died in that road. The wreckage was there. The blood was there. The body covered in white cloth,  lay on the ground. I saw it. Tears began to flow from my eyes. My throat tightened but no sound came. I thought it could have been me. I thought if it’s me how would they trace the people to tell?  Who would know first?
When I reached home I wanted to talk to someone, anyone. But I did not call, not wanting to hear the word ‘busy now, call you later.’ I crawled into bed and tried to sleep but I could not.

According to her website “Watching “Sand Fantasy” come to life in real time has an extraordinary effect on the audience. A video camera is positioned over the glass table upon which Ilana creates her sand magic. The image is instantaneously projected onto a big screen for the audience to see. Specially chosen music, enhancing the mood, accompanies the entire process!”

I wish to get a chance to see her work in real time one day. It’s so mesmerizing, emotional and soothing!

Back then, I thought I would never be able to do that, ever! At that time it sounded really impossible to change the normal behaviour of throwing things. It was easier to make excuses and say it cannot be done as there are no separate bins for recycling.

However, my perception changed after my last vacation in February, this year. I met people who needs what we throw for their survival. I saw that there are creative people who could change it to usable items and there is a market for it. I began to realise that I should be more responsible about the way I live.

Now it’s not a problem for me to wash every bottle, carton and container and take it to the closest recycle centre five kilometres away. Still, there are no separate bins in this neighbourhood for recycling items. So the only option left is to carry it to Tesco Ampang Recycle Centre, which is the closest.

Few months back, on my first visit there, I noticed that those who are receiving the items have some physical disability. From the two young man, one limps and the other one has a bad hand. The old Chinese woman obviously has a spinal problem. But she always seems very enthusiastic in directing people and weighing the loads people bring in. On several occasions I’ve seen her ‘paying’ a small amount of money to those who bring in loads of stuff and people smiling and denying the reward.  Due to language barrier, I could not really understand what was going on until recently.  It seems there is a policy of ‘buying’ materials, if it exceeds a certain weight,  to encourage more people into the habit of recycling. The other thing I realised was that, we are not only contributing for a greener world, but we are helping the disabled people here, with job opportunities and helping to raise funds for projects that would benefit them.

Besides encouraging people to recycle, the Selangor government introduced the “No plastic bag campaign” earlier this year. Since then, most hypermarkets and grocery stores stopped providing plastic bags on Saturdays. Customers are encourage to take “green bags” if not, an additional twenty cent is charge for the bag, on every Saturday.  One may say twenty cent is not much to pay and they would rather pay the extra money and still get the plastic bag. Others would see it an opportunity to change our behaviour and be more conscious of our actions and its impact on our environment.

I decided I would carry my own “green bags” not only on Saturday’s but every day, when I shop. I have some of those reusable bags from the Maldives, yes, the yellow ones that says “Maldives, the sunny side of Life.” On two occasions I was ask, if I’m from the Maldives and is it truly going to sink one day. My answer was “I hope not!”

It’s ironic that our nation is one of the countries that are more vulnerable to global warming and we advocate for a greener world in many international forums, yet we failed to practice, and facilitate the people the very simple means to begin and to make a difference. It’s good to try to be a carbon neutral country, but would it help if we throw things that would harm our seas and the beaches? Shouldn’t we be starting at the very simple, basic level and move forward to harder tasks?

Over the years we had many more seasonal campaigns about environmental issues, but is there a changed in our attitude that shows any consistent progress? People still use iron rods to catch octopus and reef fish and breaks the coral formation in our reefs. We still throw plastic packets, bags and whatever else to the ocean, when we travelled by Dhoni. Most people in the islands still cut all their trees and build their houses just like in the capital island Male’, without leaving any space for greenery or better ventilation or even natural light to filter in their homes.

To do something it’s the people’s attitude that needs to change first. We would change our attitude when we are educated, conscious and understand the importance of doing something. If we really know that what we cannot use  is useful to someone else and by giving away such things instead of throwing, we  are actually helping someone else to earn an income, to help a cause, I guess no one would hesitate to be a part of it.

In reality most Muslim communities around the world go out of control on buying, preparing and wasting food during the month of Ramadan. In my Maldivian community it is a time for most men  to be lazy, tired and bad-tempered. They need to sleep more during the day and are usually more tired compared to women in most households. Women either enjoy or are forced into spending more time in their kitchen every day, preparing and experimenting new recipes until sunset. It is one of the rare seasons that women get praised and acknowledged as able beings because of their hard work in the kitchen.

Almost two weeks into Ramadan all I have heard from my fellow people is the talk about food and recipes, television shows, lack of sleep, fatigue and so on and so forth. Are we aware or do we care about other people’s sufferings in our nation and beyond? Is one’s spirituality is only about dealing all things related to what you believe in terms of religion and God?

Our religious teachers and the preachers always try to paint an image that Muslims are the best of humans in the world. They are supposedly the best example among people. Yet, again and again life experiences prove it otherwise.

It indeed is a surprise to me when an American woman, a believer of Christianity, who currently lives here, decided to fast on the first day of this Ramadan, in support and respect for her Muslim friends.

On the third day of this month, another surprising event took place when the initiative and the leadership came from non-Muslims among our group to raise funds for flood victims in Pakistan and to send the money to Red Crescent Pakistan Relief Fund.

Another friend is running to raise funds for child education in Nepal. He is also going to Nepal in October to teach children and to distribute stationary and books in support of the “Future Village” project. The trip is hundred percent self sponsored by him and with the support of his family and friends.

Five of my friends are volunteering in Autism centres twice a week to teach and rehabilitate children. Another two is helping to take orphans out for day trips once every weekend.

How these people perceive life and their role in this world is incredible when they don’t have a blessed month to feel the sufferings of others.

But for us it is a month of humility, patience and to learn, to reflect and do good deeds. Yet we’re showing our impatience on the road, at market, at home and elsewhere. Reckless and ill-tempered drivers on the roads and highways are a major problem here and it is known to increase during Ramadan. One should be careful in changing lane and overtaking a car whose driver is fasting or else expect to be harassed all the way to Toll Plaza. If the person also has a Smart Tag he could be just behind you, when passing toll plaza and follow you until you reach your destination. To identify such vehicles would be easy, as there would be many things hanging and pasted in the vehicle for one to figure that out.

During breaking fast with other Maldivians one should refrain from saying things that would offend them about the amount and variety of food they have made. There is no point in explaining the need to drink as much water before bedtime but be forced in to eating at least  several dishes. After all it’s Ramadan and we would not be eating during the day!

Our irrational behaviour, anger and frustrations are also blamed on Ramadan. Our extravagant and unhealthy lifestyles are also blamed on fasting. In Ramadan, we must consume certain foods no matter how expensive it is. A gift or food should be offered only to people of our class, our family and friends. Those who really need some of it are out there, but why bother and find them eh?

The new Religious Unity Regulations, which has been getting a lot of attention especially amongst some very concerned citizens of the Maldives, who also happens to be Muslims, is like a joke to many. Trying to preserve religious unity through a law or a regulation???

The President or the Adalath Party should not be under the illusion that religious unity could be maintained through force; we, the Maldivians, have been Muslims for centuries and religion was never a question of contention in the good old days. There were no laws or regulations relating to the preservation of Islam or religious unity. Those were the days when the deep rooted customs and values prevailed. Those were the days we allow our people to learn, to explore and to decide for themselves. We were then tolerant, supportive and not judgemental of others unlike now. We were strong in our beliefs. No one had to dictate and control what we read, what we watch and what we listen to.

However, now I am of the belief that, at this modern age and time, people, especially those who claimed to be experts in Islam and those who claimed to be wise politicians, are more ignorant of the realities and current circumstances. To simplify the matter, I am more inclined to believe that the cause for such a regulation by the Adaalath party is because they strongly believe that the Maldivians should practice the Islam that they are propagating. May be that these few people believe that they are the defenders and protectors of Islam while all the others are obliged, under a regulation, to be submissive to their version of Islam.

Religious unity cannot be achieved through the enforcement of a law or a regulation. It is a faith and it is within oneself. It is a way of life and is practiced in your daily life like respecting people and their opinion. Faith or a belief cannot be forced onto someone. And it is about time that we let the politicians know it is so.

No one would deny that open and honest communication between each other is very important to establish a close, meaningful relationships between parents and children, couples, friends or even with strangers. To have that connection we rely on different mediums of communication to interact with each other, whether we are near or far. Sometimes it is verbal, face to face communication. Other times it’s via Emails or telephone conversations. The most popular and fastest way of communicating with each other now is using instant text messages and using computers. Either way or mode is used; it’s all about interaction, communication and connecting with people. It’s about expressing yourself and letting others know how you feel. If we can express our interests, regrets, fears and doubts openly and honestly it is a blessing in disguise. If we can refrain from thinking that what is exchanged between is not a personal attack but a simple wish, an idea, a simple need, life would be so much more beautiful.

I have always believed no misunderstanding would occur if we express ourselves clearly and honestly. But today I cannot say I have that same belief. Today I feel that sometimes bluntness can backfire. Exactly a year ago I expressed how I feel, what I wish and reasoned that it is about setting priorities and giving importance to what one think is important in life. It was just a wish, a suggestion. No demands or threats made. A single cent would not have cost to do it. Still it became an issue, it is viewed as a personal attack. It was a good enough reason to become stubborn once again and break the little connection that existed. Why? Is it because to avoid any future repetition of such a ‘demand?’ Is it because one is too busy to deal with real issues in life? The issues that may sound complicated and perhaps may be threatening to future is easier to listen to and accept than the most simple issues? I wonder how much patience, tolerance and understanding one  requires to ‘ignore’ little things but important things for our survival. One year on and it’s time to celebrate, after all it’s an anniversary.

Quote. ‘You will always have to face criticism, which in its onslaught is like an interminable war: it shows no sign of ending. As long as you shine, give, produce and have an effect upon others, then disapproval and condemnation will be your lot in life. Until you escape from people by finding a tunnel in the ground or a ladder leading to the sky, they will not desist from censuring you, from finding fault in your character. For that reason, as long as you are from the denizens of earth, expect to be hurt, to be insulted and to be criticised.

If you desire to be accepted by all and loved by all, you desire the unattainable.’ Unquote.

The author of this book and the arguments made about several issues were based on Quran and Sunnah. In the Publisher’s Note it was written “Shaykh ‘Aaidh does something in this book that some Muslims might object to: At times he quotes Western and Eastern philosophers. Some might say that relying on their saying is contrary to what an Islamic author should do. However, Shaykh ‘Aaidh quotes Non-Muslims only when what they say is relevant to the subject matter and is in agreement with the truth.”

It sure would be hard to digest to many Muslims in our society today. I wonder if this Sheykh was referring to the same Quran and Sunnah some of our Sheikh’s refer too. If only our ‘Sheikh’s’ learned to write and preach in this manner, we would not be seeing this day, in this century.

Book
Al-Qarni, Aaidh. “Don’t be Sad.”
Translated by, Faisal ibn Muhammed Shafeeq. 2nd ed. Riaydh, 2003.

This is a comment that I received but did not approve as it was irrelevant to what I wrote in my earlier post “Dr. Zakir Naik and His Band.” A person who wishes to be known as ‘Issu’ bearing the IP: 124.195.201.229 wrote:  “Hilath you are a roanuedhuru .ok. Go fuck yourself with your gay partners.” Another disgusting comment was also made within seconds, perhaps may be the above comment failed to solace him at all. When he made his final comment he must be cooling down but apparently still very frustrated about what people write in their own personal blogs. The comment that I approved said; “if u don’t know how and what to write then keep silent and do not write all nonsense.”

Now, It is my turn to tell you something just in case you are following this blog secretly or if you still wish to come and harass me with your disgusting comments assuming I am a man named Hialth Rasheed.  So let me tell you it is my own personal blog, I would write my personal opinions and thoughts here and I would react to issues that worry me. If you have a problem with what I write, how I write, you better stay away from it. If you think you need to express yourself, do it in your own space in ways that you can do best.  All that frustration and hatred bottled up inside you is unhealthy and it may harm you one day. If you want your voice to be heard, try to express it in a positive way and deal with it.

People like you have made me realise that Hilath Rasheed is the most powerful person in the Maldives now. If not, none of you would be so threatened about what he writes and would not have to pester him and any other person who you think is in ‘disguise’.

As for Hilath, his independent work as a  journalist has earned him a place in our society that may not have happened if it was otherwise. Hialth, keep up the good work. You’re truly an inspiration.

To the anonymous fake commentators, all I’ve to say is I’m not Hilath and I’m not a man disguised as a woman so stop harassing me over the Net.

I would not say Dr. Zakir Naik is a better orator than some of the Maldivian preachers we see today. He is just another foreign “scholar” like Dr Bilal Philips, a substitute to advocate certain issues. For some Maldivians, it is more believable when it comes from a foreign source.

I am not surprised to see some people I previously thought as “educated and modern” justify and believe what Dr Bilal Philip has preached about young girls, who has reached puberty is ready for marriage. It would be more convincing for such people to hear what this doctor has to say about what should and should not be practiced in view of “medical and scientific evidence.”

He is not only a medical doctor by profession but a rich business man too. He is the owner and the host of Peace TV and  the founder and the chairman of Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), Mumbai, India.  Under IRF, Dr Zakir has established the “United Islamic Aid” a ‘charity’ organisation, encouraging Muslims around the world to pay their ‘zakat’ money to them. I do not understand why it is necessaryto contribute to his organisatons when every society has their own people who needs help.

Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, declares that his “United Islamic Aid” is “a unique well-organized central treasury, a ‘Baitul Maal’, under my personal supervision, we can change the lives of so many unfortunate Muslims for the better… in a more dynamic and organized way.”

It seems one should not worry and ask any question about where the money goes since it is under his “personal supervision.” I personally believe, it is not a good enough reason for us to be  contributing to his organisation. Why should we trust him and believe him, when he fails to provide information about how and where it is used?

There is no data about previously held events organised by the “United Islamic Aid” or IRF to help the needy Muslims around the world. Their website says  “we do not ask for huge amounts or all of the Zakaat that you should give, but just a commitment of a minimum sum of only US Dollars 250/- or Indian Rupees 10,000/- or Saudi Riyals 1000/- or an equivalent amount PER YEAR to become a supporting member of the “United Islamic Aid.”

Now, this leads me to several questions. Is Maldives a “supporting member” of this organisation? Has the Islamic Ministry of Maldives ever contributed to this “charity” from the Zakat we pay to the Ministry?  Did Dr. Zakir Naik ever extend a helping hand to the Tsunami victims or the less privileged Maldivians?

Why do the Maldivian government feel that he should be invited to preach in the Maldives, spending from our own national budget?  If he is just a humble man, a servant of Allah, who ONLY WANTS to spread the “true” teachings of Islam across the globe, why would he hesitate to spend for his trip?

As the planning and promotion of his visit is in progress, the rivalry between Akon fans and the Zakir fans has reached new heights in Male’. In the midst of all this, it reminded me that much criticism about women has been the subject of the most recent talks by the so called scholars.

I am apprehensive about the topics, “the family of preachers” would talk when they visit. Since the disturbing news about the practice of female genital mutilation, I hoped to hear more about the rulings on such practices. I wished there were talks to create awareness about such issues.

I wonder if the visiting “scholars” would speak about this issue. I wished to hear its practice is not part of the Sunnah of the Prophet but a tradition in some cultures. If not, I fear the practice may be supported and encouraged. I certainly do not wish to see such a day where there is a demand to circumcise our daughters in the name of following Sunnah so the ignorant, selfish men get to enjoy virgins for their life time .

Smiling is one of the best medicines around and it is free. Smile and laughter triggers healthy changes in our body physically and mentally. It is believe to have various health benefits. It strengthens your immune system, reduce the risks of heart diseases, and boost your energy and releases stress. Laughter helps us to relax and recharge and dissolve distressing emotions. It also helps us to let go of our defensiveness and helps us to express our true feelings.

Regardless of what life experiences we go through, there are few individuals who can smile and be genuinely happy about simple things in life. I believe they are able to smile and laugh because they are content within despite the circumstances at a particular time. Such people are like rare gems.

I was able to interact with such a gem, a man, who was my father’s age at  IGMH last year. It was remarkable that he was able to smile, laugh and crack jokes in spite of what he was going through at that time. I still remember him even though my interaction with him was only for four days in the gloomy waiting area of ICU .

One of my girlfriends is also blessed with such personality too. If we meet or talk she would lift my spirit instantly and leave me in a good happy mood for the rest of the day. I discovered a third gem quite recently. Every time I speak to him I feel that happy feeling because he is always warm, happy and smiling. I always end up grinning ear to ear, flashing my teeth and laughing all through the conversation. It is sad to realise there are few such people around us during most of our lifetime.

People have different opinions and it is not right, or wrong. Being human beings, these things should be accepted and tolerated. I have personally experienced that everyone who grows their beard or wear black gowns do not have the same extreme ideologies. In fact, some of them have never tried to advise me on how I should follow religion, what I should wear and whom I must be friends with. Instead, they simply tell me what they do, why they do and how it makes them feel. I respect such people. However, there are some people who try to enlighten me and think that they should show me the ‘right path.’ Sometimes I wonder why they insist and trouble so much; perhaps they think they need my company in heaven? Or are they certain that they would be chosen but I would not? Besides, there are Maldivians who actually believe that a man without a lengthy beard is not worth a human being, he should not be greeted verbally or with a hand shake. Same goes with the veil. Simply wearing veil is not good enough. It should be black, huge and perhaps accompanied with a foul odour too. It should be of a certain cut, colour and in length so when you walk it would sweep the road full of spit and rubbish and it is ok to pray in that garment without changing.

It baffles me when people try to force each other on things when we all say the belief of Muslims are, that Allah is the one and only god and there is no god except Allah, and it is he who judges us according to our deeds. So why are they judging others?  Why do they feel that they should hurt and punish people? If they believe in judgement day why are they so impatient about giving “the easy way out” to some of us? Do they really believe that God assigned them to the task and expect to do accordingly? Who are they to decide who goes to hell and who goes to heaven?

If you are so threatened about other people who are a bit different than you, why don’t you just go ahead and make plans to live in a place with less threatening people? Why don’t you all make a petition to raise funds or schedule appointments with people who might be able to help you go where you want? Don’t you think it would be better for you to be away from the Maldives before it sinks with all the evil people in it? You can enjoy the desert, mountains, goats and camels and live a life without toothbrush and toothpaste. Well, as you lot say it, that’s life for you.