Yesterday, there were two pieces of news that caught my attention, both incidentally related to freedom of religion. In Britain, they plan to be more accommodating towards the Muslims living there whereas in a Muslim but secular Turkey, the Parliament has just agreed to drop the veil prohibition among Muslim female university students. At a glance, there're no difference between these two as both aimed at allowing the faithful to abide by their religious teachings.
Alas, Turkey once the icon and the heart of a Muslim empire have just agreed to allow its citizens to wear the tudung, which is of course mandatory among women and gents of age. There should not be any questions on the necessity to cover one's aurah, be a he or a she, both have to cover theirs appropriately - everything except the face and the hands (wrists and fingers) must be covered for the women. What the Turkish feared is that they will lose their secularism which is of course is against the true teachings of Islam. Secularism among others means that religion and its fulfillment are personal matters and thus have no relationship with the State.
It was first initiated by Mustafa Kamal soon after the demise of the Uthmaniyyah in the early 20's. Since then, Turkey has lost her bearing and standing as the source of reference and as the only great Islamic empire in the modern days. It was reported that when he was nearing his last days, the so called Attaturk suffered a massive heat surge and had to be submerged into the sea to reduce the heat that was claimed to engulf him.
Since then, Turkey although trying her best to be accepted as a European nation remains as a Pariah in Europe until today although she had discarded her Islamic status to embrace and become a full fledged secular nation. If we go to Turkey, many will assume that it is not a Muslim state because the appearance is more European rather than Islamic. The Haiga Sofia or the Blue Mosque for instance is no longer what it used to be - a mosque, where people congregate to worship the Almighty.
Being faithful to religious teachings shouldn't be feared but instead everyone must embrace it with the highest commitment. Following or adhering to religious commandments will not disintegrate the nation instead it will make them even more prosperous than ever. Wearing tudung or hijab will not reduce a nation to the Stone Age instead it will become more advanced as the people are really into religion which commands the followers to achieve greater height both in this world and in the Hereafter.
Look at Bosnia, after sufferings under the Serbs they are now starting to enjoy development as they realise that they may have not been faithful before as they should be. In fact we need not go far, look at our country where the Muslims are trying their best to become better Muslims and the world acknowledge us to be a role model among Muslims. While we are observing the faith, we become what we are today an almost developed nation - an n Asian Tiger along with China, Japan and the rest.
We should not be ashamed of ourselves or even doubt our own faith, as Allah has said the Holy Quran that Islam is a perfect religion none will He accepts in the Hereafter except Islam and if we as Muslims are still in doubt of our faith authenticity therefore it is a waste as Non Muslims themselves have acknowledged that Al - Quran is really the words of God as no human even the best orator could copy or come out with verses of similar quality. Have faith in your faith and do not look at religion as separate from the State.
“Still Trying to be a Better Muslim - a Mukmin"
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