W3: Issues of Sustainable Development

The Problem of Racial Unity in Malaysia

Assalamualaikum W.B.T, 

For this week, we have been enlightened about the Issues of Sustainable Development in Malaysia. One of the critical and never-ending issues that frequently raised among the community in this country is the problem of racial unity. This is indeed a very serious matter that affecting sustainable development in this country and should be taken seriously by all Malaysians.

Malaysia consists of various races with the main three races, which are Malay, Chinese and Indian. The life of a multi-racial society in Malaysia makes this country more developed, harmonious, and strong when all races are united. However, the problem of racial unity is still inevitable. The issues between these races are not only occurring from the social aspect but often occur in political and economic matters too.

Religious and cultural differences are among the main reasons for the emergence of issues and disputes between these races. I believe that the main reason is that there are people who lack common sense and respect for the culture and beliefs of other races, and this issue getting worse and severe nowadays. 

High racial sentiment sometimes has caused some people to lose their sense of humanity. They can no longer distinguish which is good and which is bad when dealing with people of different races and religions. Undeniably, most of us just want to hang out and interact with our race only and being ignorant of other races. 

As for me, honestly, I too prefer to be with my race because I rarely have acquaintances from other races since I'm from an Islamic secondary school and I don't remember if I ever have any friends from other races in my primary school. Even now, I'm studying in an Islamic university too. Thus, I don't have any chance to get along with them yet. I only come across them in public places like in shops, bus stations and so on.

Despite that, I believe that I would never be inhumane and ignorant towards them. In fact, if I ever get a chance to be friends with them, I would love to because I always wanted to know how they are doing in life, like how they do religious things, what are their cultures, and so on. This somehow can open my mind and understand them better, and at the same time praying so that they will get guidance from Allah to embrace Islam. Besides, it would make me more grateful to be born in Islam and there is nothing more I could ask for. 

In Malaysia, one of the great people that I really admire and want to emulate is Ustaz Ebit Lew. He is a very generous person in helping all Malaysians who are in trouble regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion. He is willing to provide voluntary assistance in terms of money or living necessities to those who need it. Indeed, his deeds were very good and noble, which would show a good image of Islam to many people especially non-Muslims. Thus, more non-Muslims will see the beauty of Islam and will tend to embrace it.

By his actions and his prowess, he has not only helped the poor in terms of property, but he has also succeeded in helping the poor in terms of religion; managed to remove people who had been trapped in a dark hole for years and showed light to their lives (Islam). He managed to convert many people who were previously non-Muslims who always did things that were cursed and forbidden by Allah. Below I've attached some videos from Youtube which show the greatness of Ustaz Ebit Lew and his kindness in helping people:

(UEL was helping Indian)

(UEL was helping Malay)

(UEL was helping Chinese)

Videos below show Ustaz Ebit Lew successfully converting non-Muslims to Muslims:

To conclude, just because we are not close, not having the same culture, and not worshipping the same God doesn't mean we can't be united. It doesn't mean we can be disrespectful and rude towards each other. We all should treat each other as human beings, which means we must apply good values that we want to get that in return. The most important value is that we must show respect towards other religions, cultures, lifestyles, and opinions like we want them to respect ours too. Only that we can be united and live happily and harmoniously, besides achieving the sustainable development aims and goals in this country. The sustainable development goal related to this issue is SDG number three, which is good health and well-being. Racial Unity is under the well-being of society. 

Islam has taught us to maintain a relationship with fellow human beings. Whatever the situation is, we should do good to other people regardless of who they are, especially for non-Muslims. It is because we will never know how our lives and theirs will end. Perhaps their ending is better than ours, where one day they might embrace Islam and become better Muslims than us. Thus, it is important to maintain good relationships with everyone so that our lives will be ease and simplified, and so that we will get the blessings and pleasure of Allah in this world and hereafter.