Thursday, March 29, 2007
My Madrasah experience
As a Chinese girl who grew up very much in an English speaking environment, I was filled with many doubts and apprehensions on the Islam religion and the Muslim’s way of life. Despite having Malay friends around me, I had very little understanding of the Islamic religion and its practices. I was aware of their need to consume Halal food and fast during the fasting month, but that was that much , or should I say that little I knew. Finally, an opportunity to clear all my doubts and questions came knocking on my door and it was none other than the immersion programme with the Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah (MWTI).
Used to the usual routine of singing the national anthem and pledge taking for morning assembly, it was indeed refreshing to see that the MWTI students started every morning with a morning prayer. Unlike us Tjcians who cannot even stand still when the anthem is sung, the MWTI students immediately fall into straight rows and silence to piously recite the prayer with their head prefect. It was heartwarming to see a whole community even the young ones praying together and submitting themselves to God. As if I was not impressed enough, we were brought to see their prayer session in the hall. Standing and prostrating as one big family, I could see the very eminent faith they possessed, something Christian kids should learn.
One thing that struck me the most during the 2 days was their humility. How they never seemed to complain about anything, how they seemed to be satisfied with whatever they had, even their small canteen that gave them limited choices of food. Tjcians are constantly complaining about the canteen serving lousy food with limited variety, that is where I feel Tjcians should pay MWTI a visit. I thought to myself, these people live in Singapore too, most of whom come to school in big and luxurious cars. They are as modern as us but yet why are they so much less demanding and complex as us students in the mainstream. Perhaps, it was because of their strong faith in their religion that teaches them to accept whatever god has given them and be thankful for it. Also, despite having to do 5 prayers a day, never did I hear a single complaint or sense and reluctance. I feel that the youths in my church have to learn from them as some cannot even commit a single hour weekly to God. Thus, although I am not a Muslim, looking at their way of life has really humbled me and no doubt made me reflect on my role as a whole person and a Christian.
This exchange has no doubt cleared all my doubts on the Islamic religion- why they pray 5 times a day, the rituals and faith that they believe in. Also, although the MWTI students are not from the mainstream education, they are by no means different from us. In fact they are even more admirable for their dedication to their religious studies, juggling it with their academics. It again makes me reflect as a Christian, how I used to dread going for my weekend religious classes.
I’ve made so many new friends despite the short 2 days and the differences we bore. It really saddens me to leave the family of MWTI but I am also extremely grateful and thankful that I took on this opportunity. I feel that in order for Singapore to be more integrated racially and be more understanding towards different races, such programmes should be carried out actively in schools. It enables us to take a further step beyond just accepting to actually understanding and appreciating each other. It has really been an eye opening and humbling experience for me, and at least I can now proudly proclaim that I have worn a Tudong before and that I have attended a Madrasah for 2 days.
Pictures will be uploaded real soon!!
Special thanks to my buddy Faseha and all who made the stay so enjoyable and fulfilling!!
The head prefect is hot! oops!
Posted by Brendy at 10:16 PM