I was in Bukit Bintang and Jalan Tuanku Abd. Rahman (TAR), the heart of Kuala Lumpur last Saturday for my break of fast and some shopping to usher in the 1st of Syawal. Syawal is the 10th month in our calender. Malaysians would know that Bukit Bintang is the hive of activities with many street performers, sketch artists, portrait artists, magicians and musicians.

The picture above is by a clown that was performing.

There is just so much of memories, reminds me of the days when I was earning some pennies by drawing for people in New Zealand. That helped foot my food and rent expenses. Those were the days.

I found this clown quite interesting because he is quite a small sized guy but he quite cheerful. He call himself Abang Bestz which means 'The Best Brother'. He packs quite a character, always smiley and cheerful. Although I know it is his job but its not easy doing it in a hot and humid weather and having fasted for the entire day. I met him in the evening and he is still as lively.

Then there is a live band which belted out nice songs. Particularly those ushering in the new year. Getting everyone into the festive mood.

After breaking fast, I saw this young girl performing. I think she is pretty qualified for openmic.

Meaning of Hari Raya

We are now in the month of Ramadhan. It is a fasting month for the Muslims. We breakfast after the sun has set. We prepare ourselves for an entire day of fasting before the sun rises. Fasting to us is abstinence and it is a reminder to us about how the poor feels, hungry and thirsty. It also reminds us of charity and brings us closer to God. In this month, we pray more, we study the Quran more and we bring ourselves to be better Muslims. Here abstinence means abstinence from smoking too and many of us take this opportunity to break our bad habits.

The teaching of Islam has been severely distorted. For those who use Islam to propagate fear, violence and hate they do not represent us. In our religion, we learn to be compassionate, peaceful and co exist with other communities.

In Malaysia, I hate to see when religion is used as a tool to divide rather than unite. Our differences actually gave us a good platform for a good and meaningful discourse. I would rather think that in a country with many cultural and religious differences, we learn tolerance and acceptance rather than sow the seed of discord. I see diversity as a unifying factor rather a tool to sow prejudice.