Response to Alex Chang

Aug 19, 2011 | Posted by Muzlimbuzz | News | 6 comments |

Dear Alex Chang,

When we first found out about the page that was created to ban you from all McDonalds in Singapore, it was 840am. By 910am, the number of Likes had jumped by about 200.

We’re sure you did not mean to get all the attention that you’re receiving. While your comment was distasteful, some of the responses you are getting are not pleasant either, and for that, we apologize.

It is Ramadan – where Muslims worldwide observe a month-long fast. The fast starts from the dawn prayer (also called fajr or more commonly in this region, subuh) and lasts till dusk (called maghrib). During such times (and the remaining 3 prayers that we have throughout the day – zuhur (noon), asr (afternoon), isya’ (night)) prayer is announced by the azan, or what you referred to as the Muslim chant.

Muslims wait anxiously for the call to prayer of maghrib in the evening, or dinner time, so that they may finally break their fast and eat and drink. Many restaurants and halal eating places, not only Macdonalds, cater to the 15% of Muslims in Singapore and play the azan so that we know that it’s time to break our fast.

We’re not sorry that it irritates you, but we’re sorry that maybe no one bothered to explain how significant the azan is to the Muslim fasting experience. We hope the explanation above suffices.

We’re not proud of the vitriolic comments and Wall posts that you have been receiving. Do understand that while Muslims try to refrain from getting angry and prefer to focus on their spirituality in this month, your comments rubbed them off the wrong way because of the tone you adopted. Do know that Muslims are peace-loving people and are more than willing to explain aspects of their faith if you had only asked sincerely.

We pray that this incident will not turn you off from getting to know Muslims in the future, but to propel you to start honest conversations in the spirit of harmony, understanding and living alongside people from various religions, cultures and ethnicity.

Muzlimbuzz warmly welcome your questions and friendship.

6 Comments

Leave your reply.

Azhar Kamar
· Reply

August 19, 2011 at 12:02 PM

Just wanna say that this is the best response I’ve seen so far with regards to this incident. Alhamdulillah.

Peace out!
Zee
· Reply

August 19, 2011 at 2:18 PM

I am appalled at the responses & even the FB page that was being created.

It’s Ramadhan, for Allah’s sake. Aren’t we supposed to learn how to be more taqwa; self-controlling – of any anger? Astaghfirullahal’azim!

Thank you for this article!
ZulfiqarAli
· Reply

August 19, 2011 at 6:05 PM

In the end I honestly think this way: Thank you, staff of McD Singapore for the gesture to alert us of the breaking of fast. But if we truly follow Ramadhan in the spirit of our great Prophet, we would have been done with it with just dates and a glass of water. Being in your restaurant can be wasteful on the expenses, and takes away a Muslim’s desire for the real purpose of the ad’zhan: Performing our Maghrib prayers.
Muzz Juri
· Reply

August 20, 2011 at 8:02 PM

Well said MUZLIMBUZZ !
LIBERATION OF SPORE MUSLIMS
· Reply

August 24, 2011 at 3:51 PM

To My fellow Muslims and Muslimahs,I hope the ramadan had been fulfilling for you,”Lailathil Qadir” or “Night of Power” is almost at our door’s,it is indeed crucial for us to engage in steadfast prayers,reciting the Holy Quran and reciting dikir.I pray,this ramadan would indeed be blissful,it will not only uplift us an Individual,but as community as whole.

We are seeing large influx of migrant communities from China,India and other part’s of the world.Singapore citizenship is given away like toilet paper!.We,muslims are pushed even further down the socia-economic
pedigree.It has become extremely difficult for muslims to find jobs.It resulted in many social problems in our community.The breakup of Muslim families due to not sufficient means to support the family.When the parents divorced,the tendency for the children to become juvenile delinquents (those who do unlawfull) are very high

Recently,a child who was born in singapore.He was named iqbal.He had a Malaysian mother and a Singaporen father.He was adopted by spore Muslims family.Though the mother,had agreed for the child to be adopted.THE CHILD was deported back to Msia,stating reason’s that his mum is msian and msia govt had requested for the child.This deportation was done without notifying the adopted family.Malaysian media,had reported the Singapore authorities had indicated the child must be deported.

IF THEY CAN GIVE CITIZENSHIP TO A CHINA BORN CHILDREN,WHOSE BOTH PARENTS ARE BORN IN CHINA??? WHY CAN’T THEY DO THAT TO A CHILD WHOSE FATHER IS A SINGAPOREN?? THE CHILD IS TAKEN OUT OF A ADOPTED FAMILY,PLACED IN MSIAN ORPHANAGE!!!!!

WE HAVE MUSLIM FAMILIES LIVING IN HDB IN ABSTRACT POVERTY UNABLE TO HAVE 3 SQUARE MEALS,IN THE SAME HDB FLAT,THE CHINA PRC STUDENTS RECEIVED STATE FUNDING FOR THEIR EDUCATION,DESPITE THEM BEING AVERAGE STUDENTS?????

CHINA PRC FAMILY HAD PRESSURED EVEN INDIAN FAMILY LIVING NEXT TO THEM TO STOP COOKING CURRY,WHEN THEY ARE AT HOME….THEY CAN ONLY COOK CURRY IN THEIR HDB FLAT,WHEN THEIR NEIGHBOR IS NOT AT HOME….VERY SOON…IT WILL BE OUR RENDANG……

WE NEED TO MAKE A CHANGE,HOW CAN WE DO THAT? VOTE FOR NON-PAP PRESIDENT,VOTE FOR MR TAN JEE SAY,FORMER MEMBER OF SDP PARTY…HE IS THE ONLY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE,WHO HAD SAID,HE WILL TAKE $500K SALARY RATHER THAN $4 MILLION SALARY,HE IS THE ONLY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WHO HAD SAID,HE WILL WANT TO MOVE OUT OF ISTANA TO VOID DECK IN HDB……VOTE FOR HIM….VOTE FOR HEART SYMBOL…..VOTE FOR THE HEART THAT BEATS FOR U…INSHALLAH,WE CAN BE RELIVED OF THE SHACKLES OF “UNDERPRIVILEGED CLASS” ONE DAY

MORE DETAILS http://WWW.TEMASEKREVIEW.COM
- Muzlimbuzz
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  August 25, 2011 at 9:37 AM
  
  Salaam,
  
  Thank you for your prayers. We hope you are having the best Ramadan too.
  
  As for Iqbal, we did write an article on him here. I’m not sure how you linked Iqbal’s dilemma with immigration policies. And again linking it to the presidential elections. Perhaps you would like to write an article to fully articulate your points further?
  
  “We are seeing large influx of migrant communities from China,India and other part’s of the world.Singapore citizenship is given away like toilet paper!.We,muslims are pushed even further down the socia-economic
  pedigree.It has become extremely difficult for muslims to find jobs.It resulted in many social problems in our community.The breakup of Muslim families due to not sufficient means to support the family.When the parents divorced,the tendency for the children to become juvenile delinquents (those who do unlawfull) are very high”
  
  The Malay-Muslims in Singapore have had a history of economic misfortune, way before the influx of Chinese & Indian immigrants. Blaming them seems odd. If Muslims are having trouble, instead of blaming others, we should approach Muslim organisations to put forth our ideas in alleviating situations, or start our own initiatives.
  
  There are various initiatives that have sprung recently, such as APEX (tertiary students who help to tutor local Madrasah students for free).
  
  Voting is one way to practise democracy and make your voice heard.
  
  We shall pray istikhara for the best leader for our country. May Allah grant us a leader that will steer us towards success for all, one that will be good for the nation, the Muslims and non-Muslims alike.