It's very easy to fall into prejudice. We consume stereotypical conversations, often cynical remarks. We see, speculate but never put a further step to engage. I was always that person. Who judges people, assume, and chooses pride. So when my Italian friend asked me, "Why do you wear that?" (gesturing to my hijab), I thanked him. I thanked him, initially.. only because the relief I felt. And so I appreciate his gesture, of crossing the wall. But later that evening, one moment hit me hard. Me, in thirst of knowledge, nonchalantly planned to join a halaqah in a masjid I've never been. I had no idea what it is going to be like, nor who's going to speak, who's going to be there, etc. Coming out of my shell always scares me in the beginning. But honestly, looking back.. my spiritual journey involves me asking Allah for guidance and me going from one ta'lim to another, by myself in Jogja. Completely surrendering to Him. So I believe in Him, and that's enough. Haha how funny to rethink about it now? So anyway.. When people starts coming in, I felt uncomfortable. Knowing that the whole group of sisters are similar: Sudanese or Somalians. I can't tell, really. I built a wall of judgement. My only encounter with a Somalian was with an Uber driver when I was in London. My impression were also clouded with my friend's story of them, fleeing from Somalia to Australia as refugees. Then working as drivers. Funnily enough, the ustadzah herself was the only Malaysian/ Indonesian looking in the halaqah. Her name is Ustadzah Anisa who later I found out to be an entrepreneur and blogger, mashaAllah. I enjoyed the conversations and alhamdulillah it covered topics I recently talked to Allah about. So back to the prejudice that I've built. I was left speechless. Why? As they were genuinely warm and nice. Friendly and creative. Ambitious, as well.
Astaghfirullah.. Why did I fall into traps of shaytaan, into preconceived opinions. There is sister Kaltun, who just happens to be a biomedical engineering student. Sister Hafsah, who studies audiology. Both studying in Monash University. And when the halaqah starts to talk about acknowledging each strengths and weaknesses, it was mentioned how Hafsah has very spot on memorization of hadith. Including the names of sahabahs and the exact words of the hadith. After maghrib prayer, we got to know each other more. Especially that I've always been interested in biomedical engineering, having to sit in several lectures about projects on it back in London during my summer school. So.. It was getting pretty late so we said our goodbyes, take pictures, and salaam. But one thing really touched me. That is when I was just about to search for the nearest tram station, Kaltun called out and said, "Habibah, come with us. I would drop you off!" while holding her car keys. I was surprised, "No, it's okay. I can find my way." "No. It's late. We would pass by your place." I remember they told me that they live just around the masjid area. "Hmm, okay just drop me off the tram station alright?" "Come.. Get in." Sister Hafsa, who lives at the same place with Kaltun and her two siblings gestured to the front door of the car. "You can sit in the front." Seated in front, seat belts on and several hesitations, they insisted to drop me off my place despite it being across the Yarra river. MashaAllah. I was really impressed how Kaltun and I shared a lot of similarities, passions, and dreams. She loves her study, but has Quran as her priority.
"InshaAllah my plan is to finish (re: memorizing) the Quran.. in the next 5 years if Allah wills!"
She proceeded to talk about her projects, plans to study Arabic and also plans in research.
We also talked about culture and Quran teaching methods. And in the end she motivated me to keep on memorizing everyday no matter how little. I felt huge wave of gratitude, for I have crossed paths with these sisters. How it is true, that Allah the Almighty connects the resonated hearts together. And that, is heart-warming. Now I would quote the discussion I had with Ustadzah Anisa beforehand,
"I love being in different communities, as long as they're good for my Islam. Not that it is bad to be within our own 'groups'. But we're just sisters aren't we? Regardless of our skin colour, race, background. And that's what makes Islam beautiful. And that's how we learn, tolerate, explore."
As Allah in the Quran has mentioned..
The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.
Al Hujurat (49:10)
Muhammad ibn Ya’qub (al-Kulayni), from ‘Ali ibn Ibrahim, from his father, from al-Nawfali, from al-Sakuni, who reports on the authority of Abu ‘Abd Allah (Imam al-Sadiq ) (A) that the Prophet (S) said,
“Whosoever possesses in his heart ‘asabiyyah (prejudice in any of its forms such as tribalism, racism, nationalism) even to the extent of a mustard seed, God will raise him on the Day of Resurrection with the (pagan) Bedouins of the Jahiliyyah (the pre-Islamic era).”
Al-Kulayni, Usul al-Kafi (Intisharat ‘Ilmiyyah Islamiyyah, Tehran), vol. III (Arabic text with Persian translation by Sayyid Jawad Mustafawi), p. 419.
May Allah keep them steadfast and strong within His righteous path..
and that we'd meet each other again.
If not here, in His jannah.
-h.a.
Thank you Allah, for the wonderful lessons delivered through these sisters.
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