Ikram Rasid: The Paradoxical Patriot

After a long hiatus in my writing entries from Paradoxical, I am now back. The reason I must write again is that I feel compelled to comment on current political situations not only in Malaysia but also globally.

But let me begin with “adab,” or the courtesy of offering different views on issues surrounding us today.

I have recently read articles on the essence of “adab” from different perspectives, especially in politics. Many questions can be asked about “adab” itself, because we are a multireligious and multicultural society. If it refers to the Islamic way of understanding “adab”, it could be something related to the way we do certain things in the sight of Allah the Almighty. However, if “adab” is a universal term meaning “courtesy,” then someone in Malaysia needs to behave in a manner that does not make others feel insecure or dejected.

The irony of these concerns about “adab” is that the one asking the opposition or someone else to behave was the one who was not behaving, or “beradab,” in the past when they wanted to topple the government. They went to the street, using placards that tarnish the image of leaders, and, not only that, they also tarnish the image of our beloved country.

When I was studying in Japan between 1997 and 2002, I wrote many articles condemning the acts of aggression, mutiny, and disrespect towards authorities during the era of Reformasi. This act of disrespect has opened many eyes, including the younger generations, to behave more rebelliously towards the government. The good side of the current situation is that they have ways with fewer implications for the physical establishment of societies, but rather for the psychological aspects of society, where they use social media as a venue to vent their anger or dissatisfaction towards the establishment or authorities.

The “adab” is not a one-sided perspective. The behaviour of authorities or the government who are condescending and “holier than thou” can also be considered a lack of courtesy, or “tidak beradab,” because they become arrogant and behave as if they have never made mistakes and should be respected for who they are.

Instead, they need to understand the concept of “servant leadership,” which means they are serving the people, and they need to fear that even one person in this country would raise one tiny issue with Allah on the Day of Judgement during their tenure as a leader in this country.

Our leaders need to remember that Sayyidina Umar r.a. was once scolded by Khawlah bint Tha’labah r.a.

One day, Sayyidina Umar r.a. was walking with a group of people, including some senior companions, when an old woman stopped him. This woman was Khawlah bint Tha’labah r.a., the very woman about whom Allah revealed at the beginning of Surah Al-Mujadila.

She said: “Oh Umar! There was a time when I saw you in the marketplace of Ukadh, and you were called ‘Umayr’ (Little Umar), tending flocks of sheep with your shepherd’s staff. Then days passed, and you were called ‘Umar’. Then more days passed, and now you are called ‘Amir al-Mu’minin’ (Commander of the Faithful)! So fear Allah concerning your subjects, Oh Umar! Remember that whoever fears death will fear missing the opportunity to do good, and whoever fears the reckoning will fear the punishment!”

As she continued to scold and remind him of his heavy responsibilities, Sayyidina Umar r.a. began to weep heavily, his tears falling into his beard.

One of the Prophet’s companions, who was accompanying him, became angry on the Caliph’s behalf and said, “Oh old woman! You have spoken too harshly to the Commander of the Faithful and distressed him!”

Sayyidina Umar r.a. immediately reprimanded the companion instead and said: “Leave her alone! Do you not know who this is? This is Khawlah bint Tha’labah, the woman whose plea Allah listened to from above the seven heavens! By Allah, if she kept me standing here from morning until night, I would not move except to obligatory prayer. Umar is more obliged to listen to her than anyone else!”

So, based on the above story alone, we know that a concerned person under a leader’s watch is weighed heavily in the eyes of the Prophet’s companions, especially amongst the Ar-Rasyidin. They became terrified whenever a subject was complaining about anything at all, what more if it was about religion or responsibilities.

The actual “adab” is about a leader who behaves responsibly and humbly whenever they are criticised. In fact, they should immediately seek forgiveness and attend to the community’s request, especially if they are in need within the Muslim ummah and the people or citizens under their command.

However, in Malaysia, the Muslim community, especially the Malays, are instead being ridiculed and cast away as disrespectful citizens despite their plea for the government to act swiftly on matters related to their religion and concerns for their safety, in a way protecting their faith and aqidah.

The leader can also be fair and just. They can still meet certain requirements of non-Muslims and others, without neglecting the plea of the Muslims citizens. However, by ridiculing the Muslim citizens as “tidak beradab” when the leaders were the ones who “behaved badly” and that behaviour or self-glorification is tantamount to idolatry, or extreme admiration or love towards “a leader” who is not supposed to be loved so unconditionally above the Prophet or what more Allah the All-Knowing.

I am writing this with the utmost courtesy to remind the leaders that they should not be immediately respected just because they became leaders of this country or a community; what more if the majority of voters elected them. They were elected through a democratic process, which means they are subject to criticism from the opposition and its supporters, who are also the people of this country, regardless of their styles or approaches.

In proper behaviour, leaders should instead fear (The Only One) God and immediately repent whenever criticism is directed at them, no matter how highly they think of themselves or how highly educated they are.

I am writing this with humility and accept that I am not more highly qualified than the reader of this article. Still, I want to make an important point: before you ask someone else to behave, especially those you are leading, you need first to behave and be humble.

Do not let the Malay proverb: “Seperti ketam menyuruh anaknya berjalan lurus” become a second nature of government leaders in the future. Because if a teacher teaches the students to behave, he first needs to behave himself, as the Malay proverb says: “Guru kencing berdiri, anak murid kencing berlari.”

Instead, leaders in this country must behave in a way that the people can follow, as the old saying goes: “Bagaimana bunyi gendang, begitulah tarinya.” If the leaders set a good example, the people will do the same. In this powerful Malay proverb, the leader is the “drummer” setting the rhythm, and the followers are the “dancers”. It means that the followers’ actions and attitudes directly reflect the leader’s direction. If a leader behaves with excellence and integrity and sets a good “tempo,” the people will naturally synchronise with them and follow suit.