IN general, Malaysians of all religion dress modestly. We can say our Asian values in terms of how we dress are still intact.
If our attire is inappropriate for the occasion or place, normally comments will be volunteered by friends or family to rectify the “unsuitable” garb.
Simply put, Malaysians are a modest lot.
We do not generally celebrate acts of unnecessary flamboyance if they flout Asian values and culture.
Having said that, Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country and Muslims are required to dress in a certain way when in public or otherwise.
Actually, all religions have a certain dress code or guidelines for followers.
Islam consider it haram (forbidden and considered as a sin) for a Muslim man or woman to not adhere to the dress code as prescribed by the religion.
Such guidelines demonstrate obedience to God’s rules, and the value and weight Islam places in protecting the modesty of a human being.
However, Islam also does not promote preaching the right teachings in a rude, insulting or forceful manner to Muslims or non-believers alike.
If there is only one example of the Prophet Muhammad to all mankind, it was his impeccable and unrivaled akhlaq, an Arabic word, which in simple terms means manners, ethics and disposition practised.
He was revered by followers and foes alike due to that one supreme quality in a human being.
Undoubtedly, his remarkable success in spreading the message of the One God to all mankind hinges significantly on how he carried himself as the last Messenger of God.
This is one key teaching by the Prophet which all Muslims must take to heart to truly understand the substance of what makes Islam a religion of peace or if they feel so strongly the need to preach to other Muslims or non-believers.
If one does not have the right temperament or attitude to preach correctly, perhaps it is best to stay silent rather than risk being the wrong example, which could potentially subject Islam to undeserved ridicule.
Therefore, on incidents where Malaysians are forced to comply
to a certain dress code, whether
it was based on Islamic beliefs or just codes of conduct
for a certain place or occasion,
it has to be communicated in
a manner which never in
any way, ridicule or put the victims through unnecessary ordeal,
without reasonable alternative offered at the time and place to resolve any inconvenience amicably.
All such incidents could have been avoided if those
manning point of contact locations are trained to employ common sense in their manners and judgment.
Even if guidelines are spelled out verbatim, it
cannot predict the outcome of every contact or communication with the public or otherwise.
Therefore, having the right
temperament, manners and
common sense are key to
facing such a situation if it does occur.
At the same time, the media
and public must also practise
restraint.
They should not blow each
encounter of such nature out
of proportion.
The best communication is
always two-way, with both parties having the right intentions and attitude to resolve any issues constructively to begin with.
The media, in addition, must play the role of promoting moderation via
the presentation of a
balanced and unbiased view, without any ill intention or selfish agenda.
In the final analysis, we should not make such issues to be
so complex and stressful.
Oftentimes, the best approach is just to take a deep breath and calm ourselves down every time we are tempted to speak, write or act, out of ego, fear or anger.
Sugiman Sabri, Kulim, Kedah