Hari Raya Aidiladha is over. Soon, the pilgrims in Mecca will return to their homes and families. More kenduri will follow and life goes on as before.
Before the pilgrimage and before Hari Raya, text messages were criss-crossing the globe — seeking forgiveness, etc. It is common and mandatory for Muslims going for the haj to seek forgiveness from those whom they have wronged.
Away from the pilgrimage, I met friends who were having a debate about friendships and how time has separated them. Once, they were close, but circumstances kept them apart.
Some had chosen to go their separate ways after taking different political paths. True and sad. Social and economic status also play their part in keeping friends away from each other.
In recent weeks, the deaths and illnesses of several friends ought to make all of us realise our own mortality. And this should have direct impact on friends and friendships.
The older ones among us should set a good example. Seek forgiveness from everyone, including those younger than us. Seek forgiveness sincerely.
As we age, we should make peace with ourselves. This is important. If we can’t come to terms with our own self, chances are, we can’t make peace with others.
A friend regretted not visiting her colleague when the latter was ill. Some old misunderstandings had prevented her from making the visit. When the friend died, she almost went crazy feeling guilty.
Today, some friendships have been put on hold or compromised because they are at opposing ends of the political divide. This is increasingly seen and felt.
This cannot be allowed to continue. Politics will always be politics. Friendship built on political affiliation need not necessarily last forever, as we have seen.
We should pause and look deeply inside our own hearts. We can’t just become enemies because we follow a different political path. We are friends after all, till death do us part.
Ahmad A. Talib is chairman of Yayasan Salam Malaysia