Malaysia and The Club of Doom - The Collapse of The Islamic Countries

1. The book elaborates on why Muslims currently around the world (Malaysia included) are such in disarray. The author argues that this is because Muslims does not understand the Al-Quran and there are too much religion in their daily lives. Islam is indeed a way of life and not a religion.

2. The book also describes the characteristics of Failed States among others oppression by those in power, dictatorship and suppression to freedom of voice. These characteristics seem to best describe the condition at the so called 'Islamic Countries', Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Malaysia, you name it.

3. In his arguments, the author only quotes verses of Quran and nothing with regards to Hadith. If you truly believe in Islam, then you shall only read Quran and practice As-Sunnah as directed by our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. And rightly so, the author describe at length why Hadith shall not be the source of reference for they only create confusions and unnecessary time wasting arguments normally about silly petty things which somehow many Muslims tend to prioritize. Besides, Hadith are only stories. So why shall we pay attention to them and go to great lengths just to determine the authenticity of the stories and always, the narrator of the Hadiths will come into scrutiny with regards to their moral standing. Isn't this a waste of time? For definition of Hadith, look up 12:111 and 51:24.

4. The author hit a lot of nails in the coffin with regards to the typical religious believes of many Muslims. Among those I find interesting are the hatred of dogs and house lizards, the issue of hijab, Hudud laws, wearing of turbans and killing of apostates. Many of this common believes by Muslims are according to the author not found in Quran but found in the Bible. In other words, they are actually following the Bible instead of Quran. You have to read to believe it.

5. Read this book if you want fresh ideas and perspectives on how Muslims should think. We need to break away from the common conventional way of thinking in order to move forward and rise again. More importantly, read the Quran.

To digest further, I would like to share why I pick this book up to read instead of the normal personal finance books:

1. I really like the way the author thinks. I think he gives different perspective on many things. I've been following his blog for quite some time now. You can find a link to his blog, 'Outsyed The Box' under 'Interesting Read' at the right side panel of this blog.

2. Generally, I think many Muslims must be wondering why are Muslims are in their current predicament. We think we have done the right thing but yet we are in such a disarray, not moving forward and constantly linked with negative things around the world such as illiterate, poverty, terrorism and non stop fighting. Going back to Quran is the way forward. This book certainly helps me to have a better understanding of the Quran.



3. Sometimes, I felt that certain things taught to me when I was growing up with regards to Islam are not truly Islam. Some are hatred against non-Muslims, some are illogical and some are weird. I would like to quote a few examples to further prove my points:

• I was once taught that it's haram to answer a salam from non-Muslims. Whenever a non-Muslim give salam, I was taught to answer back in a different manner. Instead of 'Waalaikumussalam', which means "Peace be upon you too", I was taught to answer 'Alaikumussam' which literally means "Doomed be upon you". I'm not sure whether this is the correct translation of that word. But that was taught by my ustaz back then. I've been wondering why such a wonderful greeting of 'Assalamualaikum' which means "Peace be upon you" was greeted with such an insult? Don't the non-Muslims deserve to be respected as well. Why the double standard? Why is the salam only exclusive to Muslims? Besides, the salam is only an Arabic expression of greetings. So why can't a non-Muslims use it as well? It' not something sacred. Does Islam really teach us to hate the non-Muslims? I don't think so.
  
• I've also been taught previously that we should not keep any statues or photos bearing a full complete figure of human or animals in our house. This will cause the angel not to enter our house. I even went home to remove such photos only the thought to be debunked by my father. But generally, these are the kind of illogical thoughts taught at schools. Macam takde kerja lain.
• Muslims normally concentrate on the things that they can't do rather than what they can do and these are normally influenced by the fatwa issued by religious scholars. It's widely believed that playing any musical instruments that have strings such as guitar are haram. What was this based on? Which verse of the Quran? In a way, it has retarded the interest and development of Muslims in music. Siapa yang rugi? We are scared of riba' in business dealings and we choose not to be involved in business at all. Just happy to be an employee till the end of our lives. Macam mana mau maju? This is also apparent in earlier postings of this blog. Somehow, I was also influenced with such thinking especially with regards to ASB investment.
• Many Muslims also listen to 'who' is saying rather than 'what' is said. We will normally receive without question anything said by the religious scholars without even questioning if they are illogical. The higher the pedigree of the so called scholar, the more we believe in them. I've once seen a banner at Shah Alam mosque bearing a name of a so called scholar which requires 2 full lines just for his name. His full name was so long with all the Sheikh, Al- etc. I doubt any of the 'titles' were given. They must be self proclaimed to make the scholar look good and pious thus making more Muslims believe in him.

I studied in a local residential school during my high school. What I find disturbing is the fact some of these teachings are taught at residential school, a place where the so called cream of the crop are placed. You can imagine the destruction it can lead to if this continues. Just a simple suggestion to kick start the revival of Muslims, stop reading Harian Metro and start reading the Quran.