Muslim writers tell of harmony with West

Muslim writers tell of harmony with West

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Oh, East is East and West in West, and never the twain shall
meet. Till earth and sky stand presently, at God's greatest
judgment seat.

These words by Rudyard Kipling, a British Nobel prize winner
for literature, were quoted by Ismail Fahmi Alatas, better known
as Aji, in his book titled Contemplation of a Young Muslim in the
Midst of Mourning.

The book describes his experience living as a Muslim in
Melbourne, Australia, since 1998.

Aji said he wanted to show the world that Muslims could live
harmoniously in the West, despite rising tensions following a
series of terrorist attacks on Western targets by Islamic
militants.

"I love reading Kipling's works, but I don't think his words
are true. I think Muslims, especially Indonesians, can meet and
join hands with people in the West, and vice versa," Aji told The
Jakarta Post following a book discussion at QB World Plaza in
Pondok Indah, South Jakarta.

The 21-year-old has had lots of experience overcoming
differences while living in the West.

"I have several Jewish friends (in Australia) and they're all
very nice to me. They even came to a religious gathering I held
to discuss the Koran and tasawwuf (philosophical thinking of
Islam)," he said.

Aji, who has lived in Australia since 1998, has worked hard to
integrate himself with all aspects of life in Melbourne. He is
the only Indonesian member of the National Youth Congress. He is
also actively working with the Moreland City Council to draw up
policies for people in the city.

Aji, who is now an Australian permanent resident, said he had
never been discriminated against by Australians and that he
always felt free to practice his faith.

"When I have a meeting in the City Council, the mayor
instructs his subordinates to serve me a halal (permitted under
Islamic law) meal. And when I need to pray, he suspends the
meeting," the author said.

Another Indonesian Muslim writer, Amelia Naim, has written a
book describing her experiences living in Colorado, the United
States.

"If you think deeply, you can gain something. You can learn
something from the people there. My book is all about real people
having positive values when interacting each other," said Amelia,
40.

The mother of two published a book titled When Inner Self
Speaks detailing her experiences while pursuing an MBA at Boulder
University, Colorado.

Amelia felt she could be more faithful in practicing Islam
when living abroad compared to in Indonesia.

"I met a woman with three children who suffered from brain
damage. But she still looked happy. She told me that God had
chosen a 'special' parent to treat 'special' children. You see? I
learned Islamic values from non-Muslims, can you believe that?"

Both Aji and Amelia's books counter the perception that
relations between Muslims and the West have deteriorated since
the Sept. 11 terrorist attack in the U.S.

The writers suggest that the way for Muslims to overcome the
religious barrier is to communicate honestly with Westerners.

"One can be honest when one writes and one can be dishonest
when one speaks," Aji said. (006)