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)