Leave Farah alone… her ‘aurat’ is nobody’s business

Any religion is a personal issue between an individual and God so the curses and insults hurled at gymnast Farah Ann is totally unwarranted.

COMMENT

By Khoo Teng Shin

The unnecessary ruckus over Malaysian gymnast Farah Ann’s ‘aurat’ which made not only national but international news, has led me to share my two cents worth on the matter.

This is but from my limited personal observations and knowledge of Islam, I must admit. These are solely my personal opinions on an increasingly alarming situation, which should no longer be ignored due to its potentially dangerous nature.

I must state clearly that this is NOT an article targeting Islam. Regardless of how I might not believe in some teachings of Islam personally, I respect Islam as a religion and anyone’s right to practise its teachings. I have Muslim friends who I enjoy being around although we might not necessarily share the same beliefs on religion, politics or where the best nasi lemak stall in town is.

Any religion is a personal issue between an individual and God. Such is the case with Farah Ann. However wrong the other Muslims might think of her wearing that gymnast costume, it is solely her business with Allah.

When have you, mere mortal human beings with imperfections who claim to be religious, become so arrogant as to judge her and insult her? I don’t remember Allah appointing you as a prophet. Just as much as smoking was declared to be haram by the National Fatwa Council in 1995, I do not recall smokers being treated with such disdain or having to endure such degrading judgements. Why is there such hypocrisy?

So, with all due respect keep your opinions of Farah Ann to yourself.

Once again, let me say clearly I am not insulting Islam in any way. We are merely insulting the ignorance and arrogance of those who have insulted Farah Ann and the many similar cases involving others in the past.

Islam is a wonderful religion and I respect that. I only disrespect people who give Islam a bad name. I do however, also respect your right to advise Farah Ann as one Muslim to another on issues of aurat and more, but definitely not to the extent of hurling degrading and disrespectful insults at her.

There is a difference between sincere advice and obnoxious insults and curses as to the kind of hell that awaits someone who exposes her aurat. This, I am certain, despite my lack of deep knowledge on Islam, is definitely against the Islamic principles of love and compassion.

Khoo Teng Shin is an FMT reader.