I have never attended a multi-faith "doa selamat" before.
I know more or less how followers of other faiths worhip. But, except for Church services -- Catholic, Protestant or other denominations - I have never attended a Hindu, Buddhist or Taoist prayer.
So I was looking forward to attend the multi-faith prayers last evening (Sunday, Sept 9) at Blog House in Bukit Damansara held for former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad who is recuperating from a second coronary bypass operation at IJN.
Alhamdulillah, Dr M is recovering well and getting better.
His daughter, Marina who hosted the event said he was already able to have meals and she quoted his doctors as saying that "the numbers are good".
Speaking in a choked voice, Marina thanked well-wishers of all faiths. She was touched by the great number of messages, SMSes and emails she and her siblings received from people from all walks of life and the different faiths who had wished and prayed for her father's recovery.
"Clearly, it shows that my father's heart belongs to all Malaysians," she said.
Marina said it was Dr Mahathir's decision to undergo the operation which was, of course, risky considering his age, 82.
Her family was wrought with concern, she said, her voice breaking and her eyes glistening with tears.
Maghrib prayers were held first with Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf leading the prayers.
After Maghrib, leaders of the other faiths -- Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, Baha'ii and Catholicism -- offered their prayers.
Rocky, who is National Association of Bloggers (All-Blogs) president, vice-president Jeff Ooi, treasurer Tony Yew and other committee members Zorro, Galadriel, Rajahram and Husna were there.
Pokku, Ancient Mariner, Big Dog, A Voice, Chris, RPK and wife, Marina, were there as were NGO representatives, among whom was Ivy Josiah.
I met Zuliana, a media coordinator and designer. She knew about the event from the many blogs.
There was a lot of food so she helped pack the rice, meehoon and the other dishes for everyone there and also to be distributed to "others in need".
Thanks Zuli. Hope to see you again at Blog House!
See Marina's, Rocky's, Jeff's and Pokku's.
It was a beautiful experience, wasn't it? I felt closer to my religion after that. I also appreciated the other religions better. It is a feeling hard to explain, you need to go through it.
ReplyDeleteA Voice wrote a very deep review on the multifaith doa selamat event. I heard that he and several others were questioned by their friends for being there that night. A Voice's posting was in response to the critics, I think.
The Iman somehow reminded me of Yusof Islam. He has a beautiful voice and he almost whispered when he spoke. When Tony Yew, the MC, invited the Imam to say grace before dinner was served, the Imam quickly recovered from a slight hesitation (for saying grace was not part of the programme), and came out with a classic:
"Bismillahirrahmannirrahim. In the name of God, we eat!"
salam kak nuraina,
ReplyDeleteit's a pleasure to meet u too... anyway... security guards at SC, INTAn and Pusat Sains Negara kata... thank you and kirim their salam to all.
selamat berpuasa. insyaallah.. will join other activities by the group.
rocky,
ReplyDeleteyes, it was.
ad Imam Feisal makes us, Muslims proud.
Just that night, he touched so many non-Muslims..
Yes, doesn't he remind us of Yusof Islam...
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ReplyDeletenice meeting you too!
thanks for packing the food!