Lately there had been heated debate between both sides of the WearWhite SG movement and the Pink Dot SG (LGBT) Movement. We've seen the ugly side of people on both sides of the fences with each side hurling incendiary remarks, judgements towards each other. This is something definitely hurting especially the Muslim community in Singapore.
As a caveat, I have to admit that I'm no Islamic scholar and this writeup is more of my personal opinion towards this issue.
Let's look at the timeline for the WearWhite movement (http://www.facebook.com/wearwhitesg/timeline). It started in June 6th and I started to see something from this movement from my Facebook timeline feed. I have to admit that during that time when it appeared, I thought that it's a noble thing to do since Ramadhan is approaching. FYI, 1st day of Ramadhan falls on 29th June and the 1st terawih prayers falls on the night of 28th June, the same day where the Pink Dot SG movement is having their yearly gathering at Hong Lim Park. Also, initially, I feel that the WearWhite SG movement is kind of reminding us of the coming fasting month, the time for us to cleanse ourselves to be back to the pure (fitrah) state. And what better colour symbolizes purity other than white
Things start to turn sour when the Wear White movement decided to release their press statement on the 20th of June. They declared formally that the main objective movement is to raise awareness in opposition to activities promoted within the LGBT community. Here's an excerpt from their press statement:
Err what's wrong here? Why suddenly the focus/objective of this WearWhite movement becomes an opposition to the LGBT movement? And you're getting people to be dressed in white, to show to the public that you're wearing white via the social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, whatever)? What has the "niat" or intention become? Please be clear in your objective from the very start of your movement and inform people what is the agenda about. Having it to focus on something else along the line is certainly not right here.
The Muslim holy month or Ramadhan is when we Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. It is also the month where good deeds are heeded and everyone is encouraged to increase their good deeds "bank account" to reap the benefits of Ramadhan. This can also include the recitation of the holy Quran, giving alms to charity, or even simple deeds like being courteous, respecting others, etc.
Also to be upfront, I oppose whatever the LGBT people are doing/practising but I don't judge them. Only God can judge, not us mortal humans. And as what Mahatma Ghandi said, "Hate the sin, love the sinner". People can sinned all their lives and it just takes one "ah ha" moment to receive guidance that God can wipe out their sins and they return back to their natural state (i.e. fitrah state). So no point judging people now as their sins can be wiped out before you know it. It's easy for them to have such strong feelings to oppose and even impose judgements on the LGBT group. But have they ever considered what if the tables are turned and their offspring, siblings, close friends suddenly "come out of the closet" regarding the sexual orientation? Would they disown their children, parents, friends? Easier said than done folks.
Lastly I'd like to share something from Mufti Menk. A powerful reminder especially in the social media age.
Have a blessed Ramadhan ahead folks.
As a caveat, I have to admit that I'm no Islamic scholar and this writeup is more of my personal opinion towards this issue.
Let's look at the timeline for the WearWhite movement (http://www.facebook.com/wearwhitesg/timeline). It started in June 6th and I started to see something from this movement from my Facebook timeline feed. I have to admit that during that time when it appeared, I thought that it's a noble thing to do since Ramadhan is approaching. FYI, 1st day of Ramadhan falls on 29th June and the 1st terawih prayers falls on the night of 28th June, the same day where the Pink Dot SG movement is having their yearly gathering at Hong Lim Park. Also, initially, I feel that the WearWhite SG movement is kind of reminding us of the coming fasting month, the time for us to cleanse ourselves to be back to the pure (fitrah) state. And what better colour symbolizes purity other than white
Things start to turn sour when the Wear White movement decided to release their press statement on the 20th of June. They declared formally that the main objective movement is to raise awareness in opposition to activities promoted within the LGBT community. Here's an excerpt from their press statement:
"The movement's genesis was from our observations of the growing normalization of LGBT in Singapore. However, we recognize the conduct and it's support among Muslims is due to the lack of understanding and connection with Islam and our fitrah. We thus came together initially with the expressed purpose of reminding Muslims not to participate in the LGBT event on 28th June."
Err what's wrong here? Why suddenly the focus/objective of this WearWhite movement becomes an opposition to the LGBT movement? And you're getting people to be dressed in white, to show to the public that you're wearing white via the social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, whatever)? What has the "niat" or intention become? Please be clear in your objective from the very start of your movement and inform people what is the agenda about. Having it to focus on something else along the line is certainly not right here.
The Muslim holy month or Ramadhan is when we Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. It is also the month where good deeds are heeded and everyone is encouraged to increase their good deeds "bank account" to reap the benefits of Ramadhan. This can also include the recitation of the holy Quran, giving alms to charity, or even simple deeds like being courteous, respecting others, etc.
Also to be upfront, I oppose whatever the LGBT people are doing/practising but I don't judge them. Only God can judge, not us mortal humans. And as what Mahatma Ghandi said, "Hate the sin, love the sinner". People can sinned all their lives and it just takes one "ah ha" moment to receive guidance that God can wipe out their sins and they return back to their natural state (i.e. fitrah state). So no point judging people now as their sins can be wiped out before you know it. It's easy for them to have such strong feelings to oppose and even impose judgements on the LGBT group. But have they ever considered what if the tables are turned and their offspring, siblings, close friends suddenly "come out of the closet" regarding the sexual orientation? Would they disown their children, parents, friends? Easier said than done folks.
Lastly I'd like to share something from Mufti Menk. A powerful reminder especially in the social media age.
Have a blessed Ramadhan ahead folks.
