DO NOT ABUSE THE WORD “DISCRIMINATION”
Pag lahat baboy ang pagkain sa mga events o celebrations, kahit mag-tubig lang ako, walang problema.
Pag walang prayer room sa isang mall para mag-Salah, kahit sa fire exit o fitting room na lang ako mag-pray kahit saglit, ayos lang.
Pag walang ablution area sa CR, kahit sa lababo na lang, it’s all fine with me.
Ngayon, tinawag ko bang “Islamophobes” mga kaibigan ko kasi kumakain sila ng baboy sa harapan ko? Finacebook live ko ba yung mga event organizers at sinabing “discriminatory” silang lahat? Nag-skandalo ba ako sa mga pamunuan ng public domains na meron dapat mga ablution areas at prayer rooms para sa aming mga Muslim?
No.
Kasi una sa lahat, aside from my state of being born as a Muslim (because not all born Muslims are practicing), choice ko ‘to. Naiintindihan ko na hindi lahat mag-a-agree sa paniniwala ko because I chose this life. I chose an Islamic way of life.
I fully understand na hindi lahat ng tao aware and not all my necessities as a Muslim will be fulfilled. And that’s just okay, it’s NOT discriminatory. Nahihiya nga ako pag binibigyan ako ng special treatment e, mag-demand pa kaya. If may halal food, I’ll be happy. If wala, no problem, I’ll find a way. Hindi naman kasi pwedeng mag-adjust ang buong sanlibutan para sa ‘kin, kaya ako ang dapat na mag-adjust kasi nga, choice ko ‘to at hindi ko idadamay ang kapakanan ng ibang tao dahil sa desisyon kong lifestyle.
Yes, I belong to a minority group, and I came from the most misunderstood religion in the world. But no, I never used the word “discrimination” for my own benefit, to feel entitled and flip the card. I know where to draw the line. I know when it’s below the belt.
And take note, hindi ibig sabihin neto e wala na akong concern para sa pangangailangan ng ka-musliman because I never stopped raising awareness about my faith. I am striving to convey the message of Islam in the most proper way and let people see the beauty in it themselves.
For 13 years living in a predominantly non-muslim country and 5 years studying in a Catholic university, I don’t expect everybody to provide me with all my needs. What I am now, and how people treat me fairly from across my sphere of influence is a product of respect that I’ve constantly built without forcing them to accept my beliefs.
Because if you truly want to be understood and respected? Don’t demand, EARN it.
Written by: Katami Alingan Dimapunong as posted in his FB Account