DO NOT ABUSE THE WORD “DISCRIMINATION”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pag lahat baboy ang pagkain sa mga events o celebrations, kahit mag-tubig lang ako, walang problema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pag walang ablution area sa CR, kahit sa lababo na lang, it’s all fine with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because if you truly want to be understood and respected? Don’t demand, EARN it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Written by:<\/strong> Katami Alingan Dimapunong<\/a>\u00a0as posted in his FB Account<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n