JUNE 16 — Dear Farah Ann, first and foremost, let me congratulate you on winning a gold medal at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games. I admire you for having the determination, discipline and dedication to become a world-class gymnast. As a fellow Malaysian, I am proud of you because I know not anyone can do what you have just achieved. 

Secondly, I would like to apologise on behalf of your nay-sayers and harsh critics. While I would not encourage a woman to dress immodestly in public I would also never condone the way some people have spoken about you. Why? Because being a woman myself, I understand what it must be like to be in your position. I myself have only made the decision to don the hijab around five years ago. However, I know for a fact that just because I wear the hijab it doesn’t make me a better person than you or any other woman who chooses not to wear it. The hijab may be a symbol of piety for some women but for an ordinary woman like myself who has many shortcomings, the hijab is an expression of faith and a manifestation of my desire to become closer to my Creator by trying to embody humility. It is by no means a representation of my level of piety, which is only for God to judge.

I can assure you that perfecting the art of covering myself is something I am still working on. It is not easy, especially when my faith is tested by my encounters with Muslims who have disappointed and hurt me terribly. That is why I am not on the side of those who have tried to humiliate you with their words and lack of adab (etiquette). In fact, I am ashamed of them because this group of people are predominantly Muslim and they should know better than to treat or speak of a woman this way. 

A true gentleman or lady, Muslim or not, would never, ever disrespect or humiliate a woman — be her attire a bikini or a burqa. 

Thirdly, I hope you can find it in your heart to understand that contrary to the behaviour of some Muslims, Islam is not a religion that promotes or fosters misogyny. In fact, modesty was prescribed to elevate the status of women in society and empower them so that they may be valued for their faith, intellect and good character above all else. Ironically, so many of these women and men who have created a brouhaha over your uniform appear to lack modesty (in their speech), emotional intelligence and adab (etiquette). Somewhere along the way, some of us Malaysians have forgotten to be careful with our words especially when the intention is to give advice. As the Malay proverb goes: Seperti menarik rambut dalam tepung, rambut jangan putus, tepung tidak berserak. In other words, do not create a “mess” when dealing with a delicate matter. And what a mess this has become. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself said, “A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand others are safe” (Sahih Bukhari). I think this can be applied to those “keyboard warriors” who think they are right to mock you on the Internet. Perhaps they need to be reminded of this ayah in the Qur’an:

“O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith. And whoever does not repent — then it is those who are the wrongdoers.” (49:11)

Finally, on behalf of many Malaysians, I wish you success in all your endeavours. You are my sister in Islam and I pray for you to be successful in this life and the hereafter. I would like to leave you with a beautiful poem to reflect on. It was written by Hafiz, a 14th Century Muslim poet from Persia. My interpretation of it is that if we want someone to grow and blossom we must show them kindness and compassion, not contempt, especially while giving advice. May you always feel His love and mercy and be surrounded by people who can show you the light in trying times.

It Felt Love

How Did the rose Ever open its heart And give this world All its Beauty? It felt the encouragement of light Against its Being, Otherwise, We all remain too frightened. — Hafiz

* This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.