OCTOBER 17 — It is without any doubt that money is the most sought after commodity today. No one will argue that we all need to pay our bills, that we all need to some sort of purchasing power to satisfy our needs, that we all strive for a super comfy life.

So much so that whenever an issue about money is raised, we all get naturally nervous and pull our strengths together to condemn it. We are especially nervous for October 23’s announcement too, as we have been since April 1.

Because ultimately money equates to power, it has indeed become the fastest growing religion in the world with the most followers from all walks of life.

Perhaps it is because money decides the brand of our car, determines our house address and ultimately our social status, that we tend to overlook the fact that when our time is up, no amount of money or overdraft can buy us an extension in life.

Social status has become such an obsession that today that having a roof above one’s head is no longer enough. It is now about having that semi-D, that corner lot, and that second and third landed property. Peer pressure at its best, again. Some of us choose to succumb.

I strongly believe that visiting the dead is the only remedy to greed and helps us stay focused on our real purpose of life.

Me too, I am guilty of forgetting death sometimes. That is why I now make it a point to visit the deceased when I hear of one, to look at the white cotton cloth in which they are wrapped in, so that I am reminded of that unbranded piece of unsewn material that will embrace my body, which will be taken away by that very average van to my final resting place.

It shudders me to think that I will eventually be buried in that 2x6 feet plot of land and soil.

The recent changes in our cost of livings have made me also realise that despite the many religions people subscribe to in this world, the population is actually divided into just two tribes:

1) Those who devote all their energy, time and money for worldly matters

2) Others who worry about their life after next. If you agree with this division of thoughts, you will then understand:

- why some people say and act differently from others,

- why some people preach and write things which are opposed to Islamic teachings

- why some people, despite knowing certain things are wrong, choose to remain silent.

Are there not too many tainted pictures and articles, diverted teachings, and delusional ideas out there already for public consumption? Do we really need to read add fuel to the fire with commenting on “nonsensical musings” and then share it or forward it to friends?

I have personally embarked on a journey called warding off negativities, be it online-related, Facebook-related and/or people-related. I confine my readings to headlines, unless I want to amuse myself further with shallow thoughts about how wearing the hijab is not compulsory, about Arabisation in this country, about hideous oppression, etc, etc.

These are all concerted plots of high dramas; some paid, some voluntary, some simply lost in transition.

It is our responsibility to separate the wheat from the chaff. It might be difficult but not impossible.

In this temporary life, it’s been promised that we will be tested and tried — different levels for different people, but it is how we react to the problems that make us a better individual than the other.

Like everyone else, I have my fair share of obstacles and heart-wrenching episodes. Me too, I am annoyed about the toll hikes like every other Malaysian. Who wouldn’t be?

But with age, I chew on annoyance slowly, and I don’t take everything as seriously as I did before. I don’t jump as high and quickly as I did before. I don’t cyber bitch anymore, because you know what? It was never worth it in the first place. Some will cheer on you, others will seek to punish you at all costs.

Since then, I have learnt to teach myself that “Paradise is expensive and is reserved for only special people. I got to earn enough reward points to be admitted, else I am just another average Jane”.

I learnt to be grateful for bigger and more difficult tests, because big tests equates to big rewards. And then I smile and wait for the next one.

Like many others, I am more than aware that the day will come when I have to leave all my hard earned money behind, as I will leave all my favourite belongings and loved ones too.

So remind me again, what’s the whole point of subscribing to the Religion of Money?

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