Evictions take sparkle out of Raya for Rohingya

The holy month of Ramadan came to an end as Muslims the world over ushered in the first day of Shawal with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Ramadan, as we know, is a month in which Muslims physically abstain from taking alfood and drinking, among other things.

Yet it’s more than that. It is when Muslims are expected to pursue spiritual advancement, seek Allah’s pleasures, make sacrifices and engage in self-reflection.

Through fasting, Muslims are to also exercise patience, and have compassion and empathy for fellow beings, particularly the poor and the needy.

Hence, the end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid, as it signifies the attainment of the above objectives in varying degrees.

In Malaysia, the few days before Hari Raya, as Eid is commonly known here, would see many Muslims hurrying to tidy up their homes, shop for new clothes and prepare food for family reunions and visits of relatives and friends.

The balik kampung (return to hometowns and kampongs) syndrome, part of which is exemplified by the massive traffic jams on the highways, contributes to the spirit of celebration.

However, such a celebratory mood seemed to have been crushed in a community of Rohingya refugees in a village in Penang.

Quoting the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), news portal Malaysiakini reported that the community of 50 people was forcibly evicted by locals a week before Eid from homes they had lived in for 10 years.

We wonder what demon possessed those who executed the eviction, knowing fully well the Rohingya residents were also looking forward to celebrating Eid, just like any other respectable fellow Muslim would.

Even if there is really a valid reason for the eviction, did compassion and empathy not play a part in preventing it from happening prior to Eid?

Instead of preparing for the celebration, the Rohingya residents, made up of children, parents and grandparents, found themselves busily packing their belongings and looking for a place to live.

Were the lessons from Ramadan, as mentioned above, lost on those who evicted the refugees?

To be sure, the Rohingya fled their homes in Myanmar to avoid persecution – and not to face yet another form of ignominy elsewhere, presumably at the hands of fellow Muslims.

There appears to be a trace of xenophobia and prejudice in the people who carried out the eviction.

Such a taint, which is also found in the way certain government officials mistreat refugees such as the Rohingya, must be cleansed in the spirit of Ramadan.

Of course, this does not mean that such an inhumane action is kosher outside of the holy month of Ramadan because it is indeed abhorrent even if it occurs on other occasions or situations.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on Muslims nationwide to make the “final sprint” before the end of Ramadan by performing acts of worship as well as good deeds.

Concerned people in Malaysia, particularly Muslims, should take this advice in their stride and help the needy.

Let not the shadow of inhumanity and desecration of human dignity be cast over the otherwise joyous moments of Eid. – The Malaysian Insight

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

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