Emotions

It has been 6 months since 7 October 2023, when a retaliatory act by Hamas led to a pogrom in a scale unseen in modern times against Palestinians. What is even more disturbing is that this despicable act is enabled and sustained by the Western Governments, with half assed responses from the Muslim world. This have led to calls to boycott corporations that implicitly or explicitly supports the illegal nation, enabling them to commit all these atrocities.

I am disturbed that any part of my money is involved in enabling any part of these atrocities. I am fairly sure in the past it's there somewhere, but I'll do my best not to allow it to continue.

I understand for it to gain momentum, some form of publicity is required. And I have been doing my part to ensure there's some form of publicity and awareness. One doesn't have to be a Muslim to support this boycott. Just be human. This is a human tragedy that shouldn't be allowed to continue, and every little act helps. Once we squeeze them monetarily, they will look for a new poster boy. For the sake of money, they are willing to allow anyone to flap in the wings, policies and strategies be damned. And that's what needs to be done.

Done in a cool, calm, and collected manner to achieve maximum results. We can already see some results. The market is robust and flexible. Once they exit someone else will take their place. And if that someone fits our objectives and is more human, all the better. Far larger corporations have gone like the dinosaurs in the process of corporate evolution, and they will not be the last. These corporations if they want to survive, they need to take heed and start reading the writings on the wall.

As noticed here in Malaysia, a few coffee places are already taking their place as can be seen from the crowd. Same goes for the chicken and burger places. It's most unfortunate that jobs are impacted but they have yet to demonstrate that they totally shun what's going on. Instead, they even demonstrated a degree of stubbornness. My children, the greatest consumers of these products are equally sensitive about what's going on without talking about it. It's been a long time since we ordered or consumed anything coming from these places. And I believe I am not alone.

With emotions at an all-time high the socks matter happened. For some non-Muslims, they do not appreciate nor understand what the fuss is all about. They failed to understand why Muslims just cannot move on from this. The owner/operator have apologised profusely, with apologies pasted all over their outlets. So, what more do we want? The thing is this is one of a series of insults meted on Islam and Muslims perpetrated by some parties. Before that it was about the Azan. Quranic writing on slippers. And before that about getting involved in policy decisions related to Muslims. And the list goes on. And all is forgotten with a mere apology before someone else jumps on the bandwagon.

With emotions at an all-time high, Malaysian Muslims just had enough, so in the month where we need to be more forgiving, Malaysian Muslims are less forgiving. So, there were calls to shun that establishment as well. Why? Malaysian Muslims does not sense sincerity in the apology. They felt that it was merely to avoid financial disaster. They felt that the situation happened because there was no care by the operator to ensure that such situation does not happen. They have yet to explain how they will avoid the situation from recurring.

For people with knowledge on commercial processes and merchandising, even though it may happen it is not easy for it to happen. Every single location and items that are placed on the aisles are calculated and strategically placed. It is known for producers to pay for the rights to place their products on the aisles, whether at the top or bottom shelves. Employees, arranges these products and even ensure the items are properly priced or tagged. We observe this all the time. So, for such a situation to happen with everyone not being aware is quite surprising.

So Malaysian Muslims decide to again put their money elsewhere. This is a consumer market, we can choose where we want to spend our money, especially when corporations or companies take a dim view of the feelings and sensitivities of communities.

However, for maximum effect, we should not be emotional about it. We have been reading of Molotov cocktails being thrown at some outlets. Where people move around destroying products. That is not the act of a rationale being. Our acts must not be consumed and overcome by emotions. Politicians too should not take advantage of the situation to gain brownie points. You have made your point now be a responsible politician. Whether you like it or not, some people do listen to you and some people are not rationale. You need to act responsibly and demand that everyone else do the same. Accept some blame for whatever that have happened.

For us Muslims? We need to act in a more controlled manner. Others don't read the Quran or Hadith, but they read us. We are the best example; we are the best ambassador and as Muslims we must demonstrate the best of us. Boycott if necessary but not necessary to instigate anything that can lead to violence. We need to explain to our friends, family and public why the situation is deeply disturbing to us. Why it matters?

For me, it's very simple. Anything related to Allah and Muhammad SAW, is sacred to us. Be it the use or the words. We place the words and their names in the highest esteem and placing it so close to to the feet or as an adornment on our bodies such as our posterior or genitals is just a big no no. That's it. That's all there is to it. We are fine if it is accidental but when people take the trouble to embroider or print the words and names, that's not being accidental, that's done deliberately because it takes effort to produce such. That's the issue.

We are Malaysians. We have been taught to respect each other's culture, religions, and practice. That's it. Just remain so. Not necessary to poke our noses in places that we don't belong. Respect that boundary. Occasionally, there will be situations that annoys or perturbs the others. Just manage it the best we can and move on. We don't have to dictate our opinions on others. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and we need to respect that. Right or wrong, we are not the judge, jury or executioner.