Cerita Raj dan Ismail: Kekal Berpegang Teguh

Raj, a friend from my time at TV3, would send me messages about Islam every morning. He would send me quotes from the Quran, Hadith, and statements from ulama, along with their translations. He would do so through WhatsApp, and I would receive them before my morning prayers. Not just me, but he would send these messages to our WhatsApp group as well.

Raj’s Background

Raj joined TV3 in 1986, and I knew him from my time at the station. He was a Hindu, and I would often wonder why he would send me Islamic messages. When I asked him, he would say, “I send these messages to respect my Muslim friends and to seek the blessings of Allah.”

Why Raj Continues to Send Islamic Messages

I asked him why he continued to send these messages, despite being a Hindu. He replied, “I send these messages to show my respect for my Muslim friends and to seek the blessings of Allah. Maybe it’s also because of the will of Allah.” He believed that his actions would not cause harm to his Hindu friends and family, and that they respected his decision.

Ismail’s Story: A Friend from Singapore

I was reminded of my friend Ismail Kassim, a renowned journalist from Singapore. In his book “No Hard Feelings” (2008), Ismail shared his experiences dealing with Christian preachers. He mentioned that he had three attempts to “Christianize” him, but he resisted each time.

Ismail’s Story: AKA “Born Again Christian” and the Bible

Ismail recalled that in the 1980s, a friend, who was a “born-again Christian,” tried to convert him to Christianity. Ismail said that, despite not being a strong Muslim, he was not swayed by his friend’s preaching. In 2007, two women with Bibles came to his home, trying to convert him again. Like the first attempt, it failed.

Ismail’s Experience with Billy Graham

Ismail’s first encounter with a Christian preacher was in 1960. He was drawn to a massive gathering at the Singapore National Stadium, where Billy Graham, an American evangelist, was speaking. Graham was known for his ability to convincingly convey the message of Christianity. Ismail decided to attend the event, and although Graham’s preaching was impressive, he was not swayed to convert. Ismail remained a Muslim until his death.

Conclusion

Raj and Ismail’s stories highlight the importance of being true to one’s faith. Those who remain committed to their beliefs will not adopt another religion. Raj, a Hindu, continues to send Islamic messages, while Ismail, a Muslim, remained steadfast in his faith until his death.

FAQs

* Q: Why does Raj send Islamic messages?
A: Raj sends these messages to respect his Muslim friends and to seek the blessings of Allah.

* Q: Why does Raj, a Hindu, send Islamic messages?
A: Raj believes that his actions will not cause harm to his Hindu friends and family, and that they respect his decision.

* Q: What is Ismail’s story?
A: Ismail, a journalist from Singapore, shared his experiences dealing with Christian preachers and remained a Muslim until his death.