To yoga or not?

Sometimes, I can't help but wonder why some people are just too emotional when it comes to discussions regarding matters of faith, ISLAM?

I know that we Muslims have to be careful whenever we talk about the faith.

I am well aware that we have to watch out so that we don't want get overboard with our own interpretations regarding certain issues concerning the faith for fear that it might leads us to become...MURTAD.

I acknowledged that there are certain boundaries that we must adhere to.

But, then again, if we, Muslims ourselves are not meant to discuss about certain issues pertaining to our own beliefs, than who does?

I am confident that the same people who condemned my 'liberal' views regarding Islam isn't going to sit still if there is, lets say, a certain Budhist starts talking about Islam and Allah.

In the end, WHO has the authority to talk for/about ISLAM?

Is it only the 'ulama' who have the rights to talk about/for Islam. If so, that can we (the non ulamas) question the decisions/issues that was raised by them?

My beloved country and my faith are under the world's microscope/limelight again.

And as usual, its always for the wrong reason.

The news on yoga ban issued by Malaysia's Fatwa Council was highlighted on the CNN.

Imagine, of all the other news that these foreign western media can highlight, they've deliberately chosen this one.

And, I can't stop myself from wondering, WHY.

 

Airport frenzy

How would you react if you heard an announcement from the PA that says, 'In the interest of your safety, please leave the passenger terminal building' just as you arrived at the airport?

Perplexed? Baffled????

Thats exactly what I felt when I arrived in Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok's International Airport) a few minutes before.

The PAD (People's Alliance for Democracy) are at it again.

They've stage a protest and set up camp at Thailand's government house for 6 months, now.

They've managed to oust ex PM Thaksin, and the 'cook' and is also determined to do the same to the current PM; who happens to be Thaksin's brother in law.

With the KIng's birthday around the corner, they're desperate to do something drastic.

They've gone into high gear. 

They're now set up camp at Suvarnabhumi. 

I knew it was bad news when the airline personnel gave me a call and urged me to check in at the airport asap.

They said that the PAD protestors have blocked the ways to the airport.

I argued with them saying that I planned to do exactly that, but how am I to check in early if all the roads leading to the airport are blocked?

No answer to that question.  

So, I tried out my luck. The usual route was blocked, so I asked the driver to try out a different route.

Luckily, not all the routes are blocked. I managed to find my way safely to the airport terminal with enough time.

I checked my luggage in, passed the immigration counter and went straight to the airport lounge.

Leaving all the racquet and chaos, behind.

As I sit comfortably in this overly chilled lounge room, I started contemplating at what would happen to the protestors camping outside and the future of this country's image.

They had camped, hoping to keep Thaksin out of the country, but instead they're scarring away all the tourists and of course, the FDI's away.

Deep down I prayed that people back home will give a long, hard look at the situation unfolding here, before taking to the streets.

Now, whatever happened to my flight?