In the current climate of heightened racial tensions spurred by controversies like the 'Allah' socks dispute and the incident where an individual defiled a Chinese shrine as retaliation, it is times like this when we need and ask for stories that illustrate genuine connections among human beings from different races/religions. When you ask for such stories, you shall receive them. There is a story that has gone viral on social media where a Muslim worker shared how she opened her Islamophobic boss's heart to Islam. The story is as follows:
" I used to work at a Chinese-owned shop run by a Buddhist. My boss dislikes Islam.
However, the pay was worth it. Managing her shop earned me over two thousand a month. She would provide transportation, pick me up and drop me off. I had a daily food allowance of RM5. The full attendance allowance was RM100 per month.
I received Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Aidiladha, Chinese New Year, and birthday gifts. She was generous and shared everything with me. If she bought clothes, she'd buy me a piece too. If she bought fruits, I would have some as well. If she had ice cream, she'd get me some too.
Moreover, there were times she drove me to places because I didn't have transportation.
She simply didn't like Islam. Like many others, she was Islamophobic due to negative media portrayals of Islam.
As much as possible, she didn't want me to pray at her shop. But I still had to pray and eat there because I was in charge of her shop.
Initially, I tried to find a small space for my prayer mat. She didn't like it, but she didn't say anything. When I prostrated, she would pass right in front of me.
One day, she asked, 'Why are you raising your hands?'
‘Prayer,’ I replied.
‘What prayer?’ she asked.
‘Various prayers. I pray that the shop owner has many customers so that I can earn a higher salary,’ I answered.
‘Do you also pray for my business?’ She sounded skeptical.
‘Yes. Because in your business, my salary exists. My salary is my sustenance,’ I added.
I knew I could complain (to the Labour Department) if the employer didn't allow prayers. But there might be better ways to resolve this.
Over time, our relationship became very good. During work, she was my boss. After work, she treated me like a friend. We often went to the night market together. I walked behind her out of respect for her being my employer, but she didn't like it. She said I wasn't her maid.
Eventually, my prayers were answered. She cleaned the storage room and even bought me a pair of new slippers. That was my prayer space (referring to the storage room). She said she did it not because she supported my prayers but because she appreciated my honesty and diligence. That alone was enough for me.
Next, she respected Ramadan. I remember she searched the internet for what I should eat when fasting. Throughout Ramadan, she provided boxed milk, barley, and dates. I worked until 8 p.m. She would remind me of my iftar time.
When the time came, I quit. But we still stayed in touch.
One day, she met me and said, 'I now believe in your prayers.'
‘How so?’ I asked.
'When you worked with me, my customers increased. When you left, the customers you brought remained, but there were no new customers. It didn't continue to increase,' she said.
I smiled. I once told him that whoever comes into our lives also brings their respective sustenance. When they leave, they leave behind sustenance for us. That's why we shouldn't be arrogant towards people. Among that sustenance includes the knowledge they impart, their circle which eventually becomes our network, or anything else.
'Now I don't mind if my child wants to marry a Muslim. They will still be my child. After knowing you, I feel Islam is not a violent religion.'
I nodded. I remember she once said if her daughter wanted to marry a Muslim man, her daughter would lose the right to call her ‘mom’ (in other words, disowning her).
We just need a little patience when insulted by ignorant people, guiding them patiently and by example.
We need to reflect to realize our status in the eyes of others. If we are workers, we should humble ourselves in front of our employers to create harmony.
We need to propagate the goodness of Islam.
Wallahu A'lam ('Allah knows best' in English) "
In my humble opinion, this story transcends mere anecdotes; it embodies the power of patience, empathy, and dialogue in breaking down barriers erected by prejudice and ignorance. It shows that even in the face of adversity, we all have a choice including the Muslim woman's choice to remain committed to her faith (never missing a prayer despite not having space to pray initially), coupled with her humility and respect for her employer, paved the way for a transformational journey. From initial skepticism to eventual acceptance and understanding, their relationship evolved, transcending religious differences to embrace shared humanity.
As the fabric of society strains under the weight of intolerance and bigotry, narratives like these offer a glimmer of hope and serve as a reminder of the transformative potential of compassion and mutual respect. In a world where fear and division threaten to overshadow our common humanity, stories that illuminate the path towards reconciliation and harmony are not just valuable but indispensable.
Aaron Colt is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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