this post is inspired from a friend’s post
I suppose this kind of incident is no way peculiar to us, especially the one who study/reside oversea. We, judgmentally look and decide on people appearances and our prolonged, internal perception.
In my class “Understanding the Muslim World” back in 2007, 90% of the students were non-Muslim (Australian).
The first time in my life i encountered a Muslim (read: the lecturer, Mohamad Kamal) questioning skeptically his faith. He is socialist-communist by the way.
The first topic i argued with him by emailing him, was the issue of Sayyid Ghulam Muhammad, the so-called Muslim revolusiner of 1800s.
The second one was when he found out how Islamic (read: extreme) I was when we were in character-playing session. I read the speech of Tariq Suweidan regarding the issue of Prophet Muhammad’s cartoons.
The third one when he knew my third name is Alwi (read: Alawi). My lecturer is from Iraq, a Sunni. Alawi is the family name of Ali ibn Abi Talib’s descendants. He probably thought i was a Shiite.
It was a good experience.
So why Darwin then?
It happened 3 years ago, in 2006. My flight transit at Darwin, before continue to fly to Melbourne. It was New Year’s day.
I flew from Singapore, taking Tiger Airways at 3pm, and arrived Darwin at 8pm approximately, could not really remember.
The Darwins were partying for New Years. Beers and fire crackers everywhere.
The aborigins, the one i most feared, appreared on the street greeting everyone. So, i was like the only Asian there took their attention.
“Hey Japanese!” they shouted. Then they gave me a give-me-five. I had to return that give-me-five, or else i would be in trouble.
The scenario was really scary to me. I decided to burn my AUD60 to rent a backpacker’s room.
And that was the real story began.
“Hye, is there any more rooms tonite?” I asked, desperately.
“Oh yeah, sure..”. while checking his computer, the receptionist, Philips replied.
“Can i have your ID please, license etc..”.He then asked.
“Yeah, of course.” I gave him my Oz license.
“What is this, Mohd. How to pronounce it?”. Philips asked, politely.
“Oh, thats the short form for Mohammad. My name is Mohamad Zul Alwi, Adam is my surname. If you dont know how to pronounce, just called me Adam.” I replied.
“Mohammad?….So you are Muslim?!”. Philips started to ask thus made me shiver a bit.
“Yes, i am a Muslim.” brief answer came out from my lips, dont know what to expect.
“Mohammad is the only Arabic word that i know after Islam. You know, i am studying Islam now. Try to consider to make it my faith. There is not much Muslim around here. I really need some, you know guidance before i really jump in..” Philips confessed.
“Oh really…..Assalamualaikum then…” I gave salam to him.
“What was that?” he curiously wanted to know more.
“Assalamualaikum, means, Peace be upon you. And you should reply, Wa alaikumussalam warahmatullahi wa barakatuh….” I told him, tried to make a friendly perception of a Muslim.
“Ahaaaa…..wa the a lay kum selemmm……”he smiled.
Thats the story goes. For me, it is a really beautiful experience. I did not expect in Darwin, where i was like trapped the condition of people partying for New Year, my feelings were so scared and hopeless, then met a nice looking guy, fresh, simple but in the gate of embracing Islam.
I asked him to give me the best room available. I got a room with 4 beds, 1 bed occupied by a couple. I thought his definition of best room might be wrong, but considering that night was New Year, i admit that was the best room. The couple did not disturb me anyway.
Thats all.
salam akhi,
the best room was clearly misunderstood. nevertheless, it’s good to read the experience of yours, really enlightening. somehow, you might find it easier doing such a thing in Australia as compared to our homeland (there are opportunities, i know).
By: emir.abu.khalil on November 6, 2009
at 6:51 pm
good post. more alwi more!
benda2 camni la kene share.
By: mohdrusmanarief on November 7, 2009
at 4:15 pm
assalamu’alaykum wbt
there is a small mulim community in Darwin, consists of approximately 500 ppl, according to the Brother Adam (the Imam of Darwin Mosque).
He (Bro Adam) took us to the airport after we spent about one day at the mosque.
You took his (Philips) phone number, didnt you?
May Allah helps him in finding his way.. the best way of life indeed.
By: baitur_ridhuan on November 7, 2009
at 10:21 pm
Hmmm… This seems like a response from “Thoughts on Air” at aslamtu.blogspot.com, good that you speak to him.
By: aizuddinkamaruddin on November 9, 2009
at 1:27 pm
good post bro alwi..something that i should expect from you..by the way, i just come to ur blog after viewing uzt abd razak’s blog (pres abim).. now i know that u have good relationship with him. muhaha.. enjoy
By: faiz f on November 11, 2009
at 3:26 am
salam ziarah dr JB.
moga istiqamah,thabat sentiasa..
By: ahmadk on Disember 6, 2009
at 3:57 pm
continuously i used to read smaller articles or reviews that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am
reading now.
By: america's next top model on April 30, 2013
at 3:31 am
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it,
you can be a great author. I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will come back from now
on. I want to encourage you to continue your great work, have
a nice evening!
By: http://www.thiscovers.com/ on Jun 23, 2013
at 11:47 am
You can view the latest weather updates through taking a glance at
your phone’s home screen, where it automatically posts weather info, and without having to launch the application. By doing so, you are reinforcing that negativity and attracting to yourself MORE. The vulnerability has apparently been fixed since the interview with Russo came about, and usernames are again safe and secure.
By: pirate proxy on Julai 13, 2013
at 12:51 am
I love it when individuals get together and share thoughts.
Great site, keep it up!
By: Selfgale9.modwedding.com on September 2, 2013
at 2:52 pm
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about payless. Regards
By: Chastity on September 10, 2013
at 9:20 pm
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate
your efforts and I will be waiting ffor yopur further post thank you once
again.
By: blogtalkradio.com on September 14, 2013
at 3:22 pm
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website
yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from.
thank you
By: www.communitywalk.com on September 22, 2013
at 5:25 pm
Hi there to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more
from this site, and your views are pleasant for new people.
By: freeaudiobooks on Oktober 17, 2013
at 7:39 pm