HOW are Malaysian Muslim students adjusting to studying and living in western countries? Are they able to deal with the cultural differences, and do they feel discriminated against?
What do they think of extremist acts carried out in the name of religion? And, how, in their view, is this affecting Muslims in general?
thesundaypost spoke to several Muslim students to share their thoughts on these oft-asked questions. All said they are coping well socially and culturally — and that they do not condone extremism that results in the loss of innocent lives.
Jannah Jailani
Jannah Jailani, 23, said for her, the question of cultural differences does not arise.
“I think it’s fine — I don’t have to do any ‘coping’ at all. I hardly notice it at this point. If you’re talking about the experience of being Muslim in London, it’s actually fine.”
Jannah who is studying Geography in King’s College London, pointed out that there are many Muslims living in the British capital that provides “loads of halal options”.
She does not feel a striking difference in culture.
“Maybe I did in my first year but after three years I don’t feel it any more.”
What about discrimination? She said London is pretty multi-cultural and there are Muslims everywhere, so she doesn’t really feel out of place.
“No one has ever been rude or abusive to me,” she added.
“On the whole, it’s fine to be Muslim in London – there are Muslim locals and tourists everywhere – and also halal options. So again, I don’t feel out of place.”
On the perception that their religion is linked to radicalism, she said such a preconceived notion is ruining the lives of many perfectly innocent Muslims.
“This makes me angry because it’s ‘so incredibly stupid’ and I feel so helpless. Nowadays, I’m more wary when I go out in case some nutcase lashes out at me.”
She believed it’s mostly paranoia, adding, “Alhamdulillah, nothing has happened to me so far but still I have to be careful.”
Husna Zulkifli
Husna Zulkifli is doing Commerce at the University of Melbourne.
He said the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Victoria where he is studying, is quite similar to Subang Jaya in Selangor. So for him, there isn’t much problem coping with the differences in culture.
The 23-year-old noted that during his three years studying in Melbourne he never once felt discriminated against.
On acts carried out by radicalised groups, he said they should not be generalised – certainly not to be made out as something carried out only by Muslims.
He pointed out that as a student studying in Australia, it never ceases to amaze him how non-Muslims are always ready to help Muslims – even fight for Muslims.
“A profound statement I’ve heard and I quote is ‘you’re not an Australian if you’re a racist towards others’,” he added.
Husna said life for him as a Muslim in Melbourne is fine and he has learnt a lot about Islam living in this city.
“Since Melbourne CBD (central business district) consists of a small Muslim community, we have to depend on each other. This is where I learned so much about Islam. Getting involved in the local Muslim society has shown me how blessed I am. So not much of an issue here.”
Andika Azhar
Andika Azhar, who is also studying Commerce in Melbourne, copes with the cultural differences by living with other Malaysians.
“Yes, it may sound like nothing but it does help,” she said.
She added that she has never felt discriminated against studying Down Under.
“Australia is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse in the world. I have joined a few local events and mingled with the locals and surprisingly, considering how different I look and sound, they have never thought of me as an foreign individual. I think Australians have this habit of presuming everyone is Australian unless told otherwise, and to me, that’s awesome.”
On acts of extremism, she said it affected everyone and changed how friends and colleagues looked at each other.
“Whenever we see any news of incidents in public places, the first thing that crosses our mind, as Muslims, is ‘God, please let not another Muslim be involved’ because we know the stigmatisation will only get worse. Extremism destroys peace and harmony — we don’t want that.”
Andika said her life in Melbourne has been quite happy. She lives with other Muslims, so practising her beliefs has never been a problem.
“I have also been told by Australians I don’t really look like a Muslim, so I guess that’s a factor as well. There are also many shops and restaurants selling halal food — not much problem there as well.
Faizah Abdullah
Faizah Abdullah, who is studying in the US, said she does not condone extremism and radicalism and the killing of innocent people in the name of religion.
“Religion is flawed only because man is flawed – that’s a quote by Dan Brown, author of the 2003 best-selling novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’.”
Faizah who is doing international studies, focusing on foreign policy, diplomacy, peace and security, in the University of Washington, Seattle, said generally, quite a large community in Seattle is opposed to racist hate groups.
“That really amazes me. I don’t feel discriminated against when I go out because no one knows I’m a Muslim since I’m not wearing a tudung. But even if they did, I still feel the community here is peace-loving and liberal. I think Seattle is one of the safest cities in the US.
“My university consists of international students and we are all very democratic people — everyone tolerates each other. We all stand for each other. I feel really safe there.”
She added that even the university lecturers and other staff are very nice people and they never judge her even though they know she is a Muslim.
Naqib Samlan
Naqib Samlan, a final-year student of Economics and International Relations at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) University of London, said his comments would be related to his life in London and his short but frequent travels around the world.
He felt it’s “terribly unfortunate” extremist groups are using religion to advance their agenda.
“I really wonder if they actually believe what they do is for the good of religion or they’re just using religion as a tool to achieve their political agenda. I’m more inclined to think it’s the latter they are after.
“Resorting to extremism and killing innocent people cannot be condoned. It just doesn’t make sense no matter what reasons these groups give. Remember, they have killed thousands of Muslims as well.”
Naqib hopes people could think for themselves and not be easily swayed by media reports.
For him, adjusting to the London culture in his first year was quite difficult but he gradually got used to the new environment.
“Even though we have expectations of what the UK or the US should be like, these expectations are often distorted. This may sound obvious but when you’re living there, you’re bound to experience culture shock — initially at least. This is usually more common with the little differences rather than the big ones – unlike what we expect.”
Naqib who has been studying and living in London for three years, said his group of friends and events he goes to do not prioritise drinking, adding, “Once you know how to look for them, you’ll be fine and gain the experience you need to live abroad.”
He said he does not feel discriminated against as a Muslim.
“Generally, people are fine and quite respectful when they find out I’m a Muslim, especially in central London, actually feel more discriminated against for being an Asian since I look Eastern Asian.
“I would add that there’s quite a sizeable population of Muslims, mostly British Muslims, in London. So it’s quite easy to live in London as a Muslim
despite all so-called attacks by radicals.
“Although different societies have cultures, the fact that there are many Muslims and Islamic Societies like the one in my university in London, makes you feel you have some kind of support.”
Naqib said there are quite a lot of Malaysians in London as well and he has many friends from Kolej Yayasan UEM there.
“So that’s a really great bonus. It’s also easy to find halal food, even halal Chinese food as well as Southeast Asian ingredients, especially at the Malaysian kampung of Bayswater. The Malaysia Hall in London serves great and cheap nasi lemak too,” he added.