What Do Ashaari Muhammad and Ron Hubbard Have In Common?

At first glance,
The juxtaposition of these two names
Might furrow a brow,
But actually both are cult leaders
In their own rights,
They have been operating
For quite some time now
With large followings;
They have hammered out
Beguiling alternative road maps
To immortality, while thumbing
Their noses at mainstream religions;
In the bargain, they made milllions.
Me? Even members of my own family
Don't agree with me.
Tee hee.

Numerology

According to numerology, the name Zaharan Razak gives a Life Path number of 2. My mission in life is to serve. That's fine with me.

Al Arqam

All major religions experience the sprouting of sects, either breaking away to form new denominations or religions or staying within the fold but adding an extra handle to the pan or horn to the head.

Christianity has a rich tradition of breakaway groups but Islam too has its share of the history.

On the basis of there being no compulsion in religion, I say leave Al Arqam well alone. Ayah Pin too.

On an individual level, no two persons practise their religions equally alike in every detail and nuance. There are as many sects/mazhabs/religions as there are souls. We have to accept this dichotomy of public practises, private beliefs as part of the existential tension keeping it taut and tingled with its necessary micro adaptations and adjustments to meet life's surprises, apparent contradictions and ironies.

Lina Joy

Now what can I say about the Lina Joy case in a few sentences?

The Lina Joy case throws up, again, an issue found in many religions which is often swept under the carpet or elicit more obfuscations - ambivalence.

Ambivalence means holding two contrary and opposite views at one time. On one hand you say there is no compulsion in religion, on the other, you are threatened with some sort of dire consequences if you are in breach of a religious edict. The word edict or command itself suggests force.

The only non punitive religion that I know is Buddhism. Buddhism holds that you are entirely responsible for your karma - cause and effect. You commit wrong, you yourself will suffer the consequences. No punishment is imposed by an outside authority.

Religion X will excommunicate or derobe you but you are free to walk out on it. Religion Y says walking out on it is a serious offence for it demeans the religion.

Many religions tell their followers, salvation, redemption lies in seeking the grace and forgiveness from a source outside of you. Buddhism says all that you seek outside are within you. Only you can save yourself.

So how does all that relate to Lina Joy? The answer is obvious.

Safe Space

This space is safe. Scrawl till you crawl, but wear a sarong. Haven't got one? Ish, don a kopiah then!

Black Hole Alert!

(This space is unsafe. Skip it or you'll disappear like gargle water down a sinkhole!)