Nyonya and Parish Priest of St. George's Anglican Church
A memorial pavilion to Captain Francis Light was
erected in 1886, to commemorate the centenary
celebrations of the founding of Penang. It stands
next to a mahogany tree.
An invitation to an intra-faith, multi-ethnic
Ramadan walk with our Muslim friends.
Datuk Dr. Anwar Fazal invited me along.
Penang friends, across various ethnic and religious
backgrounds, came
together and walked 800m
of friendship to join our Muslim friends
Buka
Puasa for this holy month of Ramadhan.
Datuk Mujahid Rawa and Datuk Dr. Anwar Fazal
had mooted this idea to invite non-Muslims to
celebrate Buka Puasa together.
Here Datuk Mujahid Rawa sharing with Catholic
priests of Penang the book, 'Engaging Christians'.
The group started off the St. George's Anglican
Church to walk down the Street of Harmony at 5 pm.
We started from the St. George's Anglican Church, and
stopped by Kuan Im Teng Temple where the trustees
of the temple joined in this mixed religious party.
We read the poem written by Dr Kalam. He wrote
the poem on the temples, mosques and shrines along
Pitt Street, the religious harmony along this street
making an impression on him.
The coconut tree Dr. Anwar Fazal planted.
He says the coconut tree should be awarded the
nobel prize for a tree that gives sustenance to man.
And the neem tree for its health and healing benefits.
From across the street, our Hindu friends from
Sri Mahamariamman temple joined the party
Further on, the leaders of the Kapitan Keling
mosque were ready to greet and welcome us.
Imans and Priests greet one another.
At the Kapitan Keling Mosque, the parish priests
of St. George's and the Iman from the mosques
embraced one another in a warm welcome.
We went inside to view the mosque and learnt
some things along the way.
Neat orderly rows of prayer carpets cover
over the cool marble flooring
Ladies were handed headscarfs inside the mosque.
Doing the tourist thing ...
After the Kapitan Keling mosque,
its onward to the Acheen Street mosque.
We stopped at the Yap and Khoo Kongsi
We stopped at the Yap and Khoo Kongsi
before arriving at our destination where we
were warmly welcomed by the Acheen Street Mosque
members who hosted a Buka Puasa meal for the party.
Everyone eager to learn about Islam
and the history of the Acheen Street mosque
as regional centre for Haj to Mecca in days
gone by.
Friends, in black and white gowns.
The lawyer iman of this mosque showed us
the 210 year old pedestal from which sermons
are delivered.
The motifs in this Achenese mosque reflects the
vibrant cosmopolitan and cultural influence
on the Achehese two hundred years ago.
Chinese, British and Malay decorative works
in the interior.
The pool for washing before prayers.
The Iman reminded us that this is NOT
a swimming pool, wading pool nor spa.
Quiet serenity and simplicity in this mosque
A Buka Puasa feast is laid out for us
by the Moslem community of this mosque.
We checked out the big well at the mosque
Datuk Dr Hj Mujahid of the Rawa Malays
sharing his thoughts. All in all, the leaders
of the various religions and communities
express and embrace peace, respect and hope.
Datuk Mujahid pointed out the difference
between 'religious tolerance's opposed
to respect for one another's religious beliefs.
And each major faith was represented by its
leadership who shared the common goals for
peace, love and acceptance in cosmopolitan
multi-religious Penang.
Peace and unity among ethnic communities
and the many religion represented in Penang.
Nyonya got roped in by Datuk Dr. Anuar Fazal
to add colour and flavour to the group.
These Australian Exchange Students were astounded
by the goodwill among the people of Penang
and between the various races and religion
at this event.
Getting down to Buka Puasa
New found friends Buka Puasa together
Doesn't Sariel look demure in her selendang?
Staff from USM's Centre for Peace
Prema
A little sayang time . . .
Ladies side of the Buka Puasa feast.
22June 2017