Had some exchange of thoughts with a sahabah on certain changes and additions of a particular one we regard a family; a family of the community. It wasn't quite a hot debate between us, but we managed to see the rationale of why certain things were planned in such a way. In the first place, he was complacent of the reason on why things were done like that. Alhamdulillah after letting him see on a different perspective, he managed to agree. It's always 'the only constant thing is change' factor.
During this time that I remembered the HROH event held last year on Nov 30th. I guess it was one of the most memorable events while I was in office. That was the point of time where I mastered the various ketupat styles in a day! (Thus, the existence of Kak Yaya's factory, haha). Apart from that, challenged with some MS friends with gasing spinning. And the fact that it was published in the news on Suria and the Nanyang Chronicle, which I managed to stumble upon it while surfing earlier.
A prompt gotong royong day from our side and indeed, a joyous occassion.
*Me and Rachmat in pic* with Dr Su and family learning the art of weaving ketupats.
Fun all in the name of harmonyEducating the NTU community amidst joyous celebrations at the Hari Raya Open House
Lin Yanqin
IF YOU responded to an email invitation from the NTU President Su Guaning to attend the Hari Raya Open House on November 30, you would have found yourself enjoying a morning of good food, fine performances, and interesting games.
“The objective was simple – to educate the NTU community,” said Assistant Professor Abdul Wahab Bin Abdul Rahman, who helped oversee the event.
“We hope to correct some misconceptions. For example, many think that Hari Raya celebrates the Muslim New Year, but it actually celebrates the end of fasting,” he added.
Mr Mohammad Hafiz Mustaffa, 22, a second-year student from the School of Mechanical and Production Engineering (MPE), highlighted: “The purpose is to celebrate and to explain. Hari Raya can be celebrated by all, not only Muslims.”
Mr Mohammad Hafiz is also the President of the NTU Muslim Society (NTUMS).
This certainly seemed to be the case for the mix of local and international students in attendance.
“I am having a lot of fun,” Wang Yi, 26, a post-graduate Computer Engineering student from China said.
“I never knew much about Hari Raya, and now I know more,” Wang added.
“I saw the email and was curious,” said second-year MPE student Lim Zhong Min, 22.
“I think it’s good to see more interaction between the races.”
The Hari Raya Open House is the second time Dr Su Guaning has extended invitations to all at NTU. The first occasion was the Chinese New Year Open House.
“This is an expression of our cultural identity, and I felt that it was a waste not to share it at a broader level,” explained Dr Su of his suggestion to open the celebrations to all levels of NTU.
In the past, the events were organised mainly for the international students studying at NTU by the International Student Centre.
Guests enjoyed a rousing multi-lingual performance by the Malay Language and Cultural Society. Exhibits on Hari Raya and its origins and customs were set up all around, and a variety of Malay dishes and snacks were served.
Guests could also dress up in traditional Malay costumes, and play Malay games and instruments.
After the success of the two open house celebrations, Dr Su hopes to see more of such events.
“It is a strength to have so many unique cultures, and being able to express our identity.“It adds to a more vibrant campus. It would be good to see them initiated by students.”“One of our hopes is to push up the concept of harmony,” said Prof Abdul Wahab.
“I hope it’s something we can look to every year, with a different flavour.”
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