I am Muslim

I am Muslim by Dina Zaman is one of my favorite non-fiction books. I bought the book right after I got my heart pierced with betrayal and it has been such a good remedy for the wound.

This book is a selfish journey of faith by its writer. For me, this is the most honest book I ever came across about Islam in Malaysia. It tells us how of most Muslim Malaysians practiced Islam. Dina gets into all kind of scrapes to discover what it means to be a Muslim in Malaysia.

Reading this book was an eye opening experience for me. She asked questions like: are Muslim Malaysian lost? Do we lack confidence in ourselves and that's why we hold onto religion or a certain lifestyle, because there is nothing else left to make us feel fulfilled? Contented? Who are we as people and personalities.

I am aware that being a Muslim in Malaysia you are judge by the way you present yourself physically. For example: if you are wearing the hijab, you are a good Muslim and if you are not, you'll be burn in hell instantaneously. Why do we wear hijab but do immoral things: consort with shamans, drinking, smoking Cuba cigars while attending Friday prayer diligently. Sad isn't it?

It is also heartbreaking to learn things that I am aware of but didn't realized how it has reached critical point such as the gay/lesbian culture or infidelity with same sex, that are getting out of hand. I was ashamed and angry when I found out about these things. Is this the modern Malaysians Muslim that we are proud of/to be?

I especially like the way Dina conveys her journey of discovery. Most of the time it is downright funny so I really enjoyed reading it. I have recommend this book to all my friends, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. Its a must have.