LRTQ2: Eid, Drink and Be Merry

Technorati tags: Eid, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Quran, Reading, Campaign

Yes, it's day 3 of Eid-ul-Fitr, and no, Walski's not forgotten. It's just that he's decided to stay under the radar for a bit. But why is a long story that he chooses not to talk about, so don't even ask.

That said…

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri
~ Eid Mubarrak ~

Which also means that the LRTQ2 campaign has come to an end. And so this post doubles up as a closing post for the campaign. Truth be told, on Walski’s part, he feels he could have done more.

Co-campaigner Marina M. had posted her closing bit for the campaign, touching on the concept of forgiveness, a theme that is abundantly spoken of in the Quran. It has become a tradition, of sorts, in these parts that one asks for forgiveness during Hari Raya. Wiping the slate clean, so to speak, of any misdeeds or screw ups we may have committed.

Walski won’t get all over-preachy on you in this post, but he does want to highlight one verse that touches on forgiveness (emphasis by myAsylum).

And those who, when they do an evil thing or wrong themselves, remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins - Who forgiveth sins save Allah only? - and will not knowingly repeat (the wrong) they did. (Surah 3, Verse 135)

The point is this: forgiveness, ultimately, is not unconditional. 
(conditioned by the conditioning conditions, and more, in the full post)

As human beings, we’re prone to screw ups – by no means are we perfect creatures. And by no means shouldn’t we forgive one another for honest mistakes or misdeeds.

What Walski questions, sometimes, is the sincerity. Being that asking for forgiveness has become a Hari Raya tradition, he wonders how sincere we are in asking for forgiveness sometimes. It’s as if we ask for forgiveness just because we’ve been conditioned to do so.

Is it really out of remorse, or just because it’s “the thing to do” this time of year? When politicians ask for forgiveness, does that mean they’re making a pledge to become better human beings, or simply better politicians?

It is, however, not for Walski to question anyone’s sincerity, by the way – he’s not a mind reader. Sometimes, we have to take things at face value, and not think the worst of people. That said, although Walski can easily forgive, he seldom forgets. Which brings to mind this little number, from one of the few pop acts that he actually likes.

Not to say he keeps score, or anything like that. It’s more of a “once bitten, twice shy” kinda thingy.

Well, we can only try to do our best, Walski supposes. If he has inadvertently offended you, do remember that it’s not personal – Walski may criticize ideas and actions, but he doesn’t think that people are inherently evil. Misguided, maybe, but not evil. And therefore, they have the capacity to change for the better.

So, this Hari Raya, Walski hopes that while you seek forgiveness, you enjoy yourself, tool. But don’t over do it – especially when it comes to food. Easier said than done, though – every home we visit, food becomes the central attraction, and Malaysia being Malaysia, the diversity of food is really tremendous.

Enjoy the company of friends and family, definitely… Eid, Drink and Be Merry… so to speak.

As for the LRTQ2 campaign, Walski hopes that whatever little he’s contributed has been beneficial. Circumstances have been that too much went on during the period to really be able to concentrate on doing a good job with the campaign.

Oh, one other seasonal reminder, before Walski forgets – if you have to travel, do be careful on the road. It’s the time of year when the highways get choked up (literally), and time to tap on your patience bank account. Yes, it’s easy to get pissed off when driving this time of year (or during any festivities), but just remember to not do anything rash, or emotional, while on the road. It’s better to be a little late, than to not reach your destination in one piece.

Okay, folks… time for Walski to get ready to do the 3rd day of Raya thing… more visiting and such. Take good care while you have your fun!