With Muslims being the majority here in Malaysia, it is understandable that many of our public events are held while keeping in mind the interest of Muslims. However, what happens if the public event is held in an foreign country? Aisyah, a student at a university in the United Kingdom, posted a video on her TikTok to address her concerns about her university’s Malaysian Society holding a gathering at a nightclub.
According to the video, the gathering is an afterparty to celebrate a successful run of an annual sporting event called the Malaysian Games or MGames. Aisyah said that all students in the university’s Malaysian Society are invited to the event, including Muslim and non-Muslim students. However, Aisyah’s concern is that the event is disrespecting Muslims as the activities occurring in nightclubs misalign with Islamic practices. She added that clubbing, drinking and partying are not part of Malaysian culture, so having an afterparty at a nightclub seems inappropriate for a cultural society and that there are other ways to celebrate. She ended her video by urging Malaysians and Muslims, particularly in foreign countries, not to partake in activities that are not beneficial.
@thisisaisyahtrying
Aisyah has turned off the TikTok video’s comment section, but netizens continued sharing their opinions on the matter through Twitter. Many believed that Aisyah’s concern about the event shows her entitlement as a Muslim Malaysian. They said that just because Aisyah is a Muslim who doesn’t want to participate in the event, it doesn’t mean other students should have to follow suit.
Many also said that Aisyah has a choice in not participating in the afterparty but should not withhold the opportunity for others simply because the event doesn’t align with her personal views. Others pointed out that Aisyah should’ve been more understanding about her peers’ interests, just as she wished they would be for her. Some also questioned her statement regarding alcohol not being part of Malaysian culture, as drinking is prevalent in Sabah and Sarawak.
However, some comments said Aisyah’s concerns were valid, agreeing that the venue chosen could’ve been more inclusive. Many also pointed out that the funding for the event could’ve come from government scholarship boards, which meant using it for clubbing was inappropriate or against the rules and regulations of these scholarships.
What do you think about Aisyah’s video? Do you think she brought up a good argument?
