by Diana Rahim It is not surprising that the term ‘Monolithic’ can have negative connotations. It brings to mind an understanding that is reductive, and absolute. A sweeping, generalised way of perceiving a reality that is much more complex and nuanced. Not all Muslims are Arabs after all, or even from the same denomination, or…
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by Zarifah Anuar It’s 3am and my alarm goes off. I don’t jolt awake, because I’ve been awake for the past 30 minutes or so. There is a special kind of silence at this time of the night. You’re very aware of how alone you are — everyone in the house is asleep; outside, your…
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by Firqin Sumartono When I was in university discussing available scholarships for graduate school with a friend, I suggested that she look within her community for available scholarships, since that was what I was doing. She replied and looked at me as if I understood what she was implying, “Chinese scholarships are so competitive! Everyone’s…
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by ASMY I sat in class that day, staring down at the skirt of my baju kurung cum school uniform, hovering above my black shoes. “What am I doing here anymore?” I’m seventeen in the first year of Pre-University at a Madrasah in the A-levels stream. Ever since I was 7 I have always dreamed…
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by Zarifah Anuar The bus stop isn’t very crowded, but the number of bodies in the space is enough to make the humid air even more annoying to bear. I find a relatively spacious spot next to a woman wearing a niqab, and start fanning myself with my shirt. I give it no thought at…
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Kuralgal by Nadyanna Majeed “Half Indian, half Chinese, how come Muslim?” “Your IC what race?” Indian, following grandfather. “Mother tongue what then?” Malay. “Huh?! Why?!” The questions never end, even from myself. 老师，早安。 Selamat hari, Cikgu. Why can’t I complete that last one-third? “Indian cannot speak Tamil? How can liddat?” “Take Malay because easy, that’s…
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Beyond The Hijab 