Reason for Our Existence Talk Writeup
by Azra Banu
Location : MNI Twins
Date : 15/9/04
The infamous KL rain and traffic struck again, determined to lay siege to an otherwise meticulously laid out evening. Nevertheless, spirits failed to be dampened as foul weather was no match for the enthusiasm shown by the guests, some as far as Johor Baru and Singapore.
MNI Twins proved to be an ideal location for many, sharing some limelight from the famed twins of KLCC, efficiently manned by very helpful and accommodating personnel and any inconveniences were quickly forgotten.
By a stroke of ingenuity, it was decided that light refreshment would be served before the talk, a decision truly appreciated as famished and battle weary guests enveloped the buffet counter.
After a brief introduction by our Chairperson for the day, Mr. Azman Sulaiman, Shaykh Khalid Yasin finally took to the podium. A native of Brooklyn, New York, now based in the U.K., he was a new face and voice to many that evening. Beginning by tossing the questions back to his listeners, he asked
“What is the reason for our existence? What is the purpose of life?”
Tracing the wonders of creation, from the human body with its miraculous organs, specifically focusing on the eye and the kidneys, to the vastness of the universe itself, he asked the most pertinent question.
“Could all this have come about on its own?”
No one; no person, no group has come into being on its own accord. Absolutely everything, time, gravity, age is under a power. Call it whatever you like, that power exists. Look closely and you will see design in everything. How can you deny the Designer? All that’s been designed is being sustained. Can you deny a Sustainer? The world in all its infinite diversity is being controlled, hence a Controller. The inexhaustible knowledge available indicates the existence of the One with Absolute knowledge. The laws of causeand effect attest to a higher power of accountability. How can we then fail to see there is an Owner and that Owner brought all of existence into being?
We have the responsibility to recognize and acknowledge that power. The responsibility to conform and establish a clear relationship with our Creator. And ultimately we have the responsibility to anticipate a final assessment by Him, our Lord, our Creator, our Sustainer, our Reckoner.
Visibly fatigued, Shaykh Khalid wasn’t his usual spirited self, but the question and answer session brought out the best in him, especially when asked why Islam? His answer touched many that night as he spoke about growing up in various foster homes and his exposure to six denominations of Christianity. He could never come to terms with the concept of Trinity and upon reading the Quran, found clean pure water after drinking contaminated water all his life. Ending with Surah Al Ikhlas it was the perfect note to end the evening on.
Complimentary copies of translations of the Quran for our non Muslim guests, generously donated by MACMA, were quickly snapped up and one hopes will bring enlightenment to those who read it.
Another MPF evening ended all too soon as we went through the familiar routine of thank you and farewell. What’s next? We’re working on it.