I Am Muslim

by Dina Zaman

I am Muslim is a selfish journey of faith. Dina meets shamans, nationalists, moderates and gets into all sorts of scrapes, to discover what Islam means to Muslims in Malaysia. Heartbreaking, angry and downright funny.

Dina Zaman's articles about being Muslim in Malaysia today capture the multifaceted aspects of difference and alterity in normative religious life better than many academic studies - Dr Farish A Noor

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Muslims

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Nur Fatin Atiqah · Rating 5 out of 5]

14 June 2013.

Actually I have written a review on this book upon finishing the book but the internet connection was effing slow that day so I couldn't submit the review, hence I am writing this review again, today.

First of all, I DO ENJOY READING THIS BOOK! YAY!

Aunty Dina Zaman was so hilarious, funny and witty in her own way. I like her arguments. I like the way she puts her points and elaborates them in her own way. Even though most of the articles was written around 5-6 years ago, but I still found it relevance up until now. Makes me thinking that we never really change, don't we?

However, in my very own opinion, I would rather say that the book needs a rebranding in its title because honestly, this book really do not tells stories about those Muslim who are really really really devoted to God and this faith. However, the book mostly tells stories about people who still claim they are Muslim but not really practicing Islam as the way of life. Yeah, they do pray (sometimes), fast during the Holy Ramadhan (like a celebration, really) but do they ever think of Islam more deeply? Sometimes, whenever there's someone who had passed away or during solemnization. But apart from that, they are back to normal. Normal means that they don't really care about Islam. All they care is the world.

So I think the book should be called, "Hey, I Am Muslim Too" because thats was all its about. Telling stories about people who have little belief in their faith. Stories about people misunderstanding what Islam is. Thinking that Islam is easy but why do they felt that the religion was suffocating him, banning them from doing what they love to do (clubbing, free sex and all that matters)? Although I won't deny that these people exists, they live with us but to actually represent them with a title of a book "I Am Muslim" would not be that appropriate. So yeah, "I Am Muslim Too" would sound nice ;)

Lastly, upon finishing this book, I've just realized that how divided we are. And it would take a miracle for us to unite. For the time being, let's just hope for the best ^^

Thank you!

[hans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book consists of articles/essays on Muslim, views and experiences encountered by the author on all aspect about Islam from mengaji and solat to talk on faith (and fate), of du'as and prayers, aurat and covering up, about one's sins, repentance, marriage (polygamy and divorce) also stuff on malay ritual/supernatural beliefs-- bomoh, sihir and 'poltergeist activities' (which I find quite amusing).

I like the vast points and the way it was tell-- gripping phrasing and argumentative, by division/fragment of stories and clear-cut topics. I love her studies on certain Islamic topic like when she went to Jakarta to learn tasawuf and 'experiencing' her prayers on a deeper level, such enlightenment and things to ponder. This book was segregated into varied chapters and I like stories from 'soul searching' part that talk about liberal Islamic views, about fasting, qada' and qadar and pilgrimage. Some articles/essays written heart-warmingly and some covered issues on morality/culture- although was written years ago- which relatable.

Great collection, giving it 4 stars.

[Fadillah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sister, you Malaysians always ask the same thing, she smiled. Islam is international and your sisters come in all colors. The important thing is that we pray to the same God. Why are our styles of praying, clothing, hijab, ablution so important to you?”.
- I am Muslim by Dina Zaman
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People can agree to disagree with what Dina Zaman wrote in this collection of essays but the fact that she doesnt mimed her words and stay true to what she believe in is indeed inspiring. I am the product of religious upbringing and have been battling to stay true to my faith for the longest time. I was shipped off to religious boarding school as my parents hoped that it will make me a good muslim girl. Alas, it didnt work and they stuck with this version of me 😂 (talk about being a letdown). There are many articles resonated well with my thoughts and i do think anyone, malaysians or non malaysians, muslims regardless of liberal, conservative or even in between and non muslims should read this book. The book divided into 4 chapters - Travels in faith, Sex within Islam, Soul searching and Portraits - ranges from the stories of try to learn about sufism , finding GOD, virginity, polygamy, Public display of Affection, and even veil or hijab was written as part of what she herself has gone through and some of it came from her peers, relatives and even strangers. I laughed , enlightened (specifically on her experience encountering this elitist class of islam) and even got frightened while reading this (specifically when the bomoh house did not exist, that was so trippy). Here is 5 of my favourite articles:
- Missing Europes (pointing that islam is full of colors, diverse and one should not put a box in on how Islam supposed to be exercised).
- Doubling Gods ( highlighting that while animism is slowly disappearing and people no longer go to shaman for help but it is not yet fully dead, the fact that people disguised it as part of ‘Ikhtiar’ or efforts.)
- Looking for God (recalling her experience in the presence of almost cult like - the version of elitist islam)
- Honey Honey (Answering the misconception of polygamy - i am not a fan of polygamy and never will be but like Dina, i understand why they would choose ‘Halal’ over ‘Haram’)
- The closer you get to God - because this line gets to me : “The close you get to God, the more you are tested. But you will see the goodness. You will see the truth”.
Overall, what a great way to start 2022 with this book. A highly recommended book as i thoroughly enjoyed it.
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“Islam in Malaysia is judged on the physical, the superficial. What is seen is proof of your piety” - I am muslim by Dina Zaman

[Ummu Auni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book revolves around the writer's self journey in discovering Islam & strengthening her faith. As she struggles with herself, and her soul searching, Dina wrote about reflections of Malay Muslims' community. She started her writings with thought provoking writings but she hit the nail right, and her writings seemed like true reflections of our daily life.

There are many issues that Dina dealt with, for example, some Muslims who don headscarf, just out of custom or tradition, but if asked, they don't know the true reason why God give directives for woman to don headscarf and properly attire themselves. Other issues include taboo ones, such as sex out of wedlock, a story about a girl who tries her best to become a good Muslimah despite the fact that she felt confused indeed cause she has inclination towards other women and about Muslims who live oversea, who couldn't care less about reciting al-Fatihah

In this book, Dina even quote Quranic verses & Hadith. She didn't manipulate the verses, in fact she left it as it is, with some explanation, I think much more for non-Muslims to understand what Islam is all about. Dina also became sort of missionaries by explaining the five pillars of Islam, Rukun Iman, even stories such as Israk Mikraj experienced by our beloved Prophet, Nabi Muhammad SAW.

In her quest, she also had written regarding some women who wanted to don headscarf very much, but still have their doubts, as they are afraid to become someone, who wear head scarves, but do not practice Islam's way of life. Dina even told stories about Muslims who believe in others than God, and rediscovering Islam in one of the best way, in Jakarta, instead in KL/Malaysia.

She writes with a dose of humour, which made it entertaining enough to read. In fact, I was unable to put it down when I first read it. I am familiar to Dina's writings when I was still in school, and I expected her book to be as much as entertaining as her usual pursuit, and she had proven herself that she's an excellent writer.

I think the writings are true view of Malays' life. Yes, Islam is perfect, syumul, but we the ummah, always have our own interpretations. A good read, but you need an open mind to read her book.

[Syed Muhammad Danial · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book. Many of her stories and essays are interesting and mind catching. As a daughter of a diplomat, her views are maybe quite different from the majority of the people living in Malaysia, mostly malay muslims. But from her writings I find a lot of things that we, as Malaysian can do for making our country better

[Tariel Yong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A splendid read for fellow (open-minded) Malaysians who aren't aware of the many facets of life, attitudes, and lifestyles that our local Muslims and Malays, in Malaysia and around the world.

I enjoyed the read so much during its comedic to enlightening moments and remarks, very much.

Before reaching the end of this book, I wishED that there was 'I am (a) Christian' or 'I am (a) Buddhist', etc., that's written with similar tact and writing style, as this book too.

P.S. if anyone have found such books, to let me know, thank you.

P.S.S. Wished even more variations of (Non-Malay) Muslims could have been a part of this book too, maybe we'll have a part 2 in the future?

[Tomoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is her collection of writings on Islam and Muslims in Malaysia. I find it to be a quasi-autobiographical view on her experiences and others whom she had encountered.

Growing up in Malaysia (big bad city of KL), I accept things as they are. I believe that we were a liberal and secular society amidst religious practices around us. It wasn't until I had a road trip around Semenanjung and visited smaller kampungs and observed the majority of Malaysians and that changed my views.

I'm only halfway through the book, but I cannot help to reflect on the parallels of what I've seen and experienced. Klang valley-ites are the minority and our collective views as a nation are so much at odd with one another. Reading on what everyday Muslims face everyday, the constant need of 'pious-dom' and fear of erring has really confounded me.

Great bedside read btw!

[lynne fireheart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly not claiming to be an authority on Islam, "I am Muslim" is an admittedly selfish journey by Dina to explore what it means to be Malay and Muslim in Malaysia, and how they often seem contradictory.

Her tale about accompanying a friend to visit Uncle Din, a supposedly 100-year old bomoh well-versed in Siam, Muslim, Malay and shamanistic knowledge, was rather cool, I'd heard about this person, and have had brushes with "that" side of things...

... in general, though, Dina just goes off in a few tangents in each piece, each time providing charming glimpses into her life and that of her friends - whether Malay, Chinese, Indian, Muslim or non-Muslim.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about Islam as it is really practiced, or not, in Malaysia.

[Suraya Nordin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me a long long long time to finish this book because I put it on hangover rack. Actually, I bought this book because my lecturer asked me to read more on Malaysian writer. As I read this book and I adore Dina Zaman for her courage to tell her opinion about Muslim, to be specified, Malay, openly. She might be condemned by others but I think what she wrote is what are actually happening nowadays. However, I do not recommend this book to others or my friend. I am afraid, those who already in their improper way of life, refuse to follow the right path.

She is very cynical in her writing and she admits it herself. I like the cynical jokes in this book. No matter what, we have our own opinion while she has hers. Either way, we both Malay and Muslims. May god bless us untill Jannah.

[Putri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book about Malay muslims from the perspective of Malay Muslim woman.
The author described about many issues as a muslim in Malaysia as an Islam country boldly.
That there are lots of muslim types out there, range from the conservative muslim, liberal muslim, gay and lesbian muslim, the non practice muslim, etc.
A cynical but quite funny book eventhough not necesseraly well written but for me it gave me different view to see Muslim lives in Malaysia that I have had thought.
But Anyhow at the end of the day, nobody's perfect. And definitely you cant judge a book by its cover, really!

[Sharifah Syakila · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a few days to finish this book because Im always slow when reading non fiction books. Dina has a unique way of writing, I love how she's funny and witty and how she writes excites me. The down part of it is that, the book is written in a messy manner I think. All the topics were jumbled up and she jumped from one topic to another to fast. I find it frustrating and confusing at times. I feel like she was rushing to get the book done. I liked two chapters in this book, one was about polygamy and the other was how gay are you. Both were really well written. Overall it was a good read and hopefully she'll write more.

[Anouk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! It is very fresh and funny, but factual and cynical at the same time. I love the way she thinks (well as she is a columnist, it is hard not to be subjective). It shows the world that being a muslim does not necessarily makes a person different than the rest of the world. There are gay muslims, lesbian muslims, muslims who have affairs, and muslims who go to witch doctors. At the end of the day, what you see isnt always what you get!

What a hypocrite world that i live in..

[syafiqah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ada sesetengah yang boleh diambil dari buku ini.walaupun pedih tapi itulah realiti kadang kadang apa yang terjadi sebenar di malaysia.ada perkara yang perlu ditetliti dengan lebih mendalam dan tidak boleh diguna pakai membuta tuli.Ambil yang baik dari buku ini dan apa yang rasa tidak patut diambil jadikan sebagai kayu pengukur untuk masa depan.thanks to dina zaman sebab berani menulis lain dari yang lain.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight to the lives of Malaysian Muslim. Some stories caught me by surprise and scared the hell out of me. I thought as a person I was pretty open-minded. But I guess I'm still a bit naive when it comes to what people do behind closed doors.

This book is really honest. Easy to read. And offers mind-boggling facts.

[Shafira Noh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it, to know what Malaysian thinks about Islam, even who ever she is.

"Talk to us". Excerpt from one of her written post there. Sometimes, we really like to label other else, without seeking first why they did one thing.

I really hope, to mingle with anyone. Not to be influenced but to understand.

[Nessreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of essays first published as a column in a popular Malaysian news site – my first Malaysian book and I loved it. It's about Malaysia's version of Islam and the politics of its implementation, and I drew similarities and differences from my own background. It's funny, insightful, clean writing. I recommend!

[Angee Soon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collection of writings in one book! Dina Zaman and her observation of Islam and Malaysia in a liberal way. I enjoyed reading this, and growing up witnessing different backgrounds I had similar questions and Dina definitely wrote them down. I definitely recommend this book to people! It's funny in a whole new level of perspective.

[Azam Baizen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please read this book if you want to know bout the reality of the way Islam is being practiced in Malaysia. Of course some may argue with the author's observation but at least she tries to tell the people what is da reality here in Malaysia. Good job Dina! :)

[Emz · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was enjoyable. I was particularly interested in the essays concerning identifying as both homosexual and Muslim. Also, the blending of traditional Malay customs with Islam.
Its a good book, you should read it.

[Kluxorious Kluxces · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how candid this book is about most Muslims in Malaysia, how typical they are when it comes to judging people and despite the denial, the conservative and sometimes extreme way of practicing Islam. This book is certainly one of my favorite from our local taalented writer.

[Faten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the writer's wit, especially when talking about such a sensitive topic here in our country. Also enjoyed her outlook on things because most times we tend to see religion as only black and white. A very enjoyable read, as I often revisit this book when I'm in a reading rut.

[Evy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Controversial! Insights into Malaysia Muslims

[Jiwa Rasa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am Muslim by Dina Zaman (2007)

[Sarah Farhana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reality of Muslim in my beloved country

[Sizarifalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yummy!

[siti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anecdotal and scattered,but just the way I like it.

[Nur · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book

[Akmal A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kisah sebenar kebanyakkan masyarakat di Malaysia

[Syafiqah Shukri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quirky,funny,frustrating.....all in all....a good read!

[Izziewizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynically interesting.