live life for people or for GOD?

saturday 13 november, 2010
bukit changgang
banting, selangor

one of the tradition in the local javanese community when offering prayer for the deceased is to prepare and serve nasi ambeng ('beng' here does not sound like ah 'beng' but rather to 'beng'ang or 'beng'kak) to the congregation once prayer is finished.

of late, nasi ambeng is regaining its popularity after almost being forgotten especially by the younger generations. but now you can find stalls selling nasi ambeng in nite markets and 'bazar ramadhan'. even in some restaurants...

nasi ambeng and the concept behind it is unique. to foster relationships, closeness, spirit of sharing (as food is hard to come by back in those days) and silaturrahim among families, friends and neighbours within a village.

it is served on banana leaf in a round tray and is divided equally among 4 - 6 persons using hand (covered with plastic bag). once divided, you either tapau (takeaway) or eat it straight away from the tray. everybody will have (almost) equal portion of rice, chicken parts, vege, salted fish, peanuts, meehon, serunding, etc. this symbolizes unity and equality.

lately however through some observance, the relevance of nasi ambeng nowadays brings many not-so-pleasing-notions. firstly, food here is abound and yes, malaysia is famous globally for its food galore. people here get sick for eating too much where else in many parts of the world, many died because there is just not enough food around. wastage is the most prevalent issue here. in many cases, the takeaways turn to thrown-aways. in other cases, some of the congregation are even reluctant to take them back home. you see, many had eaten earlier at home in the evening before going to masjid or surau for maghrib and isya' prayers. many also who came understandably are senior citizens. they don't eat much, and at home they most probably stay only with the spouse. some even ends up having to take 2-3 packets home but there is just no one around to eat the takeaways.

there is a lot to be desired if we are to continue with this traditions. many especially the older generations will not accept these views. and some are pressured into doing it. we have to think of ways so that what we are doing does not contradict with what our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW has taught us. whatever the thoughts and intentions are, we must reflect back at the fundamental reason why we are doing it in the first place. to please the people around us or to please and get blessings from Allah SWT...