In the Malay language, the word SAMA-SAMA goes beyond just being “together”. When I was a child, I remember when my siblings fought over something trivial (like young siblings do) one of my parents in an attempt to break the kiddy fights, would just gently advise my older siblings to give in. Turning to me (the youngest and often the trouble maker) to just main sama-sama or share kindly.
During mealtimes at family gatherings, the dulang or a round tray filled with traditional malay meals (nasi ambeng and nasi rawon were something that you eat only at very. special. Malay family gatherings back then - not something you eat at your whim from the hawker centre) will be served to be shared with 5-6 cousins. Nah, kongsi makan sama-sama, or here, take this and share it well. Growing up, the term Sama-sama were ingrained into part of our discipline.
At the Madrasah, my religious teachers would teach us, with reference to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to look out for one another, especially the unfortunate and vulnerable among us, so that the we grow up as thoughtful and useful citizens for the community, because even a simple, yet thoughtful deed goes a long way to build sama-sama masyarakat makmur or a blessed and prosperous community.
During mealtimes at family gatherings, the dulang or a round tray filled with traditional malay meals (nasi ambeng and nasi rawon were something that you eat only at very. special. Malay family gatherings back then - not something you eat at your whim from the hawker centre) will be served to be shared with 5-6 cousins. Nah, kongsi makan sama-sama, or here, take this and share it well. Growing up, the term Sama-sama were ingrained into part of our discipline.
At the Madrasah, my religious teachers would teach us, with reference to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to look out for one another, especially the unfortunate and vulnerable among us, so that the we grow up as thoughtful and useful citizens for the community, because even a simple, yet thoughtful deed goes a long way to build sama-sama masyarakat makmur or a blessed and prosperous community.
It’s about a week left to the blessed month of Ramadan. The covid19 situation looks like a long way from cooling down. It brings out both the worst in people and kindness from many unexpected quarters. This is humanity’s coping mechanism. They are dreadful, inspiring, heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. Everyone has their own reasons to do what they do to cope during these tough times. Regardless, instead of being quick to vilify, let’s listen to their stories. Even the Prophet ﷺ made mistakes.
Let’s be kind. Let’s hear one another out, not call one another out. Learn from mistakes and move on, not dwell on. Sama-sama we can inspire one another.
