Assalamualaikum fellow Muslims /k's

I would like to study and understand your opinion on an issue that has been bothering for quite some time now.

Being a Muslim myself, personally, I believe that every one is equal in Islam regardless of age, race and status. However, in Malaysia, we have special rights for a certain race. This would contradict with what I believe in which leads to my issue. And this is a supposedly Islamic country.

So I would like to understand and hopefully find answers from the vast and wide knowledge of the Muslims from K.

PS, serious question no vroom vroom.

Islamaphobia is at an all time high with the recent killings and terrorism.

I would like to know what the Muslim /k's think about this.

I guess you're right. Though people acceptance towards Islam and Muslims has decreased exponentially this past few days and I just wanted to know how the Muslims here in /k feel about that.

Pretty disappointing to see how Islam has gain such a bad reputation over the years. Even more disappointing is the amount of Malaysians that sympathises with the extremist.

Of course it's possible. You're basically answering your question. The media will do it the same way they have done it with Islam.

Well generally speaking, it's very complicated the whole Islam and media ordeal. However, basically, the media takes any killings or shootings where the perpetrators are Muslims and broadcast that news to fuel islamaphobia without actually knowing whether the cause was religiously motivated or something else. In reality, it doesn't really have to be about killings or shooting. Its very complicated and difficult to explain but basically that's what happened. And it could be done to any and/or every religion that exist out there. It's pretty safe to say that the degree of difficulty isn't really important.

What is considered Syirik?

Based on my understanding, it is when we believe in something that isn't in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

So I would like to know if for example, myself, a Muslim with unshakeable faith in Islam. I firmly believe in Islam and it's teachings, were to get involve in a Buddhist celebration, is that considered Syirik? Given that I'm only celebrating it because a friend invited me over his place to celebrate so I'm just respecting his invitation by attending.

Does the act itself considers Syirik? Or must I believe in the celebration like how the Buddhist believe in their celebration to be considered Syirik?

Example only.