The Sufiah Yusof Issue

I admit that when Odd and Syadah brought up the Sufiah Yusof aka Shilpa Lee controversy that resurfaced a few days ago, I didn't have the faintest idea on what they were talking about. The news didn't make such an impact here in New Zealand as opposed to back home in Malaysia. However, after Googling "Sufiah Yusof" suddenly the name struck a chord and my jaw dropped in disbelief.

It was undeniably shocking reading the first ten or so articles about her. I remember reading her story years ago and that made me feel connected to her in a way as if she was a long lost friend. It was appalling to read her tragic story and many people were either sad, angry or both at the fact that something like this could happen. Like me, they too felt strongly about this matter. Already, people were pointing fingers at someone to blame while others were rallying to offer her help.

As for me, my head was piling up with unanswered questions. I just could not comprehend the fact that a maths "prodigy" has turned into a dishonourable prostitute. Even after reading numerous articles online, there was something that all the websites I came across had missing. Her side of the story. There was nothing that came from her. No confession. No defence. No comment. Nothing. It was either her father, her brother, her ex-husband or her friends speaking. So I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and wait until I could hear what she had to say before judging or condemning her. That's when I found this:

WARNING: This video contains graphic content and partial nudity. If you are a minor or easily offended, do not watch this video.

Here's my two cents. What she is doing is nothing new or unheard of in this present day, even for Muslims and even in Malaysia. My question is, why is this any different from what is going on in our own country? We Malaysians are making such a big commotion out of the whole issue and we fail to realise that these immoral acts have long been operating in our own backyard. This is simply a case of "kera di hutan disusukan, anak di rumah kelaparan".

I'm sure many would disagree and argue that she is different because she is a "genius" and losing her brains would be a grave loss. Muslims, be reminded that we are all equal in the eyes of God, and the only thing that distinguishes us is Taqwa (fear of God). In my opinion, we should help those who want to be helped, first. Why put urgency on her? To the extent of appointing Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim to lead the "misi menyelamatkan Sufiah". By doing this, the Malaysian Government have clearly demonstrated to the nation where their priorities lay.

Put yourself in her shoes. Would you want somebody knocking on your door telling you, you needed to be "saved"? Now put yourself in the shoes of a lowly prostitute on the streets of KL desperate to make a living and put food on the table. How would you feel knowing that the government decided she needed help more than you did? What Sufiah is doing is between her and God, the Almighty judge. Her actions affect only her and her loved ones, nobody else. Yes, she is a heartbreaker, but it ends there.

What we can and should do is make du'a for her and pray that she receives hidayah. InsyaAllah one day she will realise that what she is doing is wrong and find the true path. There are countless stories in Islam whereby persons have shifted from one extreme to another, Umar al-Khattab being of good example. God will help those who help themselves. Even if she no longer wants to contribute to society with her knowledge, what have we Malaysians got to lose? We have Adi Putra.

Signed, sealed, delivered.