Why should we travel ?

Before coming to Canada or even travelling to other parts of the world, I just run my life like many other Muslims who just have a label of Islam in their identity card (ID) (In Indonesia, it is a must to state your faith or belief on your ID). I understood Islam as what most people did in Indonesia. But I might have a little bit more- Allah knows better.

However, once upon a time, I was inspired by two things that later on drove me to travel, which shaped the way I look at the world: a book of Ibn Khaldun and a verse of the Holy Book (Koran). A book that was authored by Ibn Khaldun was entitled “Muqaddimah”. I read a line that was scratched on the book, which was written around eight century, “If you want to seek for knowledge, go to a place where it becomes a center of civilization”. This particular line has struck on me. I was thinking at that time, if I want to further my study then I have to go to the west where it becomes a center of civilization (even until now when I am writing this blog). Indeed, what has been written by Ibn Khaldun is absolutely right. I went to the west where I could get a lot of updates in terms of knowledge and other stuffs. I am not trying to undermine a quality of education here in this land. But I just feel sad sometime when this country has a very poor concern on education. The country that is full of corrupted mentality begins to “kill” Indonesian society slowly but surely. As I landed in Canada, I was overwhelmed simply because I was being offered with a vast amount of knowledge that I can access anytime I want. As if my brain was crammed. I could not think properly and clear as I went into a huge library. Although it is still small in compared to any other libraries available in north America. Sometime I cannot express my gratitude to my Lord for giving me this blessing.

Second inspiration that forced me to travel to seek for knowledge is a verse of the Holy book (Koran): “Go and travel on this land then you can see my signs”. I took this verse very seriously even though it is very short. By travelling, indeed, I saw the beauty of the creations of God.I saw everything with my eyes that is both against and obeying the command of Lord. From unrestricted sexual acts of unbelievers to descent civilized behaviour that is consistently done by believers with strong faith. I am so amazed because there is nothing that can be hidden in this world in the eyes of the Creator.

Thanks God, you allowed me to travel to see those signs. That experience made me realize that this universe was impossible to exist by itself or chance. Should this creation is impossible to be created by chance then who has created it ?. Our deepest heart will be able to answer such question, I believe. Once again reading an inspiring book and the holy book will shape the way you look at the world and run your life as well as enlighten your soul.

Jakarta, July 22, 2012
5.51 pm