Self-Improvement and Preparations for the Future Success of Myanmar Muslims
Part 4: The Power of the Powerless — Building Strength Without Hatred
We are not calling for passivity or abandonment of self-improvement. On the contrary, we must actively prepare ourselves — as individuals and as a community — to be strong in every dimension: physically, intellectually, economically, socially, mentally, and spiritually.
“Even non-poisonous snakes are not respected by children.”
— Burmese proverb
If we are weak, we are vulnerable — to exploitation, to discrimination, to being sidelined. Strength is not arrogance. It is dignity with discipline.
All-Round Preparation for Strength
- Live healthily: Eat nutritious food. Avoid cigarettes, liquor, drugs, and unsafe sexual behavior.
- Exercise regularly: Sports, martial arts, and physical training build not only the body but also discipline.
- Defend yourself: If possible, train in civil defense or basic military knowledge — not for violence, but for preparedness.
- Prioritize education: As Malcolm X said, “Education is the passport to the future.” Islam commands us to seek knowledge — even to travel far for it.
- Work smart and hard: Intelligence and effort must go together. Learn modern skills — IT, languages, driving, swimming — and pursue lifelong learning.
- Cultivate high moral values: Bad morals (corruption, lust, drugs) have destroyed even the greatest of men.
We also need to read, reflect, and motivate ourselves. Books like Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People (translated into Burmese by U Nu) or the Chicken Soup for the Soul series are food for the mind.
Our Roots, Our Responsibility
Most Myanmar Muslims trace their ancestry to migrants who came generations ago. Many of us no longer know our ancestral homeland — our umbilical cords to the past are cut.
Myanmar is our only home. There is no going back, no retreat — only the way forward.
Our inherited values — hard work, education, thrift, family ties, respect for elders — are not just admirable. They are our foundation for success. Strengthen these qualities with unity, and extend them to our Buddhist friends.
Learning from Failure, Preparing for Success
If we fail, we must resist the temptation to blame others. Accept responsibility. Learn from mistakes. Don’t waste time on witch hunts.
“Success has many fathers. Failure is an orphan.”
Instead of asking who is to blame, ask:
What failed? Why? When? How?
Even if someone caused our failure, focus on damage control — not revenge. Learn the lessons. Try again. Never give up.
Thomas Edison failed hundreds of times before inventing the electric bulb.
True success is hard-earned — that’s why it is precious.
Power Comes from Within
If Myanmar Muslims cultivate:
- Confidence
- Self-respect
- Pride in our faith
- Inner spiritual strength
…we will surely rise. Spiritual and mental strength can overcome physical weakness. Even small communities can inspire nations.
And whenever we are in a position to help — help. Regardless of race or religion. Help sincerely. Expect nothing in return.
Good deeds are never wasted.
What we sow, we will reap.
Change Begins with Ourselves
It is hard to change others. But we can change ourselves.
Trying to change others often leads to defensiveness, blame, and new enemies. But when we change ourselves — with sincerity, excellence, and character — we win respect, hearts, and minds.
If our Buddhist brothers and sisters believe that we are sincere, trustworthy, and patriotic, they will help us, protect us, and stand by us.
Living as Muslims in a Non-Muslim State
Islam teaches us to obey the laws of the land — even under non-Muslim governments. But when injustice becomes unbearable, Islam provides several moral options:
- Supplication — Pray to Allah. He has promised to hear the prayer of the oppressed.
- Peaceful protest — Within legal limits, we must have the courage to voice truth.
- Non-violent resistance — Inspired by Gandhi, civil disobedience is an option, though risky in Myanmar’s harsh political climate.
- Migration — If life is unbearable, migration is allowed. But this option is often limited by geopolitical realities.
- Armed struggle — The last and most dangerous resort. For minorities like us, it is unrealistic, unsustainable, and unwise.
The opposition to the current regime (including NLD and other armed groups) often shares the same racial prejudices. So even if we sacrifice everything for regime change, there is no guarantee of justice for Muslims.
Our Alternative: The Power of the Powerless
Rather than chase political office or armed struggle, let us embrace “the power of the powerless” — silent strength rooted in excellence, ethics, and influence.
Let us become:
- Power brokers, not politicians
- Influencers, not agitators
- Partners, not opponents
Build power through:
- Knowledge and education
- Economic success
- Wisdom and good advice
- Moral character
- Trust and relationships
- Unity among Muslims
- Cooperation with Buddhists
Building, Not Breaking
Don’t sabotage or envy others. Don’t shrink their slice of the pie — grow the pie for everyone.
“The ocean does not dry up because of one man’s drinking.” — Burmese saying
If the economy expands, there’s room for all. A win-win future is possible — if we work hard, reduce poverty, raise literacy, and build peace.
Let Go of Hatred
We’re all trapped in this country — Buddhists and Muslims alike. We see each other every day. We share streets, buses, hospitals, and markets.
Why choose hate, which burns us from inside?
Buddha said: “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal law.”
Avoid falsehood, lies, gossip, and backbiting. Speak the truth when it is helpful and welcome. Remain silent when it is not.
Final Reflections: Hope and Resilience
“If you miss the moon and spend your life crying, you’ll miss the stars too.”
— Rabindranath Tagore
Don’t cry for lost opportunities. Don’t grieve over forbidden dreams. Embrace what you have. There is beauty in the dawn after the storm. There is sweetness in the local fruit.
There are many precious things still to be achieved.
So rise, rebuild, and restore hope.
Let us live not just for ourselves, but for our families, our communities, and our country — with wisdom, strength, love, and the power of the powerless.
