La Syarkiyya La Gharbiyya...

La Syarkiyya! la Gharbiyya! thawra thawra Islamiyya! "Neither East nor West, Islam is the Best!"Those were the magical mantra that had made the Shah of Iran an historical piece. Thousand upon thousand of the oppressed masses, young and old, male and female, took to the streets, chanting the revolutionary mantra while clenching their fists - a symbol of defiance to the rule of the corrupts and plenty becoming martyrs in the ensuing clashes. A great revolution evolving, history in the making, right in front of me very own eyes, "life" via CNN! - no Al Jazeera at that time..

The Islamic revolution of Iran, the most explosive experience touching me life almost three decades ago to this day. It never crossed me mind that such a great historical event could have ever taken place, not in me lifetime at least, but it did - breaking new grounds, giving new meanings to freedom for the oppressed folks - freedom from those who were supposed to protect but instead used and abused the power entrusted by the people for their own sake, promoting self grandiose and glorification, whilst subjugating others in the name of democracy and freedom of speech.

The tumultuous event was an eye opener and a defining moment for the many "lost souls" including a "mutt" like me self. Suddenly me had something tangible to cling on - a latent identity which had not seen the light of day, waiting to be burnished by the shining spirit of the great revolution with its powerful mantra - a wake up call for those lost souls still in the midst of their deep slumber.

La Syarkiyya La Gharbiyya! Neither Right nor Left, we are the people of the middle path, following in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w, true to his way on our very own, very genuine path of salvation along the blessed path of the "Ummatan Wassatan".

Fair dinkum, mate? Yeah, bet ya, mate!