by Sarah Harrison

Created on: September 22, 2008

London is supposed to be one of the most multicultural cities in the world. And, despite the racism that we like to overlook, it is a melting pot of almost every culture, colour and religion you can find on the planet. One in twelve Londoners is a Muslim, with backgrounds ranging from being born in Iran and immigrating to the UK, to white British Christians converting. However, racist attacks are not uncommon and The Muslim Council of Britain is continuously receiving hate mail. Even in situations where there is no racism, groups of friends have a tendency to be of only one or two races. I began to think that maybe it is not really possible to properly mix; multiculturalism means we can tolerate each other, but we can not actually be friends.

After finishing my studies I visited a country that changed my mind, and made me realise that my melting pot has so far to go to solidifying its contents. Malaysia would teach me what true multiculturalism entails, because, far from being segregated, in Malaysia each culture is truly accepted and celebrated. I was also to come out with a better appreciation of one of the most misunderstood cultures in the world today.

My journey into discovering about Islam began with the tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur. Despite living in hearing distance from the East London Mosque I had never actually been inside one. The Masjid Negara is set around gardens and water features; fountains and long pools of still water reflecting the building around. The structure itself is comprised of a large open room of worship, and uncovered or shaded corridors and walkways, lined with marble pillars and wooden lattices of Islamic design. Not even tourists wanted to disturb this calming silence. Dressed up to look like an overweight peasant woman to ensure I was covered, I spent a wonderful hour wandering round, reflecting and thinking. I had not known what I had expected, but it certainly was not the complete tranquillity and serenity I experienced. I left the Mosque for the Islamic Arts Museum across the street. Again I could only open my eyes in wonder at the rich and beautiful cultural past. I still can not believe that due to a small group, un-liked by all, an entire culture with so much to teach the West is being almost entirely written off and ignored in my birth place.

Throughout my time in Malaysia I continued to be constantly amazed at the warmth and generosity I found around me. Most places you travel project friendliness towards tourists,

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