Drowned with questions

Indeed I was literally drowned with questions earlier. Drowned, yet I had a great time with my students today =)

  

The discussion was about Islam, the teachings and belief. Among the questions that I dealt earlier :

1)What is Halal and what is Haram?

2)Why Muslims cannot eat pork?

3)Is it true that Non Muslims cannot go to Makkah ?

4)Why is that Muslims men cannot do hand shake with women?

5)What is inside the Kaabah?

6)What is Zamzam water?

7)Is it true that Muslim women have go cover their face?

8)Why Muslims have to circumcise. What about women?

9)Why Muslims cannot touch dog ?                                               

10)Why Muslims men and women cannot pray next to one another?

Not to forget , the one that tickles my heart; “Sir, why is that the mosque looks like an onion?” This one, I cannot tahan ! =D

Whoa. So many questions !  I just hope I did justice to the questions earlier. May Allah forgive me If for my shortcomings. InsyaAllah !

Please share you answer to the questions above. Really appreciate if you do that ! Syukran =)

                                                                                                                      

Aussie Muslim on Master Chef Australia

Amina is blessed with culinary expertise that originates from two different parts of the world - the Middle East and Asia - thanks to her Egyptian dad and South Korean mum.

Close to both her parents, but a self-confessed “Daddy’s girl”, Amina lives with her younger sister Eman, with whom she would one day love to own a funky but traditional Middle Eastern mezze restaurant.

“Eman would run the business and I would cook!”

Amina was born in Saudi Arabia and moved to Australia in the late 1980s. As a child, family life was centred on food and weekend trips to the produce markets. Her mum cooked through the week and father at the weekends - both bringing old family recipes and techniques to the table. Amina remembers the pickling her mum used to do and the fridge being full of jars and fresh vegetables.

“To get me started they would give me the bad jobs - peeling onions!”

As well as cooking, her childhood and teenage years were very focused on education and with degrees themselves, it was important to Amina’s parents that their children did well in their studies. Amina is now a paediatric nurse and her sister is studying law.

One of Amina’s proudest achievements in her life so far is buying a house - for which she saved for a long time. Initially she found it very tough being away from her parents but feels good about it now.

“It has been really good for me and made me independent.”

Amina is always giggling and says she is an optimist. She is very proud of her ethnicity and Muslim background and spends most of her time with her friends and family. She loves to prepare big barbecues either at her house, or at her parents. Amina also loves music.

Amina says French cooking - and pastries - are her weakness. Her favourite ingredient is olive oil.

(Source:here)

>Another Muslim Ambassador to be proud of =)

Small yet profound gift =)

Firstly, Happy Teacher’s Day (belated =P) for all teachers out there. You might be known as a teacher, lecturer, xifu, mu'allim, lao shi and whatever terms related, but at the end of the day, it is you who take up the arduous task of educating and nurturing minds of our future generation. Barakallahu fikum !

I myself is an academician. I’ve been in this field for more than a year which I didn’t expect that I will survive up to this point. I believe, it is due to my passion that I’m enjoying this profession so much. Having students from various background both Muslims and non Muslims is truly a blessings for me. Alhamdulillah.

Talking about teaching, I’ve been teaching this one subject related to Islamic Studies for a couple of semesters including this semester. Teaching about religion of course has a mounting pressure because you cannot simply talk, but you must also walk your talk. May Allah forgive me.

This semester, for the first time all my female students in this class do not wear hijab. Can you imagine, all female students bare head and yet I’m teaching this subject about Islam. For me, there’s something wrong about this. In fact, I feel it is not right if this thing continues. I used to tell this to my colleagues with the hope that maybe I can get some sort of advice and know what would be the right step that I should take. After talking to a couple of colleagues, senior and so on, I finally convinced that all these while what I had in mind was not really correct. All these while meaning previous semesters, I have this thinking in my mind that, maybe if I didn’t ask them to wear hijab, then it should be ok since I don’t want to be too ‘preachy’ and somehow ‘force’ them to wear it.

To my surprise, I have a completely different outlook after talking about this to my dearest friends. They simply say that I just have to ask them to wear it because you’ll never know they might end up wearing the hijab at all times. This thought had really changed my perception and for the the first time, this semester I’m determined to correct my wrong perception over this hijab issue.

As the issue goes, since this class is only once in a week, last week I’ve decided to meet all the female students in this particular class and met them up after the class ended. I met all the female students only because I know that's the right thing to do.To tell them what I felt at that particular moment was really difficult . Blurting out the wrong words added with the wrong ways of expressing it probably might give them a hard time to accept whatever I will tell them . Yes, some of the students seemed to be uncomfortable after I told them what i was supposed to tell them. Nevertheless, I was so relieved because at least I have done my part to tell and remind them about their duties. For me, as long as I hold on to this one prominent verse mentioned, InsyaAllah, things will be easy for me. Allah says:

"Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious."    Qur’an 16:125

 

Alhamdulillah, yesterday, we had our class. The moment I entered the room, I saw all the female students were lovely clad in hijab. The way they reacted as I started my lecture showed that they can accept whatever I have told them a week prior to that. They seemed to enjoy the class too =). Alhamdulillah !

I was so delighted and I believe that is among the best gifts that I have ever received on Teacher’s Day =)

May Allah bless them and make them Istiqamah. Ameen !

Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand.

Lau Kana Baynana-لو كان بيننا

Subhanallah. Alhamdulillah. Allahu Akbar =)

I believe. Do you believe ? =)

When you’re searching for the light
And you see no hope in sight
Be sure and have no doubt
He’s always close to you
He’s the one who knows you best
He knows what’s in your heart
You’ll find your peace at last
If you just have faith in Him
You’re always in my heart and mind
Your name is mentioned every day
I’ll follow you no matter what
My biggest wish is to see you one day

I believe
I believe
Do you believe, oh do you believe?

Coz I believe
In a man who used to be
So full of love and harmony
He fought for peace and liberty
And never would he hurt anything
He was a mercy for mankind
A teacher till the end of time
No creature could be compared to him
So full of light and blessings
You’re always in our hearts and minds
Your name is mentioned every day
I’ll follow you no matter what
If God wills we’ll meet one day

If you lose your way
Believe in a better day
Trials will come
But surely they will fade away
If you just believe
What is plain to see
Just open your heart
And let His love flow through
I believe I believe, I believe I believe
And now I feel my heart is at peace

I believe I believe, I believe I believe

Happiness is not so much in having as sharing !

“Why do you have to eat dates during your break fasting ya?” Su Ann asked me.To be honest , I was happy for the fact that Su Ann was curious about why we Muslims eat dates during Ramadhan. I started to explain the significance behind the eating of dates in the month of Ramadhan and then blurted out the word ‘Sunnah’ which I was quite surprised that Su Ann had no idea about this word. Alhamdulillah. I managed to answer quite a number of questions from this lady which is a close colleague of mine at the office. In fact, started to realize that I had the opportunity to explain so many things related to that particular question; given the fact the fact I can elaborate more and more and shared something about our beloved prophet. Subhanallah. Yes, even to that extent !

For me, Su Ann is a very devout christian who practices her religion. However, her interest in asking questions about Islam sometimes went beyond my expectations. Sometimes, in the midst of our conversation, she would ask me questions pertaining to Islam and also Muslims. It’s good and I really benefited a lot from this friendship. She used to ask me about marriage in Islam, Muslim name and several other things. In fact, I’ve also learnt more about Christianity from her. Alhamdullliah, working here is truly a blessings where I believe I can SHARE so many things about my faith.

Yes, the word of the day is SHARING. A very typical saying goes on to say that “Sharing is caring” or maybe some would rather say “Sharing is loving”. Yes, those sayings are very much typical but the reality behind it is much more significant and in fact very untypical ! As we all know, we live in this world with the spirit of sharing. We share the same air to breath, we look at the same sky and see the same bright sunny sunlight, we share the same bonding in the name of humanity and so on. All these and many more show how much pivotal sharing is in our lives. In fact, for Muslims all over the world, in this month of Ramadhan, we often hear them saying Ramadhan is the month where they share the feeling of those who had always in the state of inadequate ,insufficient, and had less than enough in their daily lives. That’s why they fast so that a shared feeling of inadequacy may be felt at least for one month.

For me, the month of Ramadhan is much more than that. It is not only the time we try to create a shared sense of feeling with the rest of our brothers and sisters in humanity, rather it is also a time where we share the message of Islam itself. Imagine the so many things that we can share during this blessed month. What is fasting? What is Ramadhan itself ? What is Sahur? Tarawih? Why dates and not strawberry =) and the list goes on !

Look at the list and we know that there are abundant of things we can share in this month of Ramadhan. Not only food for the physical body, but also food for the thoughts and souls !

In fact, I really urge all of you (me especially) to invite our non Muslim colleagues or friends to have Iftar with us. Forget about how special or not special the food is, the most important thing is the underlying significant and intention behind it. Definitely not about converting, rather it’s all about sharing. Alhamdulliah, I’ve started last year with Mr. Yee (I hope you still remember my post entitled “A simple Iftar, Tarawikh prayer, and a person called Mr. Yee )and this year I’m planning to have a couple of two Iftar with my non Muslim colleagues InsyaAllah. In fact, I even planned to have one with my students . May Allah make it easy InsyaAllah. Anyway, Happy Sharing !

Allahu A’lam.

Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

- Norman MacEwan

P/S: Any idea where should I bring my students =)

Hoşgeldiniz Ramadhan !

Dear brothers and sisters. My deep apology for not updating this blog for quite some time. It’s sad ,but it’s truly beyond my control. InsyaAllah, I'll try to update as frequent as possible during this fasting month . InsyaAllah, driven by the spirit of Ramadhan=)

I would like to wish Ramadhan Kareem for all of you no matter where you are. Whether you are on the highest of mountains, to the widest of valleys or any single place in this God given world ;I really hope this Ramadhan will be such a meaningful Ramadhan for all of you. Make sure you have all the Ramadhan checklist and reap the blessings of this month !

I dedicate this special nasyeed to all of you =)


P/S :If you have time, watch Jejak Rasul 2011-The shooting was made in Russia and focusing on the Muslims community there (Ukraine included).Interesting indeed !

Al Fatihah to Dr. Lo'Lo' Mohd Ghazali..

A truly an exemplary leader who fought for justice and  what is due for the people. May her soul rest in peace and May Allah put her amongst those who are dear and very close to Him. Ameen ya Rabbal Alameen..

انا لله وانا اليه راجعون  

Democracy Malaysian Style ?

“If you see something wrong, change it with your hands. If you’re not able to, then speak out against it. If you’re not able to do that, then feel bad about it in your heart. But that is the weakest form of faith."

What do you say?

Islam is not "Malay Jiao"



Who says Islam is Malay Jiao ?



                                "Islam is not Malay Jiao” (religion)

Yesterday, when I said that statement in front of my students, they were extremely shock. It was so obvious that you can see from their faces. I’m sure they never expected that statement to come from my mouth. Anyway, it did and I’m happy that it did. In fact, I just smiled looking at their response and reactions as I’m sure they never thought I would blurt out that statement. Thanks to the subject syllabus, I have the opportunity to explain Islam to my students whereby all of them are actually non Muslims. The presentation was something like an introduction to Islam. In fact, prior to that, I’ve also explained Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. So, can you imagine that, a Muslim talking about other religions to those people who are actually embracing the religions?.

I felt sad of course looking at my students. Innocent and clueless when it comes to their religions. I’m not saying that they have zero knowledge, but their knowledge is very shallow and in fact superficial. When I asked their opinions on their religions, or maybe what do they believe, most of the answers would be or “I don’t know” or maybe “I’m not a religious person”. In fact, I made it a point that it’s not necessary to be a religious person in order for you to know your own religion.

Back to the above statement. Yes, for most of the Chinese(other races included) in Malaysia, they always perceive Islam as being the Malay religion. That’s why for Chinese, they call it as “Malay Jiao”. When I presented Islam to my students, I’ve learned that even though they are living in a majority Muslim country, it is as if they have never met any Muslim throughout their entire life. Sad? Surprised? Disappointed ?-Yes-you just name it.

In fact, one student admitted to me not having any Muslim friend which I find it really surprising. Put aside Jackie’s (my Chinese student) answer when I asked him what does he know about Islam. His answer was Friday prayer. When I asked him the reason, happily he said ‘traffic jam’. That one might be laughable, but for other answers from other students, it only shows that they are not really interested not only about other religions, but also the religion that they themselves profess.

Alhamdullilah, I managed to explain quite a number of things to my students- among them:

Pillars of faith, the articles of faith, status of women in Islam, Jesus as viewed by Muslim and a bit on practices of a Muslim. It was really a worthwhile session as I tried to tell them the beauties of Islam, the concept of God and what does it mean to be a Muslim. I took around an hour to explain everything and the remaining period I showed them a video called “Muhammad a legacy of a prophet”. The video was supposed to be a 2 hour video but I only managed to show it halfway. Anyway, nothing to lose showing the video as I know that video would be worth watching.

Surprisingly, after I finished the class and went back to my office, a female student came to me ask something regarding the assignment that I gave them a couple of weeks before. I explained here and there until she satisfied and before she left, she told me that she likes my lecture. In fact, she told me that she likes the video that I had shown them earlier. I was quite surprised when she said that. I really thought my students would look at the video as somehow boring. It was even more surprising when she told me that, she felt like wanting to embrace Islam after watching the video even though the video was not even showed until the end. Taken by surprise, I just smiled and deep inside, Alhamdulillah.. May Allah open her heart so that she would able to know more about this religion in the future.

Allahu A’lam.

p/s: InsyaAllah, please check on the youtube for the rest of the videos of “Muhammad: a legacy of a prophet”

Just got an email from my student, asking what topics would be covered in the coming mid semester exam. The email says :

“ Sir,
Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, IslamiCity -all will come out in the exam? ”.

Oh God, Please Help me !

Bringing up Muslims Intelligentsia

It’s good to meet people that can make you think. People that are very critical about lives and also very responsive over what is happening around them. All you have to do is just mingle with them, discuss about something and your mind would be triggered to embark on a journey that can make you see things differently and from a different angle. Honestly, I don’t like people who just accept what society put before them. They don’t know whether what they are doing is right or wrong and worse , they just follow what society says without even trying to think what implications that it may have towards their life. Quite complicated, but in a simple words they just follow blindly what society does, they just accept what society says and in fact, they are no different than a robot preprogrammed to accept things as how they are ought to be.

The day before yesterday, I had a big chat with one of my dearest friends. A friend who always amazed me with his critical thinking ability and also a unique individual who always look at things from a different angle.I believe, age does play a role here. Not to forget, maybe due to the upbringing itself. The moment he speaks and utters a word, you just started to think and think. Actually, on that day it was supposed to be a visit to his house where I was thinking to see his baby aged several months . Yet, the baby and the mother went back to the grandparent’s house all away in Johor. As a result, we decided to meet up somewhere and  hence took the chance to chat about everything under the sun. A bit disappointed because ever since the baby came into this world, this uncle of him never had any chance to meet him personally=) InsyaAllah, next time I believe. Hopefully it would be so soon InsyaAllah =)

Back to the points that I’ve raised earlier, what’s so important about thinking and being critical anyway? Does it make any changes if I do that ? Does it make any difference if I do that ? Is it really necessary to be critical ? For all of these questions- My answer would be a BIG HUGE Y-E-S !

By being critical, it does not mean that you have to go against your faith, rather to be critical is to affirm you faith at the first place. I still remember back then in Uni whereby me and a couple of friends planned to have a small talk or discussion with a Christian friend of mine. Some people just don’t get it and started to condemn that it was so wrong to have that kind of discussion. Their arguments was - “do we have that right to talk about Islam ?”

I was totally pissed off when I heard that kind of argument. I don’t blame them, because I’m sure the thought is ingrained into their heads by the society. However, I feel so sorry for these types of people. I personally believe there is no wrong in doing that kind od discussion. Anyway, I am talking about my religion. I am talking about my faith. And In fact, I am talking about my life, as Islam is 24/7 inside me. So, is there any wrong side of it?

Definitely I believe it is wrong, if let’s say you come up with your own fatwa or any of those kinds. For that one, absolutely they are WRONG. However, when it comes to talking about your own faith, it is your inherent right (with knowledge of course ! ). For me, Islam is not meant for the Ulama’ or the learned ones only. It is for everyone.

Though it is like that, there is one thing that we should take note and give serious thought.

Islam is only for intelligent people, definitely not for the ‘silly’ one.

It might sound harsh, but that’s the reality. Isn’t it so abundance in the Qur’an that Allah asked us to think , think and think?. Not only to think, but also to reflect , ponder , deliberate and in fact contemplate. That’s basically our main argument when it comes to the issue of being critical as I see it.

InsyaAllah, try to be critical and try to be responsive over what is happening around us. Avoid blind following so that we know we are do things not because it is ingrained in our society but rather because we know the underlying meaning behind them.

I believe this words of of Erich Fromm is indeed real to be pondered upon;

"The danger of the past was that men became slaves. The danger of the future is that man may become robots "

Allahu A'lam..Allah knows best.

Do they not reflect in their own minds? Not but for just ends and for a term appointed, did Allah create the heavens and the earth, and all between them: yet are there truly many among men who deny the meeting with their Lord (at the Resurrection)!

Holy Qura'n , Ar Ruum 30 :8

Some thoughts on Life by Nouman Ali Khan

Challenges & Struggles: Is Life Fair?



How to achieve contentment, peace and purpose in life?

To the Unfortunates, Look at the More Unfortunates

Have you ever experienced, feeling that your life is difficult enough and the environment that you lived in seems to be complicated more than you can ever imagined. However, when you heard someone narrating a story that their lives are much even worse, you started to be grateful instead as you know the ones that you are experiencing are not that burdensome or troubling enough. This is basically what had happened to me as I met my friends yesterday. We haven’t met  for quite some time and as a result, our conversation started to touch everything under the sun. It was such a lovely meeting as we chose UIA as our meeting place. Not to forget, the appetizing Nasi lemak that we had that morning .Truly helped brighten up the day!.

As me and my friends have started working several months ago, definitely the central part of our conversation lies on our job experiences . My friend told me how hard he had to cope with environment there. Most of his colleagues there are Muslims, yet they are acting like they are not ones. At first I thought, maybe it is quite common to see that these days. However, the moment he talked more on the subject, the word Astaghfirullah quickly blurted from my mouth. MasyaAllah, only Allah knows how difficult for him to cope with the environment there !.

I was truly flabbergasted knowing what he’s been experiencing there for the couple of months back. He told me how his colleagues indulged in gambling, having mistresses despite legally married, buying lottery tickets and so on. I’m sure even when you read this, you would be shocked over what he has to go though. I feel so sorry for my friend. All these while, I really thought the environment that I have to experience at my office is not good enough. Nonetheless, when I listened to him, I really have to thank Allah for giving me a much better environment compared to those who are experiencing worse than me. Of course I gave him a word of advice so that he won’t get influenced by all of those things. Well, as human , we never know what will happen in the future and we can’t expect anything ahead. Indeed, Allah is All Knowing.

As human being, we know that somewhere in our lives, we would be experiencing a difficult and tough times. It might be in a form of unhealthy environment, bad attitude that people have towards you, the prevalent of moral and ethical deterioration around you and the list goes on.

Somewhere and sometimes in our lives, some of these things would be knocking on our doors. For some people, they might get it bad. While for some, they might get it worse. It all depends on how we perceive things that happening around us and how we tackle them. For people of faith, I believe what they have to do is to go back to the basic i.e. religion.

For me, I belief, if we look at ourselves as the unfortunate, we still have to look at the ones who are more unfortunate. If you feel bad going to work by bus, look at those people who have to go to work by walking or even have to go through a huge rivers riding a sampan. If you feel bad knowing that you don’t get to buy the latest gadgets in the markets so much so that you curse people, look at those people who live such a hard life 24/7 providing his or her loved ones at home. If you feel bad thinking that your house is not big enough or even your car is not that elegant enough, look at those people who don't even have a place that they can call home and what more to own a transport of their owns.

I really thought praying in the store room is bad enough and of course a sad thing for me as we don’t have a specific praying room at the office. Yet, I missed the point that there are people out there who cannot even pray in the store room. Not because they have a big musolla to pray at, but due to the fact they don’t have any place to pray.

Subhallah. At least, I have something that they don’t. I might look at myself as the unfortunate to pray in a tiny store room surrounded by piles of boxes. Yet, have I ever thought about my brothers and sisters out there who can’t even pray at the office...Not even in the store room.. May Allah forgive me

If you see and If I see




-precious smile by my cute little niece-Amira Maisarah-

  If you see someone without smile,
feel free to share one of you beautiful and radiant smiles,

If you see someone without love,
never ever feel hesitate to show him your sincere love.

If you see someone without mercy,
show him through your mien, the power of mercy.

If you see someone without care,
try as much as possible to provide him with the needed care.

If you see someone without empathy,
ask him to look around and see how society would perish with the lack of empathy.

If you see someone without hope,
assure him that in life, no matter how difficult it is, there is definitely a glimmer of hope.

You know what...
If I see someone like you, I would be the happiest man on earth !

Your brother..
-TheHumblewayfarer =)

The Glorified Names

Jum'ah Mubarakah !

To akh Ayub,K.Fid,Nufas,Zainab, Sis Hajar, The Tea Drinker,Iman Thani,Sis Munadhia, Sis Amira, Musafir Melayu and all brothers and sisters who always give your support to my blog all these while,
may Allah reward you with the best of reward. Whether you bumped into my blog by accident or not, your presence here means a lot to me!
Barakallahu fikum.
Ana Uhibbukum Fillah =)

Specially for you..Glorified names. Names that sustained us up to this point. InsyaAllah ^_^

A Reminder for Myself..

"Truly in the heart there is a void that cannot be removed except with the company of Allah.

And in it there is a sadness that cannot be removed except with the happiness of knowing Allah and being true to Him.

And in it there is an emptiness that cannot be filled except
with love for Him and by turning to Him and always remembering Him

And if a person were given all of the world and what is in it, it
would not fill this emptiness."

Do not try to run away from trials and tribulations, but endure them with
patience. They cannot be avoided, and there is nothing for it but to endure them with patience, How can you expect the whole of this world, and all that has been created therein, to undergo change and transformation just to suit your convenience? The Prophets are the best of all creatures, yet they have always had to suffer affliction and so it is for their followers, those who tread in their footsteps as they walk along their highway, emulating their example.

O Allah, please make me strong ya Allah..

Make an Effort to Know

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Assalamu’alaikum,

As cliché as it might sound, the citizens of Malaysia are very lucky to live in such a pluralistic society. I just noticed that from this week onwards and several weeks to come, there would be myriad of festivities that we would be having in this country.

Yesterday, while waiting for the bus to go back to my hometown in Pahang, I was sitting next to an Indian lady. The fact that I’ve waited for some time made me ask that lady whether she’s also waiting for the same bus. She said no, but she was wating for her friend to come and fetch her. After some time, I managed to know that she is also from Pahang and to my surprise; she is in fact staying right in the same neighbourhood where my sister is staying at. Subhanallah . What a coincidence!.

For the sake of asking, I asked her that I saw some ladies(Indians) wearing such a beautiful dresses today. They wore something like Punjabi suits. She then told me that they are having a festival called Ponggal today. Looking at her, I was curious as she just wore a plain cloth and a slack. It didn’t show that she’s celebrating anything. I asked her, “what about you sis? Don’t you celebrate it?”. Only then she told me that she won’t, as she got something to do and only her mum would celebrate it. That day, I’ve learn something beneficial when she started to tell me something on the why of the celebration. The celebration has got something to do with harvest, offering thankful to the cows for giving the milk and the special dish itself which is made by boiling the rice with cow’s milk and some other ingredients. She also told me that the celebration is a new year for them though she didn’t know exactly how many months they have when I asked her. To be honest, I’ve learnt so many new things from her though we met just for a while.

Around 15 minutes or so, we had to call it a day for the conversation as I had to depart looking that my bus was about to set off in the midst of our beautiful chat. Later that day, as I think back, I realized it is really important to have the attitude of “I care to know” . Not a mere knowing, rather to know the story from the people itself. What I mean is, to avoid being judgmental or indifferent towards the practices of the believer of any particular faith, it’s really wise to ask from the primary source itself. In this case, the believer of that particular religion. Simply to say, if we want to know about Buddhism, ask a Buddhist, If we want to know about Sikhism and their Gurdwaras, ask a Sikh. Same goes to Islam. If we want to know about Islam and what the Muslims believe, ask the people themselves. Fair isn’t it? =)

Given this fact, somewhere in our lives we should make an effort to know the beautiful people that live side by side with us in this country. Put aside their skin colour or anything, but what is the most important is we make an effort to know.

I’m not sure whether you realized it or not, but for several weeks to come, we would have so many festivities taking place. Among them, Thaipusam, Chinese New Year and Maulid Rasul. Beautiful isn’t it?.

As Muslims, I believe we should make an effort at least to know a bit from those people who celebrate it. Yes, we get extra holidays, but I’m sure the reason behind the celebrations also would be worth knowing. Isn’t it? =)

InsyaAllah, if Ted Williams has a golden voice that made him from no one to someone, I believe all of us have more than that. We have a golden heart which makes us care to know each other and not being indifferent towards our fellow being.

Till then.

Allahu A’lam =)

p/s: a reminder for you and me ^_^

>>image, credit to>here

Being an Ambassador Of Islam

Assalamu’alaikum,

Subhanallah, I’m quite busy for this week and the next weeks to come. InsyaAllah, I’ll try my level best to share some thoughts here whenever I’ve the chance. I would write anything.. as long as it concerns you and me =)

Alhamdulillah, I thank Allah for everything that He has given me. After some time of leading a jobless life( to prettify the word- Self Unemployed. ^_^ ) , I am now employed in a company based in KL. Alhamdulillah.. Indeed, I want reiterate what I wrote in the shout box. After every ‘rainfall’ must come a ‘rainbow’. Subhanallah !

Right now I’m having a training for that company and accommodation was prepared for us at a hotel . At the end of the day, I found that I’ll be sharing the room with three Chinese brothers who are non Muslim. If you ask me, I would definitely say it’s a new experience for me. Even at my workplace, I would say we have around 70% non Muslim staff. Though at first I had a culture shock when it comes to dressings (the ladies of course) and so on, I know that I can’t run from the reality. By hook or by crook, I’ll definitely have to encounter this somewhere in my life .Luckily, I don’ find any difficulty so far to perform my obligation as a Muslim.

I’m so fortunate to know those three brothers . They are such a good and friendly people. I won’t be talking about language differences or anything as we don’t have any problem at all in terms of communication. However. What I would like to share here is about me as Muslim and being the ambassador of Islam.

Living alone as a Muslim in that room, I know that I have to portray good characters and manners. As they know that I’m a Muslim, doing a particular act that shows the not so Muslim manners would be unwise at the first place. Of course, I can’t be hypocrite when it comes to faith, but I pray to Allah that He would guide me so that I would never ever give bad impression on Islam to them. I’m so glad that after some time, one of the brothers seems to be interested to know something about me. He asked me: Oh, you pray five times a day ya?.You are so diligent”. In fact, He asked me about solat twice in which, to a certain extent surprised me =)

Alhamdulliah, I tried to tell him in brief with the best of my ability. There were times when they all asked me to have dinner with them and I told them that I was so sorry that I couldn’t make it. They asked me ; “why? You want to pray ?” I was quite shocked when they asked that. Only then I explained to them that, “no..I have to meet someone at the mall nearby”. Subhanallah, to a certain extent it shows that they know at least a bit =)

Referring back to the title of this post, I would then assert that as Muslims we are the ambassadors of Islam. At workplace, in your room, in our neighbourhood - we should bare in mind that we are the ambassadors of Islam. The way we talk, the way we behave, the way we conduct ourselves etc-all of these relate to us being the ambassadors of Islam. It’s totally not a matter of preaching, but it’s matter of knowing the significance of carrying the title. Islam is to be and to do and not otherwise. InsyaaAllah, I’ll take this opportunity whenever chance arises to explain what Islam is and what Islam isn’t. Hope you take up this challenge too =)

Till then..
Allahu A’lam

p/s: I’m also planning to give him a translation of the Qur’an. Luckily my brother managed to bring it form my hometown last night. Alhamdulillah ^_^

image credit to>here

Harakah Barakah

Sometimes we never know that an encounter with some strangers might give us a beautiful outlook of the reality of life. Seeing a person with an unkempt look and a dishevelled appearance, your thought has probably preoccupied with some improper and to a certain extent negative prejudgments. After all, that’s human.
When I first saw this white uncle walking alone slowly on the road in my hometown , he really caught my attention . Wearing a brown coloured hat and a grey coloured short pant, the simplicity of this lone ranger really amazed me. My later sightings of this uncle gave me the same impression of the same person. Wearing almost the same coloured garment and walking alone in a slow paced movement, still the same simplicity amazed me !

My first encounter with this uncle happened when I met my friends who came to my hometown for a visit. It’s around 10 of them and they chose to stay at a garden like villa which they rent for several days. Knowing that my friends came for a visit was truly a delight. What more, to be able to meet friends whom you have not seen for months. Subhanallah !

Back to the uncle, I was totally surprised to meet him at the same villa which my friends are staying at. I really did not expect to meet him there. Anyway, I did. I was told that this uncle knows the owner of the villa and that generous person welcomes him to stay there in the beautiful garden like villa. I was also told that this uncle is coming from the land of the Maoris and the Old Blacks-New Zealand.

Right after performing our prayers at the mosque, me and my friends went to the villa as we have so many things to talk about. We chat about this and that and shared many stories that made us smiled all the way. Then, while preparing for the food, that uncle came and stood before us, smiling and then left to the beautiful garden nearby. I asked my friend Halil whether he knows that person. It turned out to be that he knows him as they have talked earlier. I told Halil, when I saw that uncle, I wanted to say hi and talk to him, but I was a bit hesitant. I really didn’t know why, but I guessed it was due to his appearance( though I am not that type of person who likes to judge people based on their appearance only). Halil affirmed me that it is ok and I don’t have to worry anything.

Later, after we have done with our business of preparing the meal, Halil and me went to that uncle to say hi and finding out what is he doing at the garden. You would be so shocked if I tell you that this uncle does not even wear slippers at that time. He’s walking barefoot while observing the beautiful garden. He said, he’s waiting for the golden fish to appear from the pond. At first, I didn’t really believe it, but when I saw this yellowed creature moving on the surface, I knew I was wrong. Astaghfirullah!

Halil started the conversation with that uncle and then came my turn. I was taken aback to know that this uncle is very friendly and knowledgeable too. He told me, he looks at himself as a traveler and not as a tourist. A traveler of mind in his life journey as what I understood from so many things he told me. He’s been travelling to so many places because he wants to lead his life that way. I was mesmerized listening to him, knowing that he appreciates the value of brotherhood, and differences of cultures and also not to forget he is very much into nature and arts. I guess, that explains why he didn’t wear slippers in the garden =P

I like people like him,. Very low profile and quiet yet knowledgeable and very responsive to surrounding. I can sense that he has some sort of Sufistic understanding and thought. Yes, he is not a Muslim and based on my observation, he has less knowledge on Islam too. He started to tell me that he makes paintings and also calligraphy. I was really curious about something and to confirm what’s been clouding in my head, I asked him.

“So, is it you that made those khats on the vases out there?”

He said. “Yes, I made them and I made them based on books only". Subhanallah. I couldn’t believe it. Those khats are really beautiful and I told him I also used to learn the calligraphy back then in Uni, but I was not really artistic. I didn’t have that aptitude I believe. After that, we continued our lovely chat and discussed about so many things about arts, nature and life itself. Then, meal time !

Yasiin, a friend form Madinah and a couple of other friends also came to join the visit with Halil. We made a circle and then had our lunch –a Turkish food made by Mohammed Abi from Turkey. Nice experience though honestly, I could hardly eat the food =)

That uncle also joined us and later our discussion centred on that uncle. It seemed like everyone was so eager to know about this uncle. Again, he shared about his travels though he didn’t say exactly what triggered him to travel that much. Nonetheless, he just told us that he wants to lead his life that way. Until when? I really don’t know. Then Yasiin blurted out the words ‘Harakah Barakah’ which means ‘moving is blessing’. Then he shared something about Hijrah of the prophet, the underlying significant behind it and so on. It was truly a beautiful chat. So interesting until at one point, I noticed that the uncle has started to use the phrase- ‘Travelling is blessing’. I just smiled when he said that as I remembered Yasiin had used the phrase earlier though in Arabic =)

Listening to this uncle, he made me think that this life is indeed a journey. Not necessarily a physical one, rather it includes our spiritual journey. I’m sure that uncle is having an extensive journey of his soul. When I look at him, I can see that he’s looking for something in his life. He kept telling us that we are in the ‘University of Life’ where he can be the ‘professor’ of what he believes in’. We all smiled when he said that.

It’s a bit ludicrous but I am yet to know the real name of this uncle. Since everybody called him uncle, I also did the same thing. Later, that uncle shared something beautiful. He said:

“The most beautiful language in the world is the language without word”

Excited to hear such words, Yasiin quickly asked Defrim for a piece of paper and pen so that he may jot it down. Noticing Yasiin doing that, the uncle swiftly said:
“Oh no!. I just told you that the most beautiful language in the world is the language without word and right there you are asking for a piece of paper to write it?.Oh Common!” We all then looked at Yasiin and his his mudlled face. We all burst into laughter !
Subhanallah, with the spirit of Harakah Barakah, we all met that day and shared something about life . Alhamdullilah !

Allahu A’lam.

>images credit to: pixdaus and
life___by_ekbs-d23ityf of deviant art

I was reminded with such beautiful words..

I was reminded with such beautiful words;

1. He who has no one, has Allah,
   And he who has Allah, has everything.

2. It’s not about how you live your life in this world,
    but Its all about how you will be raised in front of Allah S.W.T.

3. Life maybe difficult at times, but if we put things in perspective,
    There are basically blessings in trials that we face..

Allahu A'alam.

>>image: 
LONELY_by_zoharb of deviantart