Enviromental Ethics

Yesterday, we had presentations from the remaining groups on ethics. Well, one of the modules we are studying now is Islamic Ethics. But we're studying those from the Western ones as well. Thus, our presentation require us to touch on a particular topic, a current issue and link it with the Islamic worldview. One presentation that was thought-provoking was the one on Enviromental Ethics, from sis Ruqa's group.

Have always been a visual learner, so viewing a short trailer from An Inconvenient Truth before the actual presentation made my hair stand (or bak kata orang, bulu roma ternaik). They presented it informatively. I'm sure in one way or another, it reflects on us, ourselves, our own awareness or collective awareness to our surroundings. Well, like some say, the truth hurts. But then, it is a good point of reflection on us, our duty as vicegerents on this Earth.

Maybe you or I have been taking things for granted. We do things based on what we feel comfortable without wanting to feel the pinch, the struggle. Only thing is, our life is part of our struggle to reach the finest goal for eternity's sake.

What Say You? 'Eid Adha video

Got an email with regards to 'Eid Adha.

NYPMSN hit the streets to find out more what the community understands by the celebration.
Kudos to the team. A good effort. May Allah reward our efforts and sacrifices as well.

Click this video here to view their interviews with the Muslims.

Sacrifices

Islam is not merely the confession of a faith which is made once in a lifetime. The path of Islam cannot therefore be anything other than the path of struggle, and therefore sacrifice. Not much comes to us in life without endeavour or struggle. We gain only what we earn by our strivings:

"We have created man into (a life of) trial and pain" (al-Balad 90:4).
"And that nought shall be accounted unto man but what he has striven for" (al-Najm 53:39).

The soil is there, the water is there, the seed is there; but the soil will not turn seeds into crops unless we dig it, plough it, sow the seeds, water the plants, protect them and harvest the crop. Without sweat and toil, the gifts of God that abound all around us will not yield their full treasures to us. Indeed the richer the treasures desired, the greater the efforts required.

Nevertheless we must prove, within our human limitations, that we are prepared not only to profess our faith in our cause, but also prepared to struggle and sacrifice what we really love for that which we declare to be dearest to us.

Sacrifices are essential for the development of all moral qualities, but especially for the development of patience, endurance, perseverance, fortitude, resolve and determina tion. These can be summed up in just one word: Sabr.

"God loves those who, fighting in His way, join ranks as if they are a wall of molten lead", says the Qur'an (al-Saff 61:4).

What a beautiful and meaningful parable. Strong and solid, fused and welded, impregnable and without cracks and fissures, that is how members of a Muslim community, joined, welded together, strive in the way of Allah.

Without some sacrifices on the part of each block a solid wall will never come to exist.

*Extracted some from youngmuslims.ca

It's really a point of reflection with the recent things that have happened. Just in time to backtrack since the beginning of it till present. Values gained, while some can still be improved. The humble servant just has to keep on learning and sow other seeds of goodness so that the plants will grow healthy and beautify the garden of the future. Hopefully, the sacrifices will bring me close to Him.

To understand or not to understand

The heart feels very very heavy at this point of time.
When the mind is full of thoughts.
It's just the enlightenment which is much needed.
But seems that the night doesnt want to end with a light heart.
I don't like unsettling feelings before closing my eyes to rest.
It's too teary a night.
It's just uncomfortable.

Maybe I think too much.
Or too concerned.
Or disappointed with myself.
Or a spur moment of failure.

It's just hard to understand isn't it?
Of what is felt deep inside?
What's to share when one doesn't even get it?
It's just at the wrong time isn't it?
Just like a ticking bomb, waiting to explode.
Of which I pray it doesn't.
Maybe at this moment, you too do not understand.
Because you can't seem to empathise.
Because u're not in my shoes.
Perhaps, you were never in my shoes.

Except for You i place my trust...
I'll try to stay strong...
Even if I might crumble...
Aameen Ya Rabbal 'Aalamiin.

When shallow breather arrives , it always remind me the end of time.
But thank You for still letting me see the world, still...

Maybe it's time for seclusion.
Can't handle it no more.

xx Sometimes it's better to be invisible but active. Rather than visible but latent.

Are you a Maths teacher?

I would consider myself a Maths wiz during my primary school years. Because it was easy to score full marks. It gets tougher when you go higher. So I wasn't one anymore, because it wasn't one of the favourite subjects when I grew up, hehe. I love languages. Yes, I do. At least my calculation ain't as bad as some... Look at the sums I retrieved from GeckoFly's

Is this what you call creative? Hehehe...



Let's call it Creative Maths... Huhuh.

Obstacles

I asked ALLAH to spare me pain. ALLAH said "No". Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

Life is like an obstacle course. The obstacle course has stages as well depending on our level of expertise. A novice will not able to partake in an expertise level while it would be too easy for an expert to be in the novice stage. When a novice goes through a basic course, he'll meet with challenges; to climb, jump, crawl, roll or stretch. Having to succeed in that particular course will certainly make him gain rewards if it is a competition. However, what means much to that person would be the satisfactory gained after the hardwork. And after all this, he'll try to upgrade to the intermediate, advance and other more difficult stages.

Likewise, with regards to the levels of faith, we are tested to have a better place in Allah's eyes, insyaAllah. The higher level one attains, the higher tests they will be. Without challenges, we might not be able to know where we stand. Some of us fear of facing them and we prefer to stay in our own coop, our own comfort because we are not willing to be out of the hole full of thorns.

Each of us, I'm sure has goals in life. To achieve it, we draft out plans to ensure the success of our goals. However, we have to bear in mind that what we plan for, may not be smooth-sailing. When I was in my late teenage years, I tend to be so upset when things didn't go well. But experiences, mainly, will make us view the different perspectives of life, hopefully to make us better people. Also, being very sensitive wasn't a healthy trait. I've learnt few years ago by not to let trivial irritants obscure my vision and thwart my progression in life. It wasn't an easy road. But I wouldn't want to give up. How...?

I asked ALLAH to grant me patience. ALLAH said "No". Patience is a by product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.

Because there are other more important things for us in life. Or perhaps, those trivial irritants are just a test from Him to build the patience in us. Yes, patience. As a close one of mine never fail to remind me, everytime when things happen, I would imagine how Rasulullah would react to the situation. True enough, emulating the traits that he has is such a great virtue. Yes, the tests he went through were much greater than us. He was patient in dealing with all sorts of difficulties. Looking at how he solved his trials in life were thought provoking. And thinking about it may enlighten the thorns we feel, how small it may be.

I asked ALLAH to make my spirit grow. ALLAH said "No". You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

So if our spirits are low, we have to find ways to make ourselves relight again. And bear in mind that whenever we feel hurt, we have people around that love and support us. Most importantly, Allah knows the truth of what we go through in our daily lives and consistently be our guidance.

Some quotes worth sharing...

Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
-Joshua J. Marine

Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict. -William Ellery Channing

It is not good for all our wishes to be filled; through sickness we recognize the value of health; through evil, the value of good; through hunger, the value of food; through exertion, the value of rest.
- Greek Proverb

xx Much better, insyaAllah. Thank you Love, the eternal Love.

The Ultimate LOVE!

HEY YOU!
Who me?
YES YOU!
Wassup?

Have you ever consider bringing a friend dear to you closer to the ultimate LOVE? Ultimate LOVE?
Ahuh, the ultimate LOVE, the highest of all LOVEs, the ETERNAL LOVE?
Hmmm...
Why the hmm? This is one GREAT LOVE you won't regret, pal...
So any tips?
Yeah, I've got 12 tips for ya...
Shoot!

#1 Your intention should be pure, pal. That's why you call it love. Love should be pure from the start isn't it? I wouldn't want a love tainted with black spots.

#2 Practice it yourself! Then, your friend will have confidence in you while searching for the great love.

#3 We have the two main sources of guidance. Use them! There's lots of marvellous examples for us to emulate and learn!

#4 Hey pal, when you talk to others, talk as if you don't know them. Don't be an I-Know-Everything kinda person. Don't judge, pal.

#5 Keep on smiling! No faces on upside down. Anyway smiling is a good way of exercise isn't it? We need to be approachable...

#6 Initiate somethin' good and hang out with 'em! I mean if it's for good cause why not?

#7 Wherever you go pal, remember your role as a Muslim. Anyway, what's cool is that Islam is a way of life, pal. Bring it with you everywhere you go. That's your trademark.

#8 Spread the loveeee... Why not spread your love of volunteering to your friend? It's contagious!

#9 Ask them 4 fundamental questions, pal. I'll tell ya later what those questions are.

#10 The basic ingredient, don't forget! The main element: Take it 5 times a day as a dose to calm your heart. That's a must! Anywhere, everytime!

#11 Respect your elders, pal. Observe their good actions and praise them in question. Your friend might just change their perspectives about their parents.

#12 When you've succeeded in helping your friend find the Eternal Love, keep on supporting them. Because the seeds of Love needs to be planted constantly to grow more Love around.

So spread the love to gain the Ultimate Love, pal. You won't regret it... =)

• Source of content: mywic.com
  Edited mode of presentation : widzgeek

Last Weekend's Affair

A 2nd cousin's wedding, congratulations...

My junior from school during my yesteryears.
In the same shoes again, as my junior in NIE.
Now, a cekgoo too.

*Ting ting* The nerves!

Today, I witnessed quite a number of reckless drivers in every road that I went to. In each road, within seconds, there will be about 2 cars swerving recklessly.

So what if you're a van, to prove you can speed like a car?
So what if your car is more ex than mine (when your car has a triangle symbol on it?)
So what if you're at the wrong lane and need to squeeze?
So what if you're speeding or slowing down?

Where's the signal, man?
How about pulling out those signal lights if you want your own freedom of way?
Or buy a vehicle without a signal light.
Where's you courtesy dear Sing.a.po.reans?

Oh yeah, it's a concrete jungle.
Jungles don't have traffic lights, yes?

25 Nov { Part 2 }

Ada kawan, modal buat skim cepat kahwin...
Ada kawan pula, beri tips kalau jadi bestman/woman kahwin...

Bagus, bagus...

How about me? Hmmm....

Paluan mahligai...

Menulis puisi di sudut halaman

Ditulis dengan nila dan tinta

Tersimpul sudah satu ikatan

Disaksikan Allah yang Maha Esa

Raja Hafiz menerima aqad

Setelah sekian lama menunggu

Ucapan qabul penuh tekad

Tanda mulanya hidup yang baru

Permaisuri Fifah bergelar isteri

Lega rasanya tertunduk malu

Senyum terukir berseri-seri

Dua jiwa pun menjadi satu

Kan kudoakan mahligai berdua

Sentiasa dibajai iman dan taqwa

Biarpun hidup dimamah usia
Bahagia hendaknya hingga ke syurga

Oh yea, modal saya hanyalah puisi buatan sendiri. Pedang pena sahajalah menjadi senjata saya. Untuk kedua mempelai yang dekat di hati saya, Alhamdulillah.... akhirnya!

Untuk adik yang kusayangi, terima kasih kerana memberikan kepercayaan menghiasi jari-jemarimu...

25 November {Part 1}

25th Nov was a glorious day for some...
I'd like to start my entry with a special wish to a special someone.

I'm sure you had your best gift way in advanced. The same gift I had the last birthday.
With a year ahead, I hope you'll be able to lead a wiser life.
Be a better daughter, sister, friend and the list goes on!

A virtual kiss from me to you.
And hope your birthday was a blessed one too!

R&B Affair

Theme: R & B Affair (red & black)

Venue : Bliss Garden Restaurant, Expo

Every year-end dinner has its on uniqueness and this year's not an exception. With the given theme, it's time to dress up in all sorts of style. Like a fashion parade, you won't see us don such outfits during our normal working hours (oh yes, we do not work in an air-conditioned room most of the time).

The food's just okay although I've been cutting a lot on fried food. But I just had to eat them because my tummy has reserved a space for the night. This is always the night where all colleagues let their hair down... fuh... chaotic but enjoyable. What more, I got to choose one of my favourite nos. for my lucky draw and boy, was I lucky that night! 11th prize! =)

.. 2 of my close colleagues ..

Congrats Mas for being one of the recipients for the Most Caring Teacher Award!

And Farhana, the female host for the night! (Don't forget to shorten those thorns!)

Naz, the new member in the MT family.

Ei-leen, another close friend, one of the voted Best Dress Award winners & I

Us, from Table 7...

Not forgetting my good takeaways for the night!

Year-End

Hmm... I stated earlier that I wanted to update on Syawal... was thinking of putting up some pictures I had with fellow friends. But right now I don't feel like it.

It's the spring cleaning period for me. Apart from clearing the dust at home (which looks like a war zone at the moment due to the clearing out of my clothes in the wardrobe), I have the other nest to clean up at work. Yes, talking about saving the trees but having to dump all types of paper the whole year.

It's the year-end again where trash bags become useful to humans. Suddenly the place transforms into a rubbish bank. The beginning of the term that started nice and clean became an aftermath of mayhem. We become disorganisers of our own sweat and toil. Starting proper and organised also need much effort to maintain the hardwork we put through. So are we organised people? I'd like to share with you ten signs of disorganisation. Let's assess yourself and rate how organise you are...

1. You can’t find things easily. You spend a large part of your day looking for things, rummaging through piles, files, drawers and brief cases/tote bags
   
2. You miss deadlines. You justify missing the deadline by some wild excuse and it is always someone or something else at fault.
   
3. You forget important appointments and important tasks. If you have a daytimer, you don’t look at it or have a wall calendar, a daytimer, an electronic calendar and slips of paper/sticky notes with some appointments on each and some duplicated but most appointments are recorded once.
   
4. You buy doubles or triples of things. When you do find time for cleaning, you discover that you’ve got multiples of things and had them on a shopping list somewhere as well.
   
5. You pile things without sorting them. You have stacks of papers, magazines, etc. everywhere you look. Some haven’t been touched in months or years. You have no idea what is in the stacks.
   
6. If you file things, you can’t retrieve them easily as your filing system doesn’t make sense. Your labels are too vague or folder label sections are left blank. The colour coding (if it exists) has been changed and no longer makes sense.
   
7. You discover papers that needed your attention ages ago and now it is too late. You forget to prioritize or note important tasks on a calendar.
   
8. Co-workers have commented, “Don’t give it to Jack/Jill, they’ll lose it”. You find that co-workers are reluctant to give you originals and if they must, they make a duplicate copy first.
   
9. You rely on others to keep you organized and criticize them for not being organized. You are lost without your assistant or significant other as they are the ones that keep you on top of things.
   
10. You do not have an organized contact management system. Key contact information is found in multiple places. You have business cards in miscellaneous places and no way to monitor when you’ve talked to a client or customer and what the last conversation was about.

Pesanan

Tak silap, ustaz ada kata...

Kalau nak berda'wah dengan masyarakat nanti, jangan lupa induk yang penting untuk kita sampaikan da'wah, iaitu dalam keluarga sendiri. Jangan sibuk dengan kebajikan untuk maslahah masyarakat sahaja hingga mengabaikan tanggungjawab yang sepatutnya disalurkan kepada ahli keluarga juga. Contohnya, ada suami yang sibuk dengan kebajikan masyarakat di luar hingga tidak mengendahkan hal kebajikan isteri dan anak-anak. (Hanya sebagai contoh). Jangan biarkan mereka tersingkir hingga merana dan menjadikan hidup berkeluarga tidak bahagia. Kita sibuk nak betulkan orang lain, sedangkan orang yang terdekat kita biarkan. Tanggungjawab yang aulaa masih penting.

Ada benarnya.

Inilah juga pesanan abah. Aku faham maksudnya yang pernah dilafazkan satu ketika dulu. Pengalaman orang lain menjadikan kita lebih matang supaya tidak berulang lagi dalam keluarga.

Aku harap bila ada keluarga sendiri nanti, tanggungjawab setiap ahli dapat dilaksanakan dengan baik.

Terima kasih abah atas nasihatmu. Uhibbuka ya abi.

Burung yang patah sayapnya

Sayap yang patah sebelah cuba untuk terus terbang. Cuma mampu untuk melihat sekawan burung yang lain terbang tinggi di awan. Seperti burung-burung helang bergantian dengan yang lain di hadapan. Maju dan terus maju.

Sedangkan burung yang patah sayapnya tiada peluang. Seolah-olah ketinggalan dalam medan perjuangan. Sedangkan perjuangan itu juga yang diimpikan bersama dengan yang lain. Apakah patah sayapnya akibat kecelakaan? Atau kerana kelemahannya sendiri? Siapa pula yang dapat membantu merawat sayapnya yang patah? Agar sembuh kembali?

Ketika melihat sekawan burung yang berterbangan tinggi, rasa pula kesunyian. Seolah terpinggir dan ketinggalan ke belakang. Adakah dilupakan? Atau mungkin kekuatannya tidak diperlukan lagi? Adakah burung-burung itu akan kembali mencari burung yang patah?

Mungkin, bila lukanya sembuh, burung itu akan kembali berjuang lagi. Sekawan burung yang saling menyokong dan mengerti. Dan bukan hanya dicari setelah tiada burung-burung kuat lain tiada di sisi. Sayap yang patah itu akan menjadi penguat untuk mencari sekawan burung lain yang berbakti di medan berlainan. Meraih semula kekuatan untuk terbang dan menikmati keindahan dunia. Dengan nafas berbeza.

x x x
Perhaps, I'd just update on Syawal celebration next post.

Light of guidance

Have you ever been lured into something very inviting in life? I think most of us in a way or another have experienced such incidents before. It may be that we are forced by the peer pressure that surrounds us daily. Plus, the seeds of nafs that is always present in each human being.

Depending on other factors too, we may either be mature or näive. Our circular of friends may also determine how we view life in different perspectives. Even if we have ever been in snafu before, the door for repentance will always be open for us who are seeking the truth.

And today again, it knocked me hard. A test of faith. A slight trip that made me reflect again about my initial intention. That moment, what came into my mind was this...

... It may be that you hate something when it is good for you and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. God knows and you do not know. (Surat al-Baqara: 216)

I whispered to myself, how true. I dare not to step on the thorns again. Not again. Never again. No more losing in the hereafter. No more. I want to be able to go through the trials of destiny. I want to feel the eternal bliss and the sweetness of faith. To start it right and to end it right.

Behind everything that happens, I'm glad that there's still a Divine guidance accompanying.

'Eid Sa'eed!

My hope

You left me..
You left me again dearest...
Every meet, there's our part
We can't deny
The affection you made me feel

This time round
I held you closer
Much closer
With hope you'll love me more

We sail through it together
Despite the sweetness I felt
There's still a stint of salt
Of not achieving some with you

Although you're gone
I'll still work it out
And seeking still
And praying constantly

For one day that'll come
For me to be a better one
A better one in that I hope to achieve

And when you return my love
I'm already a step higher, I hope
Pls forgive my dear...
Even if I think I've failed this
I still need the support...
For me to succeed again...
One fine day...

-This is just heartbreaking...

The reveal!

After the silence, I decided to reveal the answer!

You're right, Spidey. It IS me, heh. Well, what was I doing in that fat suit (there's a pillow at the stomach area)?

It was Children's Day. I was given the trust to entertain the kids. As you all would have guessed, my tag team from the pic here is Miss Goldilocks. Oh yes, she was fortunate not to be trapped like me in the hot oven. As the only emcee in the oven suit and fasting at the same time, that was one of the memorable tests I had during the blessed month.

From early morning to around 3pm, juggling two sessions, I simply had to take off my 'head' during item intervals. Worse still, the ventilation at the backstage was terrible. With the portable mic on my head, phew. But I had helpful colleagues to cool me with the flapping fans. The perspiration was tantamount to climbing mountains! Only Allah knows how tough it was to be enduring with such condition while entertaining the audience. The morning session kids were more excited. Pity me, baby bear was 'bullied' while walking around the crowd. They pulled me like nobody's business. Luckily, goldilocks saved me from the naughty earthlings from Human World (Well, I'm from the Fairy Tale World).

So you see, it's not an easy job being a mascot. At least, now I could feel how uncomfortable it is being in a big suit. What more if you're working in theme parks like Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse...

Batal ke puasa?

A take-away from my P5 boy today...

A: Cikgu, kalau berdarah, batal tak puasa?

* Cikgu looking at the blood on his upper left forehead. And then, simply stating things that invalidate fast.

* Kid looked at cikgu with a blur face.

* Cikgu takes a deep breath. Tickled by his question, at least, he wishes to know. That's one ilmu for today, dear boy.

Take it with a smile

Those were the tests of Ramadhan for those who believe. Hopefully, the ones affected are able to persevere and accept it with open arms. I pray that Allah will ease the both of you to regain a speedy recovery. I'm glad to see that both of you are okay albeit the pain you have to bear.

To you, I hope that the results from the hospital is positive. To the other, have a well-deserved 6 months MC and physio later. Just in time to pass the car license, tsk tsk. No more vrooms pls.

Because there are just many ways Allah wants to test us...

Guess Who?

Who is this baby bear?

A break?

When there are no lectures, this means, the research continues.
Does it mean ample time to research more stuffs? Like going to the library?
Or does it mean that postponement of lectures will affect the flow of the uni management here? I hope not. I don't want to be graduating later than the stipulated time, yeah.

It's been a nerve-racking, heart pumping week. I'm glad the show's over and the kids like it. Felt like a superstar for one day. But the perseverance of having to endure the entire double sessions in such a state yesterday was beyond what you could imagine. On the other side, it brought joy to some people who were, perhaps, childhood deprived? Heh.

Lectures have been cancelled tomorrow and Sunday. It shall only resume on the 3rd week of Syawal. Quite a hiatus there.

Time to change gear.

Ramadhan Rocks, You Gals Rock Too...

Saff's own '82 babes
( With the absence of Yati )
and oouh, those tired faces...

SAHABAT YANG BAIK ADALAH YANG ORANG YANG BERCAKAP BENAR, DAN BUKAN HANYA MEMBENARKAN KATA-KATA.

We are special

Today was a tiring day but it was worth it. We had a special task to a special school, specially for the special kids, thus, a special Children's Day performance for them. So I was on duty as the school's photographer as per usual to capture the significant moments of the performers and the audience. Reached there early morning to entertain the girls and boys ranging from 7 years to teenage years.

This time round, there were certain protocols in taking pictures. So, ahah, yeah, I won't be able to put up any pics as it can only be circulated internally and approved by their school before publishing any shots. But I could show the performances we did by both our students, and the teachers.

What I felt...
Their presence opened up our hearts.
Their warmth and enthusiasm in response to our actions were overwhelming.
There's a sense of sincerity in the way they receive and accept our performances.
It's nice to experience and witness the lives of the less fortunate in this blessed month.
The school really reminded me of my N/I/E Townsville Campus back then; the kampung aura, the familyness.

No wonder two of my cousins are teaching in this special field.
I guess, it leaves a special thing in those who teach these special ones; not like us, our hearts always tainted with black stains.
But like a friend said, the emotional support we need to provide them is intensive.
And I think it's worthwhile.

As for us who went there...
I think we enjoyed ourselves; the bangra dance, the twisted cinderella skit, the smiles on their faces. To my surprise, we are such creative teachers after all. That's why we're in right, because we make a difference... =)

Life of a fellow brother

I feel great when Ramadan comes. I feel great when I know that whilst everyone else is busy in their daily activities, I am sacrificing my desires for the sake of God. I feel great when I see one of my friends, who bases his life on sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll; take a 'chill pill'. I feel great when he goes through the whole day without a cigarette. I feel great when I see my other friend, who chooses to base his vocabulary on every four letter word in the colloquial dictionary; stop and look back at his mistakes, and at the end of the month become a changed person. It's a great feeling.

Going back to the question "Why do I fast?" or "What keeps me going?" the answer is very simple. I ask you now, how many times do you turn on the TV or flick through the newspaper, and find yourself drenched with the fact that a large proportion of the earth's population lives in famine. How many cases do you hear about people who die from hunger in Sudan, or Ethiopia, or ….the list goes on. These people wake up every morning to the notion that they may not live to see the night. These people fast because they have no choice, they simple have no food to eat, or no water to drink. When I fast, I do it out of my own choice, no one puts a gun to my head. What keeps me going are the faces of those innocent youngsters in the countries such as Sudan who fast the whole of the Gregorian.

"You need to sacrifice to achieve great things"

By Mohammed Zaoud.
Sixteen years of age and heading into his final year at Homebush Boys High School in Western Sydney.

Ramadhan's Galore

Alhamdulillah, 11 sekawan managed to meet up for iftar with all the hubbies (w/o Hid's presence though *nun jauh di sana*) Usually, for tarawih, the girls would be the Imamah. This year, for the first time, we had the gentlemen to lead us! Of course, credit goes to the host of the iftar Nan & Zan!

I am very happy. Why? Albeit the different status for half of us, we still find time to get together. Best,eh? And I am personally happy because I've never celebrated my birthday being with the 11, but me & nul managed to celebrate our silver jubilee moments together. It's more of a personal treat for me to Nul, due to our iftar date that happened to fall on September.

11 sekawan (Hid, let me do the magic for you okay...) & 5 Hubbies
Specialised brownies (with our names & hubbies) & mango cake

I had to dash to grandma's place. It's been quite some time since my family members had tarawih together. I remembered the times when atuk was still healthy, he'd be our imam. That's years back. So this is one of the ways to get spiritually united for us. Moreover, it's my dearest Sept cousins birthday too (Have quite a no. of September cousins, both paternal and maternal )

Happy birthday dearies!
(Some of the other Sept babies were absent)

After family affair, I was happy as to meet my sisters I've not met for quite some time. Although there was a minute attendance (This time round the brothers won us by their numbers), I forged new friendships with a few. I just had trouble sleeping (which I am having till now) so that's why I could easily wake up for qiyam. Thinking of qiyam reminds me of a dear sister whom I can't spend the wee nights with her this year. She just continued her studies in Azhar and I am missing those times we planned for qiyam last year. I wish you are here so I can spend more fruitful wee hours with you *melancholic*

Had group discussion straight after qiyam. To savour my bliss, and I guess it's my rezeki, I had the chance to capture the shots of the Infrared Photography @ N.L.B straight after discussion on its last day. More or less, the technique was quite similar to me. I've tried applying the same techniques to my shots, only that I was oblivious of its term back then. Actually, I have planned to visit the exhibition that day, but since I had my discussion there, it's killing two birds.

The muggin' life has not ended...

Thinking of the all the 4 assignments + presentations at one go. Some of them which are...

• Ummah Concept - Positive Value
• Islamic Aqidah - Challenges & Responses (Internal : Rejection & Extremism)
• Adat Perpatih

I guess, when it's Ramadhan, it's time to seek more knowledge than usual, huh?

I'm tired, but it's the blessed month after all... =D

TwentyFive

Clock striked at 9.53am. Parents returned home and surprised me with a Light Cheesecake, the simplest I could be happy of. Actually, I was oblivious of the cake they brought in. Anyway, it wasn't expected after all. I was busy clearing my emails that time. Thanks emak and abah for meaningful presentation during your daughter's birth time!

Last Wednesday, we had an advanced birthday lunch. Parents decided to surprise me. Drove me to an anonymous restaurant, later, only to discover it was Bilal Res.tau.rant.

A sumptuous meal indeed, alhamdulillah.
( Spot the huge drinks? )

I'm not turning any younger. Although birthdays are a time of celebration, this is a time to reflect. The milestones of my life have been filled with a lot of colours. Alhamdulillah, the storms of life I once had is gone. I'm glad to be able to colour the last few years with rainbows.

Significantly...

I've learnt the meaning of listening and persevering things over the last few years. To appreciate someone as how or what the person is.Things that you believe you can achieve albeit hardships that you knew you had to face emotionally.

I've learnt not to let history repeats itself. To be aware that He is there if you seek His guidance. To relearn the wisdom of life by doing the right things and let it be a success.

I've learnt the traits that makes you a good servant of Him. To be in the circle of good friends inviting good and forbidding evil. Not fretting those not inviting you in their tidings of enjoyment. Instead, be glad.

Most importantly...

An important 25th year of difference deep down inside.
I have my close ones to share my twenty five years on earth.
I am able to breathe and witness the beauty of Allah's bounties.
He gives me the chance to seek repentance and keep renewing my faith in Him.

Thank you my friends and dearest ones (you know who you are)
for your prayers and well wishes today...

(I love the fabulous b'day message Farizi! *muah*)

Teachers' Day #2

The loot for me! Hee (Alhamdulillah)

What's in there?

Coincidentally, 99.5% of the gift boxes were of green and pink (Look below)

They also think that I'm...

And they surely can't differentiate between...

A Miss and a Mdm...
That's one lesson you have to learn, kids!

=)

Happy holidays cheechers!

Harapan

Pernahkah kamu terfikir, apabila kamu rasa ingin juga dihargai, daripada orang-orang yang terdekat, mereka yang tidak kamu sangka yang sebenarnya melakukan hal demikian?

Ada manusia yang menghargai dengan kata-kata. Ada pula melalui gerak-geri mereka. Bagaimana pula orang yang kamu harapkan tidak melakukan kedua-dua hal tersebut?

Adakah kamu akan berasa hampa? Kecewa? Atau pun menerima seadanya kerana orang yang dekat dengan kamu mungkin terlupa? Terlalu sibuk dengan hal ehwal lain hingga apa yang penting bagi dirimu kurang penting bagi mereka? Jika ini yang berlaku, mampukah kamu memaafkan mereka? Atau terus memendam rasa?

Lumrah manusia, pastinya ingin dihargai. Harapan tidak selalunya tercapai. Orang-orang yang terdekat selalunya menjadi sumber inspirasi dan sayap yang penting. Bila tiada kata-kata penghargaan dan terima kasih daripada mereka, kita mesti belajar memaafkan. Memaafkan memang sukar kalau tiada keikhlasan. Namun kita mesti cuba dan terus cuba.

Kerana pergantungan dan harapan kita hanya pada Dia.
Bila hati sedih rintihlah padaNya.
Supaya hati tenang dan lega semula.
Agar kita dapat bangun dan hidup kembali.

X X X

Kepada semua pendidik ku ucapkan Selamat Hari Guru.
Penat lelah kita hanya kita di arena yang mengerti.
Teruslah berjuang ...

Walaupun ada hari-hari yang kita rasa tidak dihargai, tiada yang berterima kasih.
Atau sesiapa yang mungkin tidak ingat langsung tentang hari istimewa ini.
Teruskan usahamu dengan penuh dedikasi...

Terima kasih kepada mereka yang memberikan ucap selamat kepadaku pada hari ini.
Thanks for remembering.

Teachers' Day Update #2 soon...

Manners of talking

"Eh, apa ni semua salah?"
"Macam nak kena ketuk ah kepala si dekni"
"Dah semua nak kena tukar!"

And the feeling of dissatisfaction keeps on going, saying unwise comments and thinking that the conveyor of the above is right while such comments are intended to the other person believed to be making huge mistakes.

What's the conclusion of this disagreement?

It happens that the conveyor is wrong from the start. What is thought to be right, is the conveyor's own fault, overlooking the actual procedures and lacking observation. In the end, he/she is ashamed because of his/her own blunder. And the team has to redo the whole process.

What can we learn from this?

As Muslims, we should know that talk is very dangerous. We should control it within the limits of Islam. From the example above, the person criticise others without reflecting one's self. And that is why, the saying goes, "Practice what you preach".
Worse when it comes from any Muslim brother/sisters to our non-Muslim friends.

How would you feel to be in that situation?

Even if I'm not involved, I'll be shaken by the slight commotion. I fear to be influenced by any Gheebah (backbiting) or Nameemah (spreading talk among people to make them hate one another).

Usually, people love to do things which are wrong. And when they feel the 'nikmat' of backbiting others, they don't realise that they are actually the masterminds of bad talks spreading around. We should not believe everything. It might just be a malicious hearsay. Play safe.

I really hope that Allah shelters me from any of these activities. The only thing I can do is to refrain from listening. To share with you my dear readers as a form of reminder to us.

They say, a tongue has no bones =)

Alwan Comics Online #2

For comic fans (da'wah serasi ummah) out there, Alwan Comics Online #2 is out!

Tagline for the comic online is minna lana (dari kita untuk kita). Congrats to fellow Alwaniyyun who had their submissions chosen. I hope I am able to contribute for their #3 edition. Too long hiatus since the crash of my laptop and lost the files. Sungguh tak istiqamah.

A peek at one of the entries. A loose page from bro Icesoul :

Click here to view the mag online : Alwan Online Comics #2

Enjoy!

Note to Wawan: If you read this, check it out! If not, Spiderman_Pink has to alert him!

Eternal Lover

To those who love the wonders of poetry
To those who long for His love & mercy
Let me share with you from my sorority,

Tiasa Hanafi *Sebelas Sekawan*

End of Exams, Start of Reads

Praise be to Him! At last the past weeks of struggle is here to end? Nope, but to pause for a while to wait for my 2nd semester. There are still my results *shrieks* to look out for. So what have I seen? Some left their prints in the beginning and decided to end their journey. Others bowed and took up new challenges. While the rest persevered and still continue despite the juggle of life's demands.

Been waiting for the end of today's final paper. So after exams, with His will, unexpectedly, bull's eye! The book I've been looking for the past few months but succeeded in getting only one. Browsed other shelves, and bull's eye! Another wanted book in my list! So, I purchased 2 books today! Retail therapy, books! Alhamdulillah, agaknya Allah nak aku rehat baca buku dulu, the least leisure I could attain (Although I've been missing a lot of any youth events or programmes out there).

BUT, nak kena habiskan Ayat-Ayat Cinta dulu lah... But I have a strong feeling I'll be read hopping these 3!

Merdeka! Buat sementara...

Exams, studies

Yesterday was a chilly examination day. No, not mine. The PSLE o.r.a.l e.x.a.m.s.
It was my first time posted out. For the past two exams experiences, I was stationed at my own school's holding room. This time round, I was supposed to be on standby in school. Due to some hiccups, I had to replace a colleague as o.r.a.l e.x.a.m.i.n.e.r 1. Meaning, I am posted to a school nearby. Basically, the responsibility of being the o.r.a.l e.x.a.m.i.n.e.r 1 is a bit higher than 2. But I was glad to be paired up with a colleague from my prac school days. At least, this is a chance for me to learn the ropes. She was helpful and cooperative.

It was raining heavily on the 2nd day. Felt like an air-con room instead. An examinee's antics was one of the chilliest moments I had that day. We were quite startled by his actions. 'Is he going to cry?', 'Is he A-okay?' or when he concluded and got up, 'Is he having a headache?' His actions were quite provoking. All the symptoms were quite troubling but luckily, nothing happened. At least, the 2nd day of exam was more interesting than the first.

As for my kids in school, they are definitely enjoying themselves with 2 short weeks of studies due to ND last week and the PSLE exams this week. Alhamdulillah, at least those holidays for them and short working day for me helped in a way or another for my 4 papers of exams. I still have my last exam paper to worry and I can't wait for it to end tomorrow.
Time to hit the notes and book! *piak*

The 2 mths of Celebration! When flowers bloom! An ode...

The past two months, were full of gardens blooming with natural scented flowers. Had been a chaotic chore for most of us, I believe. Plans and more plans just to keep in touch with each other. Matching colours for the upcoming BIG days as bridesmaids or chosen Maid of Honour and welcoming new members to the club! (Let's have a Husbands' Welcome Tea one day shall we? Lols)

'Ainul Husna & Hisyam [The hot date 070707]

One of my very close 11 sekawan. Had our fair share of lil' secrets during secondary years. Had our tuition years together. Her family and mine were in the same orang kampung days. Did the wedding poster for her. And of course, Hisyam is also a friend of mine during our virtual days back in my Pre-U years and so, it is absolutely a heartfelt to see this long relationship reach the most anticipated day!

'Azma & Firdaus [National Day, 9 August 2007]

Another one of my very close 11 sekawan. Of course, knowing each other's family and travelled together before is a plus point. And she's the only one from the early years in Saff who remains which doesn't leave me alone there. I'll miss those NIE lunch days, swimming, and wats nots. To top this up, she tied the knot with one of the NTUMS family! (That's his trademark, oh yea) A brother whom I respect and like to discuss matters during our MS days last time. At last, it did happen yes?

Nurhairiah & Sofyan [Post National Day, 11 August 2007]

My twin (if you pronounce our names in Arabic. That's why...). Yes, the BBC of 11 sekawan! Most news at the finger tips of hers. Basically we're close because of our names. We seldom meet because she's busy as well. But we'll keep up during our 11 sekawan gatherings. And family knows each other too (what's new?) I hope you like the simple wedding guestbook I did for you.

5 down! 6 more to go...
There's gonna be a break before another BIG day in 3 months' time.

I just can't believe it. To see my friends happily married. Those dear to me.
And it's always during the 'aqad that we'd see the tears of 11 sekawan.
Tears of happiness, tears of syukur.

X X X
p.s : Hid, pics of you that match our colour pls! You're wanted!

Soaring up high

Sometimes, they forget to look down.
They forget to relook. They forget to reflect.

Unless they understand and carry it out fairly.
Fair is not equal. It's based on one's capabilities.
Then they are there because of quality.

Doesn't mean they are high up there. They are better than you.
Something worth remembering.
Something comforting.
Short but sweet.
Thanks bro.

To you

I'm sorry.
My speed of updating is getting slower.
Life needs to be reorganised.
If only there's an auto reorganiser.
Oh well, lots of things are accelerating.
The space to breathe has been narrow.
It should and could have been better.
The positive and negative ions.
Seems to light up whenever they want.

It is affecting me.

InsyaAllah.
See you.
The end of this month.

#on hiatus

Who's YOUR role model?

Who's your idol? That's the question asked by Dr Danial recently from the talk held at Al-Iman mosque. I learnt a few new things like the bubble generation and emotional quotient. If I should ask my pupils, I'd surely be hearing common responses - superheroes or superstars.

But something caught my attention last few days. I had to relieve a class. While monitoring the pupils' work, I saw a beautiful hardcover book on his table from afar. It was a resemblance to some books I have at home. I approached him and took a look at the book. It read: Stories of the Prophet by Ibn Kathir. I was stunned by the title of the book. A 9 year old boy reading a book by Ibn Kathir? More elated by that fact, I asked him, "You read this book?" He nodded.

His parents might have bought the book for him. I really hope he is guided and be one of the Qur'anic generation; to emulate the characters of the Prophets in this multicultural society called the R.e.d D.o.t. So after browsing the pages, I replied, "It's a good book. Keep it up!" I smiled and observed the rest of the class...

Meaning of life

Kuatkan azam
Tekadkan iltizam
Ku takut tenggelam
Dalam kepekatan malam

Mengundang sejuta jawapan
Namun hanya kehampaan
Melewati hari-hari kelam
Sinarnya mana hanya suram

Andainya aku dapat bersuara
Dengan bintang-bintang di angkasa
Ingin ku petik cahayamu buat seketika
Agar fikrahku, sukmaku, jiwaku yang lara
Kembali bahagia

The Prophet PBUH said:
"And know that victory comes with patience, and with hardship there is a way out, and with difficulty comes ease."

InsyaAllah aku harapkan itu.
Perjuanganku belum tamat.
Persevering...

X X X
Missing URL tonight.

A nature-friendly island

Her pace, unlike our own red dot, is a luxury for those who like to roam the island in a car or a jeep. Her life is full of nature's bounties and cleanliness (without the FINES board everywhere). Being an island, thrice than our own, it seems small due to the minimal amount of high-rise buildings and of course, if you wish to savour your bliss with shopping, do stop by the shopping centres not later than 630pm.

There are many historical attractions with regards to her background identity. Having visited the island prolly 10 years ago, yours truly's stay embarked on a different journey instead. Having visited the tourist attraction and maintaining a vivid recollection of those childhood experiences, she spent more of her time with the flora and fauna of the Almighty's endless creations.

If you're keen on horse riding or never tried one, there's a ranch where you can rent a horse for half an hour or an hour depending on your route. That's where I met my horsy friend, named Rudi (not the one on your left). I had a bumpy ride both in the jungle and the beach. Sounds cool, huh? =)

For those of you wish to step ahead to another level, you'll be able to do mountain climbing on a horse! But after you've been trained, of course.

(Jots down in my to-do-list)

These rabbits won't let you off. Once you're hooked, you'll get a stint of their ants bite. They'll chase after you and hop onto your lap; if you own food on your palms, that is. I prefer the baby bunnies though. Kept in the cage. The best thing was, me and my cousins held the cuties that matched our outfit.


How bout feeding the deers instead? Can't remember where's my temp messenger. All looked the same, hehe. I enjoy feeding them milk and food than the rabbits. The only thing you need is tolerance.. and persevere their ticklish tongues.. thus, saliva!

We had a special treatment from the 'gembala' to visit Tommy (another deer kept behind the fences with other friends). He has just developed new horns and we gave it leaves. Just to let you know that a deer like this drinks 4 big bottles of milk.

Other than our animals' galore, I had fun in water sports. This island's a good spot for water sports as well. I tried parasailing, much different from the one I had in Kinabalu. Much tougher as you need to descend with your hands coordination. Again, jetskiing's one of the best activities I had. I ended up with cramps as I had to ride it four times, twice on my own and twice, my cousins as my pillion. It was indeed an outdoorish way of spending the only 1 week pure holidays for me on my own with the loved ones.

News Flash!

Message from widz:

She has just touched down homeland yesterday night. She'll prolly update when she's free from the recent trip she had. Oh, who am i? Hehe, just a temp messenger of hers. Stay tune!

Much Love,
xx A rusa from Langkawi xx

Lending a helping hand

Wa ta'aawanuu 'alal birri wat-taqwaa...

"And help one another in righteousness and piety..." [Al-Maidah:2]

What does righteousness mean to you? Is it doing things the right way? Or more often we'd say, do the right things. I'd prefer, doing the right things the right way, rooted with pure intentions before actions. When we intend to help, it signifies righteousness with a true devotion to gain His blessings. It's a reward gained metaphysically - something unseen, non-material but returns in which stay for eternity.

Say, volunteerism. An act of willingness without any tangible gain. Depending on your special abilities and talents, you work the extra mile to lend a hand for the benefit of society. Doesn't matter which organization be it a Muslim or a non-Muslim one you're involved with, being a volunteer is certainly an ibadah. While others possess the abilities to lead, the fresher ones need the experience and gradually gain skills for personal development. And it's always the level of satisfaction in a successful event that causes the heart and will to continue future events for a good cause.

Most importantly, you volunteer because of the passion you have. Being forced into one defeats purpose of volunteering. Because every small act makes a difference. Because it matters. And it's been quite a hiatus. Good to be back to get a break from work commitments. A short temp mentor for the night and photographer for the whole event. A nice feeling to be working together with my dear ikhwan and akhawat again, catching up and to gain sight of unexpected discoveries from one another.

'Ukhuwwah itu indah jika bertemu dan berpisah keranaNya'

dan indah juga kerana hari itu aku singgah sebentar ke walimah sahabat yang rapat...

Remembered the times we mugged at the benches, at the BioSci building, my hostel.
A good ukhuwwah indeed.
Now, you embark on a new journey.

To Karima & Hafiz,

بارك الله لكما وجمع بينكم في خير

May Allah bless the both of you and unite you both in goodness.
Aameen.

Alhamdulillah

Heart throbbed a little. That's normal when you have to collect your results.
Have you ever felt that you'd really flunk (F) that paper and in the end you had a grade much better than that?

Remembering the moment when pens were down, well, it's all in Allah's hands. Some friends said that it's not easy to juggle between work and studies. I remembered as well the news I read on BH about being undergrads, like the path my colleagues are taking in S/I/M. It's not easy, but much tougher when you have a family. So how will I cope when I have a family later? Time management, oh yea.

I guess it's all in the mind. If you want it, you go for it with a good intention. What I mean by this, is the intention of learning something towards the redha of Allah. Prayers from the soleh, your parents, your good brothers and sisters are vital, to ease your path InsyaAllah.

"Say [unto them, O Muhammad]: Are those who know equal to those who know not? But only men with understanding will pay heed" (39:9)

I need that extra effort. The effort for me to understand more than my current state of understanding. Like a lecturer told me and others whom I've heard before, the more you want to know, the more you realise you don't know'.

There's no point to look back and regret how things could've been better during the full-time student phase. The reality is now. You've learned, you've changed and hopefully keep on changing for the better.

Back to my results, I could have not been happier. My ultimate syukur goes to Allah who endlessly prove His Greatness to this servant of His. Thank you to abah and emak for your prayers and my closed ones. Maintaining IS tough. But I'm willing to try...

Happy Birthday!

Selamat sweet 17 to Muhammad Farid, yesterday!
Yeap, like I text you cousin, may you be a good Muslim brother in your life and may Allah bless you with happiness dunya and akhirah. And yeap, I surely am proud of you in your mosque youth activities. Keep it up and look ahead!

On paternal's side, belated birthday to Md Afif on the 300507 and his own brother, Md Amsyar today!

+ Done with group MCQ setting assignment for Usul Fiqh
+ 2 more assignments to go (still thinking which topics to choose)

Oh yeah, I'm just having a full one week break these holidays. A pure one week break without the need to think of work. I think the hols are getting lesser and lesser.



Two more books in the list apart from the current reading. Ok, the book hopping factor again. But enjoyed it all at the moment. So first:

Left: It's hard cover a Best Seller Novel. Theme? Novel Psikologi Islami Pembangun Jiwa. Yet to know the content area of it. Wasn't my initial plan to buy. Couldn't find Ketika Cinta Bertasbih.
Right: Pudarnya Pesona Cleopatra. Same author, and much much thinner compared to the latter. Can't resist books.

In the first place, I planned to submit an entry for the local sastera competition in the cerpen (short stories) category. But I think my writings are not up to that level. Either that, or I just have no idea of creating or improvising any plots. Made me remind of my students who are good in language, but lack ideas. Haha. But nevermind, let me spend more time writing on my 2 assignments without fusing the flowery part like a cerpen.

Happy holidays!

Dimensi

Dimensi...
Kalimah antara aku dan Kau
Bisikan isi hati dalam perjalanan

Dahaga...
Memandang dalam lubuk hati
Mengisi kekosongan sepi

Duga...
Tiada mahu kufur ni'matmu
Benar di hadapan mataku

Du'a...
Kerana dimensi ku dahaga
Yang tiada duga kerana du'a
Pabila maqbul kalimah itu
Hanya mampu ku ucap
Alhamdulillaah

Walau sebentar, amat bermakna
Sukar, masih sukar...
Sabar, terus bersabar...
Apapun jua, sujudku tadi keranaMu
Kerana detik itu...
Terima kasih Ya Allah...

X X X

" Keberkatan Allah ini tidak dapat hendak kita gambarkan sebab hati yang akan terasa ketenangan itu. Kesannya bukan seminggu dua tetapi sampai ke hari tua.

Biarlah bersusah-susah sedikit asalkan syariat Allah dapat kita jaga dengan baik. "

-hanan

Weekend Sleepover

Alhamdulillah, it's not only the ties of faith that bind us together. The fact that a few of us are stepping into another phase of life add to the excitement during weekend while reminiscing old memories. I'm sure there are others who appreciate good company with old time friends, the growing up years... and for us, it keeps on growing insyaAllah till the end of time.

The late night scary-became-comical vcd...

The Man U VS Chelsea night..

The exchange of gifts reflecting ourselves...

The truth or dare for brides-2-be...

The morning breakfast delivery...

The X-Box games...

The warm jacuzzi and the hilarious pool stunts...

Not forgetting,

Our trademark: The cramp lift shot =)
Just endless...

Well, perhaps, we might not feel it now. I am sure, when the time is near and when all of you begin to take that new role, things will be much different. But I hope, our friendship will stay all the same. Well brides-2-be, I'm happy for you. And I'm glad that all 11 of us stayed for the night although 3 had to go off early...

Thanks, Hotel Rendezvous.
Heartfelt, dearest buddies.

* * *

On a deeper note,

- Lappy crashed, thus the lost of precious files.
- Trip to KK cancelled, Ophir as well. Maybe, those were signs I guess.

Holidays coming! Wee~

*Extracted shots courtesy of 'Ainul's