June 2, 2007
· Filed under Spiritual Wellbeing
The recent Federal Court decision on Lina Joy came as a relief to many Malaysian muslims. It may seem harsh to those who do not understand the concept of freedom of religion in Islam, but it was the best decision. However, I still wish someone could talk to Lina Joy about it. Of course, she is no longer a Muslim but I wish she could see the beauty of Islam as other “reverts” see it.
It is really funny though. Everywhere around the world, more and more people are coming to Islam – there are even rumours of Michael Jackson turning to Islam. When I was in Australia, I used to attend sessions at the mosque (or Islamic Center in Melbourne City) where people say their syahadah. The most memorable session was when a couple (I think it was in 1995) said their syahadah in front of the imam and about another 100 witnesses. The wife just couldn’t stop crying. Before she said her syahadah, I remember her asking the imam if all her previous sins would be cancelled off and if she would be like a newborn baby upon reciting the syahadah. When the imam nodded and answered yes to her questions, she cried and cried and actually made everyone else in the room cry! Subhanallah.
But then again, there are still many Muslims fighting to leave the religion. I know of one person in Melbourne (I met her in 1993) who left Islam because when she first arrive Melbourne, no Muslims were around to help her! Nauzubillah. I don’t know what happened to her after she left university, but I hope she remained a Muslim. I guess it all boils down to your inner self. If you care about the religion, you make time to understand the philosophy and reasons behind it all, and if there is the desire to practice life-long learning, you will never stop learning about the religion! Ya Allah.. Ya Ar Rahman.. Ya Ar Rahim.. Guide us all to the right path… Ameen.
Anyway, I have been travelling for the past 2 weeks. First to Colmar Tropicale at Bukit Tinggi Pahang for a workshop. Since my parents were too lazy to go and my husband couldn’t take time off work, I brought my sister-in-law with me. It was quite a good trip. We managed to try (for the first time!) the sauna. And guess what? I love it. My mum even offered me her sauna set that she received as a gift. I just couldn’t resist it. But since I am too tight up now with my coming examinations, I decided to take it later. Then right after Bukit Tinggi, I had to attend another workshop. This time at a new place in Taiping called Kamalodge. It was SUPERB! It had such a nice surrounding. Cosy. Sweet and Simple. And the pool – my kids spent almost every minute there! And finally, a seminar in Johor. My husband was kind enough to take 3 days off to come with me - without the kids - so it was like another honeymoon for us. It was such a long ride though, almost 8 hours! Such boredom – although Johor Bahru was a nice place.
My exams are coming soon. I hope to survive these next few days. Pray for me.
February 3, 2006
· Filed under Spiritual Wellbeing
Telah ku mungkiri janjiku lagi ..
Walau seribu kali..
Ku ulang sendiri ..
Aku takkan tempuh lagi
Apakah kau terima cintaku lagi
Setelah ku berpaling..
Dari pandangan Mu
Yang kabur kerna jahilnya aku
Mengapa cinta Mu tak pernah hadir
Subur dalam jiwa ku..
Agarku tetap bahagia
Tanpa cintaku tetaplah Kau di sana
Aku tanpa cinta Mu ..
Bagai layang-layang terputus talinya
Masihkah ada sekelumit belas..
Mengemis kasih Mu Tuhan..
Untukku berpaut dan bersandar
Aku di sini kan tetap terus mencuba
Untuk beroleh cinta Mu
Walau ranjaunya menusuk pedih..
January 29, 2006
· Filed under Spiritual Wellbeing
It was an incredibly busy week last week. I was occupied with work day and night.. and I am so glad that it is all over now..
But then…
Last Friday morning, I received news that our good friend, Siti, lost her husband in a car accident. He was riding on his bike on the way back from Pasar Malam, when a car hit him. Hasbullah died on the spot. Arwah was only 30 years old, while Siti is still in her late 20s. They have two small kids, the elder one barely 3 years old, and the younger one reaching 1. Allah.. Please forgive him and place him next to your loved ones.. This is such a great test for Siti. And I pray that she be strong.
I cried. I just couldn’t imagine if I was in Siti’s shoes. Will I ever make it through? Imagine the kids growing up without even knowing their dad. Allah.. But then, I have seen so many cases before this. My good friend, died of jaw cancer two years ago.. and now her husband is taking care of their only child. Another friend of mine, lost her husband six years ago.. and now she is taking care of her two kids, and to support herself, she opened up a nursery. And I have come across Norasyikin’s blog, who died in a car accident about a year ago, and now the husband continues to update the blog.
I mean.. this is life.. and you have to be strong at all times if ever you are tested… Allah.. give me strength..
January 1, 2006
· Filed under Personal Development, Professionalism, Spiritual Wellbeing
My last four days was spent in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Just a few months ago, I was in Khartoum, Sudan. Sudan and Ethiopia is just next to each other geographically.. but there is such a vast difference in terms of culture, and surrounding. Addis is located about 2500 feet above sea level, so I had a shock upon arrival at the airport. The weather is so cool, and very refreshing.. and so unlike my imagination that all African countries are hot and dry. It was almost like Melbourne.
The first three days were spent completing the job that I was sent to do. It was pretty exciting, meeting new people, discussing about things and understanding how people work. And my last day was spent touring the city, shopping for things that are mostly cheaper than Malaysia. The driver took us to the highlands just to have a look at the scenery.. and Subhanallah! It was fantastic. I have never seen anything like that. Insya Allah, I will post some pictures later, once they are ready.
Ethiopians are mostly Christian Orthodox, and they have a different calendar from the rest of the world, and they celebrate Christmas on a different day. It was really interesting to see and observe what they do, and what their customs are.
And I cannot help but think of the Sudanese brothers and sisters whom I met while I was in Khartoum 3 months ago. Of course, Ethiopians are slightly more modern than the Sudanese, and the development in Addis is a lot more noticeable than in Khartoum. But who can forget seeing these people praying along the roadsides, reading Quran while waiting for the bus (and the security guards will always have a Quran in their hands and reading it while working) and screaming happily upon knowing that the next day is Ramadhan? Allah.. it was the best experience I ever had. Sudan is definitely a place I would like to go again if I have the opportunity. And the brotherhood in Islam.. you can really feel it there.
Regardless, it still feels good to be going back to Malaysia. I cannot wait to see my daughters!
November 16, 2005
· Filed under Spiritual Wellbeing
There are times in life when we must make decisions. And these decisions that you are forced to make may affect your entire life… your husband may think that you are crazy, your kids will hate you for the rest of their lives.. and your parents think that you are an idiot.
But then.. what is life without making decisions, right?
I must pray istikharah tonight. I pray that Allah will show me some light…….
October 26, 2005
· Filed under Spiritual Wellbeing
I have never felt this sad before. Not even when my beloved grandmother passed away. This is worse than worse. I cannot even begin to describe how down I’m feeling at the moment. I felt so betrayed, so unappreciated, so lousy despite the fact that I was the one who wanted to have the confrontation. But then, I never expected it to turn out this way. Although I knew that I have won the battle, but I still feel bad. I cannot believe that I have made the decision to end everything.
How can I ever face this alone? Allah.. please give me strength especially in this holy month of Ramadhan……
Please…………………
October 25, 2005
· Filed under Spiritual Wellbeing
I was browsing through an old Quran of mine which I bought in 1996. During my stay in Melbourne, I used to refer to that Quran a lot because it had the translations. I used it heavily, especially when I attended Islamic classes which were held every weekend. The pages are so full of my handwritings! And I can still remember the sister who used to lead these classes, her name is Aminah Vanderdrift. Masha Allah.. a very pious and committed sister.
Anyway, I was struck by this verse in the Holy Quran..
“Know that the life of this world is only play and diversion and pageantry and boasting among you, and rivalry in wealth and children. It is as a rain, which brings forth growth pleasing th etillers, then it withers and you see it turning yellow, and it becomes straw. And in the Hereafter there is a painful chastisement, and forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure, and the life of this world is only the enjoyment of illusion….. (57:20)”
And I have been thinking a lot for the past few days… How much time do I spend in remembrance of Allah??
October 20, 2005
· Filed under Spiritual Wellbeing
August 29, 2005
· Filed under Spiritual Wellbeing
This is a very interesting reminder to all Muslims. I know a lot of Muslims religiously follow the 7 Habits which was written by Stephen Covey, but then, this is a million times better.
Allah is great. Thanks sister.
August 26, 2005
· Filed under Spiritual Wellbeing
O Allah, the Most Gracious and Most Merciful..
Thank you for giving me a second chance..
Thank you for opening our hearts to make it good this time around…
Thank you for all the love that you have given us..
O Allah, the Most Forgiving and Most Compassionate
Guide us to the right path..
Give us the strength to obey you in all aspects of life..
Fill our hearts with love for You and only You…
Fill our souls with love for our Rasul, Muhammad saw
O Allah, our life is in Your hands
Bless us in this world and in the world hereafter…
Ameen…
