Make me among those who are few

Bismillah
Assalamualaikum wbt

All praised belong to Allah~Alhamdulillah

I walked out the hall  with a smile.

" Alhamdulillah",I whispered to myself. 

That last paper officially ended my first year here. I looked around, they were there, talking loudly about the accounting exam moments ago.

"Man, I went out an hour earlier. I just don't know what to write anymore. I not even know what I was doing!"

"So, you've been standing here for an hour?" One of them asked. 

"Yup! Waiting for you guys, the smart folks"

We all laughed. The result will be out on 9th of December. I might be home by then, so hopefully I did well. Time passed silently. It had been a year since I first came to Australia. Early this year, I had many dreams and goals. Start from making friends, graving for the feeling of getting at least one HD, be a better servant of Allah, learn more about this deen that I born into~a blessing from Allah indeed, and lots more to be listed here.  

Had I achieve all those?

It was very hard for me to say yes. I aimed to change and be a better person, yet I strongly doubted that. However, never give up! Never give on His blessings and mercy.

Allah is the most forgiving and merciful. 

Remember that. 

There were lots of lilac-coloured trees along the route to the tram station. 

They were more like light purple for me, actually. 

Nevertheless, I was staring at them all along. It was like in the movie of "winter sonata" where colourful leaves falling, like rain and covered the footpath. 

"I'm in Australia" I told myself.

 Allah is always helping me. 

I remembered those moments where I felt very frustrated with accounting back in high school. Honestly, all my answers were craps during SPM. Thus, that evening, we illegally went to school's swimming pool. Most of the accounting students were there, frustrated with accounting too I guessed. 

"@&%$#*#! accounting" I yelled before jumping like a cannon into the pool. I thought I would never get an A for it. 

Alhamdulillah, thing turned out to be well. Very too well actually. He answered my dua'.

The satans asked Allah to prolong their life until the day of judgment, indeed they were evil and disobedient creation. Yet,  Allah granted it. Unlikely,  servant that  prayed nights and days asked from Him, He refused to fullfil. Unless, we weren't serious in making dua'. 

Never underestimate the power of dua'.

Alhamdulillah, I was thankful for all the blessing. 

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe’.” (Ibrahim:7).

Believe in Allah's help, and you will be successful. InshaAllah

A story that I remembered. 

In the time of calipathe Umar al-Khattab, there was a young man who always prayed beside baitullah by saying, 

“Oh Allah, make me into those who are few” 
(Ya Allah! Masukkanlah aku dalam golongan yang sedikit)

Sayyidina Umar heard it when he was performing tawaf around the kaabah. He felt intrigued and curious with the young man dua’. After the tawaf, he called out for the young man, and asked, 

“Why are you making such dua’? Isn’t there anything else you can ask from Allah? 

The young man said,
“Ya, Amirul Mukminin, I asked such way as I fear with Allah words in Surah al-A’raaf verse 10 that says,

“And surely, We gave you authority on the earth and appointed for you therein provision (for your life). Little thanks do you give”
I asked Allah to put me into those who were few, those few people who were thankful to Allah.

Honestly, be grateful all the time is hard. We say Alhamdulillah if we gained something, something we loved and expected most. Least we are grateful when hardship come unexpectedly. 

It happen to me as well.

But, we are learning. No one would and ever be perfect. But, we should aim for the best. 

 InshaAllah, lets us try to be those who are grateful in time of ease and hardship. Amin. 

Those who are or will be taking exam, all the best. Start with Bismillah and end with tawakal to Allah. Success will come in one condition, you try your best! :)

Tarbiah by the waterfall

بسم الله‎

لسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

“Oh Allah, grant me something out of this. Something that would benefit me or something that I never realised before, Amin”                            

                                                              

 McKenzie Falls

McKenzie Waterfalls was just a half an hour drive up the hill all the way through the winding roads from our camping site. The waterfall was right in the midst of nature, surrounded by wild trees and gigantic mountains of rocks, creating an impressive view from above. Stripe of rainbow emerged as evening sunlight penetrated the water droplets falling from the massive rocks. The hard sound of water falling from an altitude onto the hard slippery rocks could be heard from a distance. 

There were 19 of us, sitting on piles of rocks, next on the right of the waterfalls but closed enough to hear each other’s voice out of the deafening sound of falling water. I could feel chilling droplets on my face as I sat facing the clear flowing water.

A guy stood and began talking. “Can you guys see the distance rocky hills?” we nodded to the finger pointed directly to a huge hill in front of our eyes. He recited, “If We had sent down this Qur'an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah” Al-Hashr: 21. “Even these solid and giant rocks would crumble into pieces if the burden of Quran was given to it. Yet, we human always make light of it and never realised this facts”

“There are lots of stuffs around us yet we never realised on how significant they are” another guy started to talk. “When we are in place like this, we used rocks to sit, woods to make fire and even trees to make shelter and protection. So do us. Everyone has their own unique role and talent to be discovered. We are like these stones and woods. We would never understand our parts if we didn’t seek deep enough.” He ended his brilliant lecture.

“Even the smallest thing here is taken care by Allah, so we need to reflect and think before doing something. Verily, He sees us all the time” another guy added 

Twelve Apostles

I had been looking at the waterfalls for sometimes and thoughts began to circle in my head. I stood. “Do you guys know why people are coming here?” I asked but not really expecting any answer from anyone. “It is because of the waterfall” Some nodded as if they just knew the answer. “If there are only trees or only rocks, rarely people will come to such places. If we look at the waterfalls, the rocks and water complemented each other to create such beautiful scenery. So do us. We need ukhwah in life. Friends would that  remind us of Him.” I paused for a moment. 

“Faith is like this flowing water. It floods when the rain comes and begins to fade as time passes. Faith acts the same way. It peaks when we attend an Islamic program or lectures and began to drop as time passes. In math, it is a Sin X’s graph. We need friends to remind us when we are at the bottom, nearly touching the X’s axis.” My friend did highlight this point before.

I remembered what my friend said this morning. “Surely will enter Jannah those who made an ukhwah purely of Allah and not bind by business or wealth”

He stood. “At glance, this place is enclosed by the hard rocks, strong trees, green leaves, high and blue skies and even winds. Every of them have its own character. Reflected to us, every of us has own personality. Some might be as strict as the rocks or even gentle as the water. In building a strong team or excellent cooperation, we need to learn to accept other’s weaknesses-but I rather not calling it as a weakness, but advantages and unique qualities. If there are only rocks or all is water, not many people are attracted to it. If we are similar, less attractive we are. Inshaallah, our diversity will be a magnet for people to come closer to us and islam.” Applauses ended his inspiring thought. “Allahuakhbar” we yelled.

Inshaallah. 

Blessed Sunday

Assalamualaikum wbt
Bismillah.

It had been awhile since my last entry.
Yet, Alhamdulillah we stepped in Syawal few weeks ago.
Inshaallah, I wish you blessing throughout the year. amin.

We Malaysians love to picture Eid or Hari Raya in a narrow perspective that filled with tears and dismal mood. We recited the Takbir in night of Eid with sad melody that touches the heart. Television was flooded with dramas, showing children refused to be home for Eid and people wishing Raya to their relatives. The house would usually fill with clamorous relatives packed in every corner chatting happily as if they were away for decade. Like in movies, children running outside the house chasing each other with lit firecrackers in hand. It was a lovely night and joys filled every corner of our hearts.

However, that was just my delightful imagination on how it would be if I was there, in Malaysia. Hundreds miles here, the situation were lots different. No booming sound of hand-made canon to crack the silent night. No traffics to portray the excitement to be home quickly with families. Only "balik kampung" song by Sudirman repeatedly played on our way to a senior house for our last break-fasting.

Alhamdulillah, this year the Eid was celebrated on Sunday throughout Australia-it never happen before. We were so blessed to be able to celebrate it together and chiefly on a weekend rather than a day packed with lectures, labs, practicals and tutorials. "Unlike last year, it was on Thursday. Donning the baju melayu, we were very reluctantly went to lab after prayer" told by my senior on how grateful we ought to be.



Admittedly, Eid in my house was very dim. There was no single rendang or kuih raya to fire up the appetite on this early morning. Thankfully, at least there were some weird looking curry that I prepared last night to accompany the square looking rice bags that I bought last evening. There was kek batik in fridge to cheer us up as well. Alhamdulillah, this was more than enough I guess.

Donning my brown glittering baju melayu paired by my old koleq samping made the day simply looked special. I remembered trying to tell my Aussie friend on what Eid was all about, yet he didn't seem care much rather than the point that I could start eating normally by Monday. But, for me today was the first my Eid experience oversea and I had been waiting for this moment. The 8.30 am prayer would be at Bonython Park near to the city. It was the Sunnah that Malaysia rarely practiced, to perform the prayer on open space.

The field was huge and a bit wet honestly. The prayer mat slowly accumulated water that was stored deeply in the soil as we sat quietly listening to the khutbah-"The sunnah on Eid's morning". The takbir was rather monotonous-now we felt Malaysian’s takbir was more appealing. Well, it was all new experiences! We filled the next one hour with photos session.

Alhamdulillah. We spend the whole day travelling from one house to another. Dr Aji's house was the very early house ambushed by us. His open house was awesome with tantalizing laksa, cakes, cookies, rendang and chocolate dip were arranged neatly on the table, ready to serve the hungers.

Around 10pm we were home. I was paralyzed to my bed, too tired to move. My stomach was cramped with all kind of Malaysian foods mixed together from 4 different houses that we visited. Despite out Eid was likely a day, it was totally a gratifying and memorable moment to be reminded. It might not be much, but as long as we had each other, we were one family and for that reason I was happy to celebrate 2012 Eid with them. 

تَقَبَّلَ اللهُ مِنَّا وَمِنْكُمْ

May Allah accept (deeds) from us and from you all.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

No longer the same Ramadan

Bismillah.

Assalammualaikum.

The new semester has begin. The fact that it starts together with the holy month of Ramadan making it exceptionally different. I may used to fast in long schooling hours before, yet this time the surrounding is no longer a like. It is a complete 180° turn. Apart from being far from home, the fasting hour is lot shorter, just 12 hours of hunger ( maybe similar to those in Sabah or Sarawak I guess) and I do really missed the chaotic bazaar Ramadan every evening in Malaysia. Sometime, it is absurd yet amusing on how highly creative the Malaysian inventing drinks with different colours and taste that abruptly appeared in Ramadan. The foods are not an exceptional either.

It has never been hard fasting in Malaysia. Normally, the night before we gather around the television waiting for an old man to appear and announce the fasting date. Then we update our status on Facebook and tweeter, and messages keep on popping in to our phones wishing Ramadan Mubarak. Besides Eid Ul Fitr, the lines would be crowded with this texting all over the places. Later, the whole family would surely, cramp into cars and head for nearest mosque for taraweeh prayer. It is so beautiful as the spirit of Ramadan filled the air and no wonder the mosques were full for the very first week.

But here, the scenario is the other way around. The only state in Australia, Adelaide fast on Friday, a day earlier. It was announced by IICSA (Islamic Information Centre of South Australia) on Thursday night on its web. Some said, the imams agreed to follow the global sighting rather than the local sighting and fast the same day as Saudi did.  Alhamdulillah, Islamic knowledge among the students are excellent. They have own reasoning. Some follow the jamaah and some did start fasting on Saturday. No matter what it is, Allah knows best. Perhaps we have separate day in celebrating Eid this year.

In Malaysia, some would use the break to start the very first Ramadan with family members. Mum will force us up in whatever means for suhoor. Delicious foods are already served on table moments we step to the kitchen. But, that’s not the case here. We struggle to wake up before dawn just to discover some dried breads on table and bottle of jam. Yet, it is more than enough indeed. InshaAllah there is blessing in every suhoor.

It was narrated that Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1923; Muslim, 1095.

The iftar is very much similar in Malaysia. We go to the nearest mosque purely to experience the joy of breaking the fast in foreign country besides aiming for the free meals. I couldn’t help to recall all the mosques in Subang.  Daily, my housemates and I would travel together looking for mosque for iftar. Commonly, Al Falah mosque that was well known for its excessive and luxurious food would be top on list, but at the bottom based on length of taraweeh.

The muslim community here is a mixture of various skin colours and nationalities, as if we are on hajj in Makkah. “Various skin colours, fashions and delightful perfumes” as my friend captioned on her status.  Instead of billions, being a small community at whole is the only fact that makes up the different. Still it doesn’t stop us from having our own iftar and taraweeh together. Moreover, the brotherhood and ukhwah appears concrete here. The brothers would hug one another instead of professional hand shaking, and make dua’ for the others.  

The spirit of Ramadan is more here. Prior Isya’, distance Quran recitation could be heard from all parts of the mosque and number of jamaah going for taraweeh never declined since the first day. More and more people are coming, together with their children and wives. The taraweeh is simple and short. There is no salawat in between to vary each rakat. A short stop would be enough. I have to ask my senior to differentiate the eight taraweeh with the other three witr prayers. Besides, outside speaker is used in reciting the Quran during the prayers.

In Malaysia, it is always about food. Yet, sadly there is no moreh here.

Despite all those differences, one remains similar. The Ramadan itself. No matter where and in which seasons would we be we are still celebrating and cherish the same Ramadan. Ramadan is the month of contemplation, spiritually and brotherhood. Verily it is the month full of blessing and forgiveness.

"O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” (Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Fasting is a must upon the muslim with hope we would be the muttaqoon-the righteous and those who has taqwa in their hearts. It is not the month we seek for expensive hotels and book the best iftar deal or busy shopping for Eid Ul Fitr to replace the old stuffs. Indeed, we are in great lost if we treat this month equally with other normal days.

It is the month in which Allah revealed the Quran as guidance for the whole of mankind. It is the month in which Allah gave the Muslims victory in their first and greatest battle at Badr. It is the month which has  Laylat al-Qadr, a night which is better than a thousand months.

Indeed, in Ramadan the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are shut, and the shayaateen (devils) are tied up and the reward for good deeds, acts of charity and acts of worship are multiplied in this month. Thus, the only enemy in this month is our exploding lava of nafs that sometimes uncontrollable.

InshaAllah, this month is a great platform to train our evil nafs and cultivate istiqamaah in our good acts and deeds. Lets us InshaAllah embark to become a better muslim, at least better than what we are before. Let’s make the different in this Ramadan, let it be different from previous year as Allah give us this chance freely for nothing, but with hope that we would reflect and commence something good. 

Please forgive me for any bad opinion in this post.

Wallahualam. :)

The biscuits

When I was a kid, my mom would prepare special breakfast every now and then. And I remember one night in particular, after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad.

I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed. Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I’ll never forget what he said: Honey, I love burned biscuits.
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned.
He wrapped me in his arms and said, Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired. And besides – a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone! You know, life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I’m not the best at hardly anything, and I make so many mistakes forget to congratulate people on their special occasions.

What I’ve learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults – and choosing to celebrate each others differences – is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that’s my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life but always have trust in God. Because in the end, He’s the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt... biscuit isn’t a deal-breaker!
We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!
Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket – keep it in your own.

So Please pass Us a biscuit, and yes, the burnt one will do just fine.!

May we be rewarded in this month of blessing, Ramadan. InshaAllah. :)

Trials

Bismillah

Indeed, every muslim can simply say that they believe in Allah. They, will not do bad stuffs and obey all the rules set by Him. 

I as well can say that I'm trustworthy and reliable, will you swiftly believe?

Someone told me that, there will be moment in our life that we will really be tested. 

If we picture life as a wheel, we would be at the bottom. Hit by hard stones and  stained by mud and dirt.

Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe" and they will not be tried?
But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars. ( Al 'Ankabut: 2-3)

Allah promised us that, we will be tested.

Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said,"When is the help of Allah ?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near. (Al-Baqarah: 214)

I may not know the hardships that you went through.

Some might lost the one they love most

Some might be chained by poverty and sadness

Some may always be bullied and alienated by others 

or some might lost his dream, a dream that he wanted most

No matter what is it, everything is from Allah

There are reasons behind those hardships

Perhaps He loves you, seeing you getting further from Him, a small hardship would make you realise its time to return to your creator.

Perhaps seeing your faith is getting weaker, a small trials would revive the iman.

Maybe we forget where we stand in this world, a small trial would make you realise how small your are compared to Him.

Some said, sometimes be grateful is harder than patience

Someone failed in his end of year exam.

"Be patience, He will show you the way"

and we keep calm and stay patience.

But, how many would say Alhamdulillah when troubles come unexpectedly?

Verily, He knows us best.

He would never burden us with something unbearable. 

He would never be cruel to His servants.

Be like the Sahabah, who eagerly waiting for trials from Allah. Moments they were free of any trials, their hearts felt anxious and worries as if God had forgotten them.

 We lay everything that happen as from Allah, surely the heart will seek peace and calm. Indeed,  never those happen for nothing rather for our own good. 

Inshaallah. :)

Amin. 

le lesson pour me #1

Early this morning my friend intended to borrow some cash
I stood in silent
My heart whispered to me
"Why me, do you think I've so much money to be lent out swiftly?!"
But, still I gave it to him
Then, I saw this hadith.
Allah gave me an assurance, injecting a good thought.
A lesson, Alhamdulillah.
Indeed every sincere kindness will absolutely be rewarded.
Even it is simple.
Astagfirullah Al Azim
InsyaAllah.

Closer to Him

Bismillah

I’ve never thought of this question. In fact never it crossed my mind until someone brought it up abruptly.

What is so special about Islam? Living abroad, I went through all the troubles seeking for halal butcher and examining the ingredients prior buying. Prevent oneself from eating recklessly.

But, Islam is special because of Allah Himself.

It is indeed the feeling of being close to Him. Barriers never exist between human and Allah Azza Wajalla. We never go through an Ustaz to seek for forgiveness; we simply say it -straight to Him.

“There is no private conversation of three except that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them ‐ and no less than that and no more except that He is with them wherever they are” 

(Al Mujadalah: 7)

We have to believe, that Allah is always close to us.

“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me” (Al Baqarah: 186)

He is close and He knows everything. His knowledge covers everything. Not a leaf fall but He knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth or anything neither fresh nor dry, but is clear in His knowledge.  

Yet, we always forget this fact, not excluding this self.

When we lost a thing, we feel as if we have lost everything. When we failed to achieve our dream, we feel despair and sad over it. When we look at others, in joy with their triumphs, we sit at the corner and cry over it.

“Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us” (At Taubah: 40)

Indeed Allah is the best planner.

Once, a man said,

Allah gives despair to His slaves; never. It is just that, when He answers to our wishes, He fulfils them in many ways.

Human sometimes think money will leads to prosperity and happiness. So, they ask for mountains of fortunes.  Allah only gives them few, but He gives them lots of happiness.

We just need to believe, He is the Most gracious and loving.

In the eyes of others, we may have failed. But He knows what is best for us. He knows best what we actually need.

Yet, we feel couldn’t help to feel down sometimes. As if, there is no way out and everything seems impossible.

But, remember He is near and always hears you. Despite He knows what is in your heart, He wants you to let it out to Him.

Pray to Him

Indeed by remembering Him, your heart will seek calmness.

Inshaallah :) 

Ramadhan

Alhamdulillah, Ramadhan is coming soon.
The month we have been waiting for.
Told in Hadith,
The best charity is that given in Ramadhan
(At-Tarmithi)
He who feeds a fasting person will gain the same reward as he will, without decreasing from the fasting person’s rewards (Ahmad)

The Messenger of Allah (saw) was the most generous person, and he used to be most generous in Ramadhan (Bukhari)

Inshaallah, lets us change for the sake of Allah

Indeed, Ramadhan is the best month to reflect ourself

We used to be far from Him

We forgot to say Alhamdulillah for all His blessing

We forgot to put Him on top of everything

Verily, every deed of a person will receive 10-700 times reward

except fasting

As it for Allah, and He will reward it as He likes. (al-Bukhari  Muslim, Malik, at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah)

Inshaallah, together we join the quest;

seeking for His blessing and pleasure

This world is a bridge, and a bridge should not be taken as home (Ibn Al Jazwi)

Sesungguhnya, dunia ini hina di sisi Allah

"Kalaulah nilai dunia ini menyamai nilai sebelah sayap seekor nyamuk nescaya Allah tidak akan memberi seteguk airpun untuk minuman orang kafir"
Inshaallah,

May we have a better Ramadhan this year, Amin. 

Allahualam :)

Success

Lets me start le post with Bismillah.

Reflecting the past, makes me smile alone as there are lots to cherish about

I used to think that success is measured externally. I’m once injected by the idea that successful people are those who success in their careers, excellent in study, accumulated wealth and has many friends and enjoying his life in fame. I feel stress out about study and academics matters and envy those who are better than me. Soon it develops into hatred and consumes me entirely. My thought starts to trick me with this sad emotional loop that seems endless.

I have lots of good friends back there. But I was silly enough to let my ridiculous worries and feeling to clog me from appreciating every moment that surely won’t happen again now. Sometimes, I regretted those wasted moments, yet I certainly believe that experience is there for a reason and I take it as a lesson. There  was a friend in similar degree as me yet slightly different, and we took rather a hard subject together. It was a compulsory for me, yet he wasn’t. I kept on telling him that he had an option to not taking this as an optional subject. He did agree that the subject is beyond doubt, proven to be annoying and complex. However, once, he told me,

“Sometimes, I think I’m not required to do this subject, which is very difficult. I’m certainly able to do other subject for my elective. But, if I don’t do this, I won’t know you. So, that’s why I never feel angry with myself as I know we won’t ever be friend not because of it”

I know that comes directly from his humble heart. It makes me realised that thing happens for a reason as well. I assumed my past kinda intends to teach me valuable lessons. 

Well, back to invisible success’s part. Admittedly, we intend to judge people from appearance without knowing the truth. Someone who seems obsessed with mediocrity may not actually a moderate geek at all. Someone who is terrible in exams may not actually the laziest person in the universe. He may have put his best foot forward, it is just different people has different capabilities and understanding. He may not be successful here, yet who knows.........he is the best in others.

Weeks ago, I crossed a story on our beloved Prophet Muhammad.

One day, a lady came before the Prophet. At that moment, the Prophet was among his close companions. She brought together few oranges, as a gift to the Prophet. They looked sweet and juicy. Everyone would want to try the beautiful oranges. The Prophet accepted them with smile hovering on his face. The Prophet ate the oranges, slice by slice.

Commonly, the Prophet would share everything he had with his companions, but this time it was on the contrary. None were given to them. The Prophet continuously ate with smile until to the last of them. Later, the lady pardon to leave, followed by thankful greet from the Prophet. The companions were suspicious and curious by the Prophet's acts.

So, they asked. With smile, the Prophet replied “Do you know, the oranges were sour since the very first time I tasted it. I was worried that some of you would scold the lady or feel irritated if I invited you all to eat together. I was worried it would hurt her. For that reason, I finished them alone”  

The story I believe really highlight one of the noble characters of our Prophet. Nevertheless, he was mortal human as us. Thus, it is possible for us to nurture that moral as well. Accordingly, success is not measure by marks, money or number of friends you have. It is rather abstract. Someone who is poor, but rich in good attitudes is successful. Someone who is bad, but embarks to change and getting better is successful. 

Someone who has power, but chooses to please the Creator is successful. Someone who silently changes and keeps on learning is also successful perhaps. Thus, lets us think a while and aim for that success that truly made who we really are: the one that satisfies Him, parallel to the Deen and makes us successful here and hereafter.

Be grateful for today and pray for better tomorrow.

Just an extra. Weeks ago, my former Physics teacher, Ms Grace Margaret transferred to another school. She was always the fierce, strict yet caring, lovable and understanding teacher. Once she woke us up for Subuh, despite she was not a muslim, and she made the class interesting and fun. What can I say, all the best for your future!

She wrote on FB,

My Dearest Malay College Boys (Jan 1996 - May 2012),

Thank you so much for the CHERISHED MOMENTS;

Sincerely SORRY for the HURTS I have caused;

Time to answer the FAQ, "Do you love us, Miss Grace";

FINALLY I admit I actually loved and will always love each one of you!

Good Bye, Big Tree;

Good Bye, Big School;

Good Bye, MCKK!

GOOD LUCK, MY DEAREST MCKK BOYS!

And one of my friends wrote,

Thank you for everything you have done for us Miss Grace Margaret... will always remember your

Dusters and marker pens that travelled at high SPEED;

Screams generated at high FRQUENCY;

Ears and hair that experienced pulling FORCES;

Canes that exerted high PRESSURE.

best of luck in your future endeavours. -- ♥ physics ♥ u teacher.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading. Jazakllah khayran.

One morning

Lets me start this post with Bismillah.

This might not be the best story ever. But, it is just another story..

You will never know how hard one's life is, unless you're on one's shoes

The bus stopped at the King William road. The common route used by most buses to the city. I was walking slowly along the pavement until an elderly Australian couple, about 40s crossed in front of me. I stopped for a while. There was something special about them that touched my heart. I believed they were married. The husband isn’t seemed strong, buff or either an energetic man. He looked old, a bit of white hairs grew on top of his head and his stomach was beyond his chest. His face seemed clean, none messy white beard like many tramps that I sometimes encounter. He isn’t wearing any fancy clothes, just a simple old blue striped shirt to keep him warm in this freezing winter morning.

The wife was more alike her husband. She was an elderly woman, with black long hair tied to the back of her head. Her tummy was similar to her husband, yet more obvious with her tied black pants that matched with a simple old looking shirt, that I doubted sufficient to preserve all the heat. She was carrying a black handbag. There were black spots like dirt on left top of her forehead. What was so special about them then?

Right from the very beginning her husband was holding her hand firmly as they walked along, side by side. Like a loving couple on their first date. Yet, she was looking very upset. From a distance, I could tell all the sad stories just by looking at her.  She walked rather slowly than him as his hand stretched backward while leading the way. Each of them carried an empty shopping bag-a recycle bag that is usually made of light cloth that we used to carry books. While holding her hand, he stopped for a minute at every dustbin, checking for something. But I knew what they was looking for, cans, plastic bottles and papers that you could recycle and sell for $0.10 each. She willingly stopped and waited. But, she kept on looking to the ground. Up to the third bin, the bags were still empty.

I kept on looking at them from far.

I knew they were homeless: an old couple with no welcoming shelter to live every single day. It was unbearable to keep on looking at them, chiefly straight to her face. Deeply I knew their life was hard and my heart did share the same sorrow. Every single day, they had to go through the same hardship, the hunger and burden. I couldn’t imagine if they were my parents. Yet, too little I knew about them. How they ended up this way and what were they actually thinking.

Some might wish  they can fly far whenever they think they should. Away from these. 

Despite of all the external hardships that I saw, I knew she has something to be grateful about, loving husband and a caring companion. She knew, she would never go through that life alone. There was always someone, someone to put her shoulder on, someone to share the burden, someone who made her safe and someone to appreciate in her life. And for that reasons, she was lucky.

But if we reflect it to our life, nothing would be similar. Every night we sleep in a soft comfortable bed, if we are feeling cold, we simply cover ourselves with the thick blanket and enjoy the warmth. We rarely worry about foods or are in hunger. We stocks foods and snacks and swiftly grab one whenever we are feel like eating. We always feel satisfied with life.

We were blessed we thought.

But how often we say thankful to Him?

 Do we say Alhamdulillah when we have comfy bed whenever we were sleepy?

Do we thank Him when we look at the mirror and looking smart with our new clean attire?

Do we feel grateful when we have friends to be on our side, while others may not?

Do we take the chance to express our gratefulness when we are given another day to do it?

Do He accepts my prayers and repentance all these while?

I never say I'm perfect or anything, I'm just like you. Perhaps worse than you might think. I may have learned, yet I forget. I may have felt it, yet I'm reckless or I might wanna try it, but I scared. Scared by own limit and doubtful capabilities. 

Yet, Inshaallah. let us try it together from now and forth. 

Mother

There is no other great word to begin with rather than

بسم الله ‎

Seek calmness in life by remembering Him

It rained again in Adelaide today, as predicted by the weather forecast's technology. The sun was blocked by dark cloud since this morning, coating the earth with traces of gloomy cold scenery. Despite it was 11am, there was still no sign the sun would pop out brightly. There was an absolute silent in the house, enabling the second-clock-needle ticking louder than usual. “Time is running faster than I ever imagine” my thought started to whisper. Frankly, my desire to sleep was strong, yet the thought of the mountain-fill assignments and test killed the intention.

For me, my mum had always been a great cook. Despite she never knows how to cook the fancy western cuisines, yet her cooking was always a delightful delicacy, a rhythm to my nose and song to my hunger. Been here created an enormous longing of me to her cooking. I had always missed the simple fried cabbage that she used to make. Despite it sounded extremely easy, yet I never cared and knew how to prepare it. Yet, today I took the risk of trying it, and for that reasons I took the tram heading to Central Market, where most Asian ingredients were sold. I hardly recalled what it was made of; yet ended up buying some anchovies, dried shrimps, chilies and cabbage. The aroma was 90% similar to the one that I used to smell, yet the taste was something different. I couldn't even know what to name the weird food that I invented.  Yet, eating it kept reminding me of her. I was in homesick mode I guessed.

I went to a boarding school since I was 12, “too young to depart far from family” my mother said. She refused to send me away initially, yet eventually she allowed it after unexpected interference from my school teachers. “I always tried not to miss you a lot, I scared you would cried there” she told me. I knew what she meant. She strongly believed that if we miss someone, that person would always remember us. Yet, I did cry a lot there. I missed home so badly. I remembered writing a diary of what I felt when I was in form 1, yet ended up burning it, scared my mom would discover it, and I never forgot praying to God that I would be able to go home safely in my next school holiday.

The endless love and care

She always had been a caring mother. Although sometimes I tended to ignore to whatever she was saying, I knew I was wrong and I believed she wished nothing but the best for her son. I called her once a week. “Be a good man there, don’t forget your study and always look after your health and safety” she said. Even once, she told me to be careful when crossing the roads. Remarkably, that was how loving my mother could be.

She used to be a strong and energetic mother, yet as time passed she slowly losing her strength and youth. Now she was getting old. She used to tell me her teenager’s life. On how she and my uncles and unties worked on the paddy field with my fierce grandfather in order to support their daily spending. On how she kept being strong despite some people tried to demean her and how she struggled just to provide a proper and good upbringing to her children. Deeply I knew, she had gone through throw many hardships in her life. I always remember her words, “When you grown up, don’t put your wife more than your mother or even thinking of sending me the old folks house” I would never, I promised.

She getting old when we are growing up

Yet, sometimes we took our mother or even our father for granted. We forgot that as we are growing up, they are getting older. We always want the best for ourselves, yet we forgot that they too need intention and love. We keep on asking and demanding, but we never give. We sometimes feel angry with them unreasonably, yet they are sometimes angry on us, nothing but purely with good intention and care. There is nothing more joyful for them, than to see their children are successful. We should learn to love, appreciate and be grateful to Allah for choosing them as our beloved mother and father.

I’m sorry mum if I did any mistakes, and deeply I love you forever. May Allah protect and bless you with good health, strong iman and taqwa. As for dad, forgive my mistakes. May Allah protects and bless you with good health, strong iman and taqwa as well.  May under His continuous blessing, we are always together in happiness, joy and love. Amin.

Love you mother now, today and forever.

That's all for now. Take care till then. Jazakallahkhayran for reading this.

Love and care

There is no other great word to begin with rather than

بسم الله ‎

Because of the rain, we learn to appreciate warmth

I'm learning

to be Your better servant

to be a good and obedient son

to be a good friend

to be a better person. 

Everybody has a common similarity; we only have 24 hours in a day. No matter how high is your education, no one can invent a time machine or come out with an equation to reverse it, it would continuously move. Obviously, we can’t control the situation, but we can always adjust and take in charge of ourselves. Allocate time wisely and perform our daily obligation in focus and khusyuk. 

The birds fly freely in the sky and nothing could stop them, rather than Him

I'm sometimes lose the battle and cross the boundary. Plus further defeated as the foes chain me to this vicious cycle of unbreakable lures.

Yet, life is full of blessings and Allah does care about us. He channels all the cares and love via your father as he gives you money for your daily expenditure, perhaps your mother as she cooks delicious meals for your lunch nor dinner, or through your friends as the help you in the time of trouble and cheer you up upon your sadness. All those food, time and helps originated from Him. Frankly, as human we rarely appreciate what we have. We hardly be thankful for the eyes that enable us to see our reflection on the mirror, the arms that reach for food when we were hungry and even the ears that channel the sound of birds chirping and the river flowing. Perhaps it never crossed our minds. 

We feel life is all about self satisfaction and success. 

Once a curious boy asked his teacher,

"You told me that if I study well, I'm able to go to the high school. Get a great result there and step into the university's life. Successfully graduated, get married and by 60s I'm gonna have a great and good job, plus above all, I'm successful"

"But, how if I died at 40s, or during my degree nor when I'm in high school. Do I still considered to be successful?"

The teacher was speechless...

Even the smallest creature on earth is under His care

A retold story...

Once there was a leader of thieves, they were in a jungle, waiting for any caravan to travel pass the thick forest.

"I'll climb to the top of highest tree and look whether there is any caravan nearby" the leader spoke.

So, he climbed. Yet, he saw a blind snake with wide-open-mouth on top of the tree, and a squirrel came and fed the snake. He was shocked. He told his followers, "We are stealing and threatening others to support and stay a life. Verily Allah is the most loving and caring. Even the blind snake is perfectly well under His care.  By the same token, I believe Allah will always care and look after us well. This cruelty is indeed unnecessary” He made his taubat which was eventually followed by others. 

 Thus, by the same token, He would always forgive His servant that repented sincerely. 

That's for now. Take care till then. Jazakallah khayran for reading this. 

Once we were kids

There is no other great word to begin with rather than

بسم الله ‎

No one can ever predict the kind of blessing that he is getting today. 

I presume life is useless if we never learn anything new. It is disappointing after a long and tiring walk, we come home with empty handed. 

I’ve always believe that, one of the signs depicting Allah's intention for us to change and be better is by making us mingle and be in the midst of good companions and friends. The friend who always remind and guide us to successively improving ourselves, be kind and humble, and be positive in every actions and situations. Indeed, friends that keep reminding us of Him, are truly the best people to be bonded with. 

We once brave and strong walking through this long temporary life. 

Once we were kid and we thought everything was possible. We had a dream of becoming a superman and simply tied a red blanket around the shoulder. Swiftly, we stood in front of a standing moving fan and the blanket waved, as if we were flying high up in the open sky. Sometimes we climbed up to the top of a tree, not knowing that we might fell. Yet, we strongly believed that we were able and ultimately experiencing joy and satisfaction as we were looking far to the borderless scenery. Despite now it sounds silly, yet we simply made it happened. 

Back then, we never have any doubts and hesitation in reaching our goals and aims. However, as we are growing older, we think and exposed too much. Things seem to be a little different. We start to sprout doubt and sometimes believe that we could never make it. In the middle, someone might  lost hope and touch from Him, and swiftly thinking of ending the misery with an easy way. Some had a brilliant and excellent idea, yet keeping it silent. Hunted by fear to express themselves and thinking that people might be laughing and treating it as nonsense. Some have the best opportunity to make new friends, yet it slips away due to strong hesitation and fear to say, Hi!. 

Dream high and never scare to fall, surely you will fall on the highest tree. 

Truly in life we need to be firm and brave. Everyday we are flooded with decisions and choices. Sometimes we doubt the decision we made, we feel hesitate on whether to go on or abandon the mission and we expect the worst, yet the result appear to be better. I believe, everyone has his or her own struggles and hardships in life. Remember when you were a kid, you smiled to every problems, you keep on moving despite knowing you may fall and you did it without any doubts. All it takes is just to believe. 

One of His majestic and mesmerizing creation to ponder on.

  

Satan is the true enemy of humankind. They presence in every single act we are doing. They often come to our thought, preventing us from doing good deeds. Some are strong and swiftly eradicates the bad acts and move on to reflecting the consequences and guilty impact. Yet, some are neither strong nor weak, they struggle for a moment before the chains break. But, some do struggle initially yet bit by bit fallen to the devastating valley. Indeed satan is always a determined foe. But, once failed, they pursue us to start delaying the good deeds. Waking up late for Fajr or tremendously obsess with assignments and homework, causing us to pray at the very last minute. 

But,once failed, the satan whisper to us, "You are not showing off with all the deeds you are doing, you are just simply teaching people to follow you, so that they will learn and make you as a role model." Thus, we might feel being appreciated a bit and start doing it in the presence of others. But,once failed, they make us to do it fast. Therefore, we start to pray in a hurry coz we are busy and we loss the soul of our deeds and ibadah. 

But,once failed, the satan induce us to compare our ibadah with others. We start to think, "look at me, I memorized more surah than him or he doesn't pray, rest assured hell fire is his eternity home." Despite we ain't showing it, we think we are in higher standard than the commons. But,once failed, they make us lost the best. We may good in qiamullail, yet we often miss the fajr. Truly, the satan is far more innovative and idealistic than human being. 

Just by injecting simple thought, our ibadah is spoiled. Indeed, by just possessing a vulnerable and fragile heart, we are exposed to countless dangers. So, always remember death and rely an His ultimate protection. Be strict to self and tame the fierce nafs within us. Inshaallah, only to Him we put the hopes and guidance. . 

Do not let your difficulties fill you with anxiety, after all it is only in the darkest night that the stars shine more brilliantly. ~Ali Ibn Abi Thalib, karamallahu wajhah.

 Lets us be racing in giving charity and sadaqah, indeed the best charity are from those in time of ease and hardship, when we feel burdened and stingy, once the fear of poverty is hunting us and when we gather wealth purely with intention be become rich. 

The best person is the one who is able to control his anger, forgive his mistake and do good to him. lets us live like an apple tree. Despite others are throwing stones to us, we respond by  throwing red and sweet apples to them. 

That's all for now. Take care till then. Jazakallah khayran for reading this.