Last night after magrib, I waited for someone to sms us whether tomorrow (today) we start puasa. We do not have tv or radio in the house so we had to rely on family back in Semenanjung.
As soon as we got confirmation, we drew on our telekongs and headed to the nearest mosque in Kota Sentosa. The parking was already full and parked the car rather out of line, which is not the norm in Sarawak. They had finished 4 rakaats of tarawih due to time difference from the place the puasa confirmation came from.
Ramadhan with all it's special significance has another meaning for me. Its a month when the 'big' things tend to happen. I usually brace myself for Ramadhan praying that whatever is to happen, may Allah help me to be able to handle it.
I plan to read (and understand) as much Al-Quran as possible, and try to improve my ibadat. My Allah forgive my inconsistency. May Allah forgive my slowness. My Allah save me from my laziness and other bad qualities.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Little Ladies Part 8
In Mekah, the little ladies, the mother and the grandmother (Mama Robiyah, who is a mother to me) did their best to do as much ibadat as possible.
We all did the whole works, the hurry for jemaah prayers for every waktu, to read the Quran, to pray various solat sunnat, the repentance, to doa for all that we need and of course, to do our umrah which comprise of miqat, tawaf, sa'i, tahlul and to kiss the Hajarul Aswad whenever we can. To take care of what we feel, intentions, (our niat) say and do for in Mekah it is cash delivery. You pay the price quite immediately for your actions. The outcome doesn't come in installments. I have a few stories on strange effects from my own wrong doings.
In Mekah and Madinah, I had to take care of Mama for she is old with weak eyesignt, Hajar plodded along, and Aishah and Mimi went exploring on their own.
The best part was on the last evening before departing home the next day, we wanted to say our own goodbyes. Mama and I wanted to kiss the Hajarul Aswad and make doa at the Multazam for the last time and headed to it. From another direction I saw Aishah and Mimi heading towards it too, and saw Hajar coming the same way.
Though we went about in our different paces in Mekah, but in the end, we ended at the same place. Subhanallah Walhamdulillah Wallahuakbar. Thank you Allah, I ask for nothing more.
We all did the whole works, the hurry for jemaah prayers for every waktu, to read the Quran, to pray various solat sunnat, the repentance, to doa for all that we need and of course, to do our umrah which comprise of miqat, tawaf, sa'i, tahlul and to kiss the Hajarul Aswad whenever we can. To take care of what we feel, intentions, (our niat) say and do for in Mekah it is cash delivery. You pay the price quite immediately for your actions. The outcome doesn't come in installments. I have a few stories on strange effects from my own wrong doings.
In Mekah and Madinah, I had to take care of Mama for she is old with weak eyesignt, Hajar plodded along, and Aishah and Mimi went exploring on their own.
The best part was on the last evening before departing home the next day, we wanted to say our own goodbyes. Mama and I wanted to kiss the Hajarul Aswad and make doa at the Multazam for the last time and headed to it. From another direction I saw Aishah and Mimi heading towards it too, and saw Hajar coming the same way.
Though we went about in our different paces in Mekah, but in the end, we ended at the same place. Subhanallah Walhamdulillah Wallahuakbar. Thank you Allah, I ask for nothing more.
Mekah and Siti Hajar
The plight of Siti Hajar has effected me more than than I know. I must have loved her since I named my first child Hajar.
The story of the woman behind the building of Mekah. Wow! That is awesome isn't it? A WOMAN! By my poor and humble judgement, correct me if I am wrong, Mekah was built on trust. Let me explain.
Siti Hajar was a slave. No lineage or high ancestry to her name. We do not know of beauty either even though until today we see people from that side of the world generally are beautiful. We only know her as a slave given to Prophet Ibrahim alaihisalam. We also know Prophet Ibrahim has another wife, Siti Sarah who at that time could not bear him a child.
When Siti Hajar gave birth to Ismail, Siti Sarah could not take the rivalry, so Prophet Ibrahim who loves Hajar and his long awaited baby son, had to place them elsewhere. He brought them to then, a barren land to be left there.
Siti Hajar begged him for mercy but he said that he leaves them in the care of Allah swt. With that one line, Siti Hajar surrendered to her fate and let Prophet Ibrahim leave while he recited the famous doa in the AlQuran for Allah to take care of his family, for fruits, for sympathy, for peace.
Prophet Ibrahim as and Siti Hajar laid their trust solely and exclusively on Allah. Thus, trust is the beginning of Mekah Al Mukaramah.
Each time I sit in front of the Kaabah, I can see two figures. A mother and her baby who trusted greatly.
The story of the woman behind the building of Mekah. Wow! That is awesome isn't it? A WOMAN! By my poor and humble judgement, correct me if I am wrong, Mekah was built on trust. Let me explain.
Siti Hajar was a slave. No lineage or high ancestry to her name. We do not know of beauty either even though until today we see people from that side of the world generally are beautiful. We only know her as a slave given to Prophet Ibrahim alaihisalam. We also know Prophet Ibrahim has another wife, Siti Sarah who at that time could not bear him a child.
When Siti Hajar gave birth to Ismail, Siti Sarah could not take the rivalry, so Prophet Ibrahim who loves Hajar and his long awaited baby son, had to place them elsewhere. He brought them to then, a barren land to be left there.
Siti Hajar begged him for mercy but he said that he leaves them in the care of Allah swt. With that one line, Siti Hajar surrendered to her fate and let Prophet Ibrahim leave while he recited the famous doa in the AlQuran for Allah to take care of his family, for fruits, for sympathy, for peace.
Prophet Ibrahim as and Siti Hajar laid their trust solely and exclusively on Allah. Thus, trust is the beginning of Mekah Al Mukaramah.
Each time I sit in front of the Kaabah, I can see two figures. A mother and her baby who trusted greatly.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Ustaz Ridhwan
Ustaz Ridhwan would narrate history and stories of Rasullullah s.a.w and his prophecy in Mekah and Madinah as he takes us around. His narration was full of information and life, we could picture the scenario in our minds. He was a wonderful history teller for the innumerable details flowed effortlessly from his lips. The stories behind the auspicious mosques or places, and its significance to our religion, what role it plays in the rise of Islam during the days of Rasullulllah s.a.w and so on.
Our bus would drive into an area and he would show us, what now is a curb of the road and a tree, where stood the house of Sayidatina Maimunah ra, one of the wives of Rasullullah saw. He would take us around Masjidil Haram and show us where stood the house of Sayidatina Khadijah ra and I would feel so honoured to stand on the ground where she had lived with our Prophet saw. He would take us to the spot where Sayidina Omar ra first converted into Islam when actually he went to beat up his sister. He showed us Suqulail, the area where the Quraish had sanctioned Prophet Muhammad saw and the muslims for a few years from any trading. We stood where Rasullullah saw said his khutbah Wida' and we too doa for ourselves. We visited many more places. Ustaz Ridhwan knows the places and the history at the back of his hand. Every visit became interesting and inspiring, that brought us closer to Rasullullah saw as we could see where it all happened.
He brought us to climb the Gua Hiraq and Aishah and Mimi who reached and entered the cave said Ustaz Ridhwan got up there easily, unlike everyone who were out of breath and panting.
The highlight of our umrah was not Ustaz Ridhwan even though I go gaga over him.( I am sure I am long forgotten) He was only a gifted and a very effective guide who brought out the best picture of our holy land and it's history. I pray may Allah bless him success and happiness in this world and hereafter. And may Allah bestow upon us too the many good qualities we see in Ustaz Ridhwan. Amin.
Our bus would drive into an area and he would show us, what now is a curb of the road and a tree, where stood the house of Sayidatina Maimunah ra, one of the wives of Rasullullah saw. He would take us around Masjidil Haram and show us where stood the house of Sayidatina Khadijah ra and I would feel so honoured to stand on the ground where she had lived with our Prophet saw. He would take us to the spot where Sayidina Omar ra first converted into Islam when actually he went to beat up his sister. He showed us Suqulail, the area where the Quraish had sanctioned Prophet Muhammad saw and the muslims for a few years from any trading. We stood where Rasullullah saw said his khutbah Wida' and we too doa for ourselves. We visited many more places. Ustaz Ridhwan knows the places and the history at the back of his hand. Every visit became interesting and inspiring, that brought us closer to Rasullullah saw as we could see where it all happened.
He brought us to climb the Gua Hiraq and Aishah and Mimi who reached and entered the cave said Ustaz Ridhwan got up there easily, unlike everyone who were out of breath and panting.
The highlight of our umrah was not Ustaz Ridhwan even though I go gaga over him.( I am sure I am long forgotten) He was only a gifted and a very effective guide who brought out the best picture of our holy land and it's history. I pray may Allah bless him success and happiness in this world and hereafter. And may Allah bestow upon us too the many good qualities we see in Ustaz Ridhwan. Amin.
Little Ladies Part 7
When we lost something or something is taken away from us, read Innalilla Wainna ilaihiroji'un. Customarily, we read the verse when someone passed away, but actually, we are to read it when some calamity, big or small, has befallen upon us. Continue with the doa Allahumma ajurni fi musibati wa akhlufli khoirun minha. To the meaning "Ya Allah, give us pahala for this calamity upon me and replace it with something better than it."
Now what shall I write to uplift our spirits? It is 5 am in the morning and Adi, by Norhayati Ibrahim the author's advise, asked me to write during these wee hours. Ok, we will try writing sleepy. Hope it works.
Let's find a happy memory. We can use it during these times. As Micheal Jackson's song goes...."though you don't need me now.....I will stay in your heart...and when dreams fall apart.....you remember...one day in your life...." A happy memory is our happy tonic for today. Now....(searching, searching).
Girls, remember our umrah? Come to think of it, nothing can top that. This is Mekah we are talking about. I sold my little house in Kota Bahru after we moved back here from there. With the 45k,after paying all my loans and debts which was mounting, I decided to give little ladies 4k each as a very belated present for all thier good grades in school, eventhough 2 had already finished school. I thought along the lines of savings for further studies or to by a laptop. Coincidently, my brother just came back from umrah with his children and the little ladies too, wanted to go to Mekah with their 4k present. Coincidently Mama Robiyah, was offered a ticket by some generous person. And coincidently too, her son-in-law works in a famous travel agent for umrah. It was meant to be.
So off we went, totally leaving ourselves in the hands of Allah to be the guest of Allah. I did not worry at all for I have total faith in our HOST.
During our short kursus umrah, we were told our mutawif would be a special young man with many abilities and very popular. To the extend of being offered marriage by a few women that came under his charge.
As we landed in Jeddah, we waited to be collected and I was looking out for this umrah hero of ours. Then comes a smallish young Indonesian man, less than 5 feet tall, ushering us into the bus. Very deftly he handled our group and we find ourselves on the stoney and sandy way to Madinah Al Munawwarah.
Its only when he starts talking (and later on, singing) that I could see why he is extraordinary. This guy is loaded with charisma but the special kind, the kind that comes from the AlQuran which is very hard to find. If I had been beautiful and young, and have the guts, maybe I too would offer him my hand. We were captivated to the end.
to be continued....
Now what shall I write to uplift our spirits? It is 5 am in the morning and Adi, by Norhayati Ibrahim the author's advise, asked me to write during these wee hours. Ok, we will try writing sleepy. Hope it works.
Let's find a happy memory. We can use it during these times. As Micheal Jackson's song goes...."though you don't need me now.....I will stay in your heart...and when dreams fall apart.....you remember...one day in your life...." A happy memory is our happy tonic for today. Now....(searching, searching).
Girls, remember our umrah? Come to think of it, nothing can top that. This is Mekah we are talking about. I sold my little house in Kota Bahru after we moved back here from there. With the 45k,after paying all my loans and debts which was mounting, I decided to give little ladies 4k each as a very belated present for all thier good grades in school, eventhough 2 had already finished school. I thought along the lines of savings for further studies or to by a laptop. Coincidently, my brother just came back from umrah with his children and the little ladies too, wanted to go to Mekah with their 4k present. Coincidently Mama Robiyah, was offered a ticket by some generous person. And coincidently too, her son-in-law works in a famous travel agent for umrah. It was meant to be.
So off we went, totally leaving ourselves in the hands of Allah to be the guest of Allah. I did not worry at all for I have total faith in our HOST.
During our short kursus umrah, we were told our mutawif would be a special young man with many abilities and very popular. To the extend of being offered marriage by a few women that came under his charge.
As we landed in Jeddah, we waited to be collected and I was looking out for this umrah hero of ours. Then comes a smallish young Indonesian man, less than 5 feet tall, ushering us into the bus. Very deftly he handled our group and we find ourselves on the stoney and sandy way to Madinah Al Munawwarah.
Its only when he starts talking (and later on, singing) that I could see why he is extraordinary. This guy is loaded with charisma but the special kind, the kind that comes from the AlQuran which is very hard to find. If I had been beautiful and young, and have the guts, maybe I too would offer him my hand. We were captivated to the end.
to be continued....
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Little Ladies Part 6
The family is going through a difficult time as I pen down these words. Something came up and Alhamdulillah and InsyaAllah, I hope the little ladies and the old lady will come together and see this through. Lahaulawala Kuwataillabillah. Allah giveth, Allah taketh. And our deepest trust in Him for a hikmah with all that is happening.
To keep our spirits up, I will write the quirky things about the little ladies.
When the girls were young and I go to my second job at night as a clinic nurse, when I come home, I will find Hajar sleeping with a broom by her side and Aishah with a penyapu lidi which indicated they must have had a fight when I was at work.
Once, when I came back from work, Mimi would not drink her milk that her sister made for her. Then I found out 8 years old Hajar put salt instead of suger in her milk.
Aishah first admirer in primary school was a deaf boy whom we call Abang Uk Uk because that is how his tones sounded. Whenever he sees Aishah he will carve a love sign in the air to her. We still tease her with Abang Uk Uk today.
I asked Hajar to buy some rambutans when she was young and told her, tawar sikit, ja.(harga) Then she goes to the seller and said, "nak rambutan yang tawar". hehehe
When Mimi was in primary school, before going to school would be a session of barganing. How much money to bring . When I gave her 1rm, she asked for 2rm. then I gave her 1.50rm, she bargained for 1.70rm. I could see she learnt the value of money early. (material girl?)
Hajar loved nasik lemak even when she was a toddler, sweating and flustering in the hotness of the sambal, but still keeps on eating until the last morsel. She cannot live without nasik lemak.
When Aishah was nearly 2 years and could talk, she likes to answer in opposite meaning. For instance, when someone ask her, "sedap tak?" to what she is eating. She will say "tak" when actully she likes. She changes all her 'yes' to 'nos' and her 'nos' to 'yes'. (ish ish ish)
When Mimi was young she calls 'banana split' as 'banana sleep'.
One day, when I came back from my clinic work, the girls slept like a log and would not open the door. I had to climb up to my balcony from the neighbours balcony into the house with my neighbour's husband pushing up my bottom to reach the railings. Omg.
I got a valentine day card from the girls' headmaster in one of their schools. So sweet. He wrote this on the pink card, 'To my iron lady'. hehehe. Thank you En. forgot his name.
The girls had their own ghost called Hantu Kiki. (to them it goes kikikikikikikiki in the dark) They would frighten each other saying hantu kiki is wherever the other is going. They would really be scared to go anywhere further than where I am sitting.
So girls, I cannot stop things from happening, but I can teach you to cope with the pain. Dulu kini dan selamanya, love you with all my heart.
To keep our spirits up, I will write the quirky things about the little ladies.
When the girls were young and I go to my second job at night as a clinic nurse, when I come home, I will find Hajar sleeping with a broom by her side and Aishah with a penyapu lidi which indicated they must have had a fight when I was at work.
Once, when I came back from work, Mimi would not drink her milk that her sister made for her. Then I found out 8 years old Hajar put salt instead of suger in her milk.
Aishah first admirer in primary school was a deaf boy whom we call Abang Uk Uk because that is how his tones sounded. Whenever he sees Aishah he will carve a love sign in the air to her. We still tease her with Abang Uk Uk today.
I asked Hajar to buy some rambutans when she was young and told her, tawar sikit, ja.(harga) Then she goes to the seller and said, "nak rambutan yang tawar". hehehe
When Mimi was in primary school, before going to school would be a session of barganing. How much money to bring . When I gave her 1rm, she asked for 2rm. then I gave her 1.50rm, she bargained for 1.70rm. I could see she learnt the value of money early. (material girl?)
Hajar loved nasik lemak even when she was a toddler, sweating and flustering in the hotness of the sambal, but still keeps on eating until the last morsel. She cannot live without nasik lemak.
When Aishah was nearly 2 years and could talk, she likes to answer in opposite meaning. For instance, when someone ask her, "sedap tak?" to what she is eating. She will say "tak" when actully she likes. She changes all her 'yes' to 'nos' and her 'nos' to 'yes'. (ish ish ish)
When Mimi was young she calls 'banana split' as 'banana sleep'.
One day, when I came back from my clinic work, the girls slept like a log and would not open the door. I had to climb up to my balcony from the neighbours balcony into the house with my neighbour's husband pushing up my bottom to reach the railings. Omg.
I got a valentine day card from the girls' headmaster in one of their schools. So sweet. He wrote this on the pink card, 'To my iron lady'. hehehe. Thank you En. forgot his name.
The girls had their own ghost called Hantu Kiki. (to them it goes kikikikikikikiki in the dark) They would frighten each other saying hantu kiki is wherever the other is going. They would really be scared to go anywhere further than where I am sitting.
So girls, I cannot stop things from happening, but I can teach you to cope with the pain. Dulu kini dan selamanya, love you with all my heart.
Little ladies Part 5
Having a thing for doctors, they come to my mind in this picture. Bespectacled, stetoscope around the neck, hands in the white coat pocket, striding confidently into the ward, exuding quiet strength, (due to all the studying , studying needs quiet so they become quiet too) equipped with medical know-hows shown in their brilliant eyes no matter how small their eyes and a little smile on the lips, looking knowingly at us ordinary, no knowledge whatsoever folks. If not for these white coat wearers who could study like hell, we would be lost to our illnesses.
The progression from the lab coat to the white coat is a sign someone has, with much endurance and discipline, made it to the end. Alhamdulillah we have a white coat at home. Aishah has got to the finishing line of her medical degree. The thick books that consist of tongue twisting names of countless diseases, unseen viruses and bacterias, of body parts, big to microscopic size, of equally complicated names of medical drugs, of cures and treatment had been read and covered. Believe me, because the few times I read out loud to the girls for their exams and by the time I finish one page, I need water. The names are indeed a challange to your tongue and memory. Try get a medical book and see. Someone amongst us has been able to conquer it all and has the white coat, which I treat with upmost pride and stand second to the telekong.
Being a medical student and houseman is no small feat. It is a position that requires a person's inner and outer strength and endurance. The long hours, the thinking,(fast thinking) the treating, the running around, the charging can stretch one to limits. Limits way beyond other careers. Imagine working oncall 36 hours, sometimes sleeping only 2 or 3 hours, not even having enough time to eat. Underneath the white coat and the description in the first paragraph, they are overworked and exhausted.
All this has given invaluable lessons to Aishah. For that I thank Allah, for the medical training and His training, for as we plan and plot out our lives, Allah has His own plans for us.
The progression from the lab coat to the white coat is a sign someone has, with much endurance and discipline, made it to the end. Alhamdulillah we have a white coat at home. Aishah has got to the finishing line of her medical degree. The thick books that consist of tongue twisting names of countless diseases, unseen viruses and bacterias, of body parts, big to microscopic size, of equally complicated names of medical drugs, of cures and treatment had been read and covered. Believe me, because the few times I read out loud to the girls for their exams and by the time I finish one page, I need water. The names are indeed a challange to your tongue and memory. Try get a medical book and see. Someone amongst us has been able to conquer it all and has the white coat, which I treat with upmost pride and stand second to the telekong.
Being a medical student and houseman is no small feat. It is a position that requires a person's inner and outer strength and endurance. The long hours, the thinking,(fast thinking) the treating, the running around, the charging can stretch one to limits. Limits way beyond other careers. Imagine working oncall 36 hours, sometimes sleeping only 2 or 3 hours, not even having enough time to eat. Underneath the white coat and the description in the first paragraph, they are overworked and exhausted.
All this has given invaluable lessons to Aishah. For that I thank Allah, for the medical training and His training, for as we plan and plot out our lives, Allah has His own plans for us.
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