Best of Companions

One of the greatest parenting moments, to me, must be seeing your children in the right company. That when they get together, they play and they have a good laugh. And they thread their playing with remembrance of Allah, in their own way. Giving riddles. Reminding each other about an ayah they just learned. Or the hadith they just heard.Or a story they just read.

And to finish the day off with reciting quran to one another, swiping on each other's ipod, checking their friend's recitation. And then randomly select an ayah to see who can continue them.

Once in a while the parent would come in and join the fun and share what she learned and to reflect together.

And this would be Subhanallah beautiful. Almost heaven.

May Allah bring to my children companions who loves Allah and His words, Al Quran.

May the companions rubbed off perfume on each other.

The Prophet ﷺ reminds us of the importance of good company in this hadith (record of the Prophet ﷺ):

“A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

Good read BEST COMPANIONS

Droplets of Sins

Haziq is being cheeky nowadays. Sometimes he would go around the uncles to shake their hands before we leave home and said to them, "Our sins are dropping from us now Insya Allah." He even made gesture like as if droplets of sins are dropping from their handshake.

May he apply what he knows.

Al-Bara' reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "No two Muslims meet and shake hands without being forgiven before they part." [Abu Dawud]

Sya is Going Gadgety

Sya has been active with her sewing and making her crafts. Remember her faceless dolls - SYA IS TEN. Well she has been actively making other crafts using fabric and felt cloth. Mending her own dolls and so forth. Making mess along the way.

She is not up to the level yet but she is going there Insya Allah. She usually make them and give it to people. I must tell her to take photos of them before she gives it away.

Because she is interested, we decided to buy her a sewing machine. I am not sure if it is too early or will interfere with her craft hand sewing interests, but I personally think that whatever that she has in her mind, it will go hand in hand.

Pity her or perhaps good for her, I am not a sewing person. I am not crafty nor do I have any interest at the moment to embark on sewing. And I have no idea what to do. SO how does one guide her child to sew when she cannot sew herself - and no teacher to do it for her? Ask Mr google of course.

So that's what I did. She, at the moment, has been practicing on straight line, sewing reverse, practicing on curved lines. I have been following what the course has told me to do on her. If you have any suggestion please please do share with me. How did you start your sewing journey?

I love it when one has a good hobby. I am willing to support it as much as I can Isnya Allah. MAy it gives benefit.

Six Years After

last 12th December was the anniversary of us staying here in Qatar. And the company graciously awarded my lover with extra working day commencing next year. He will now has to work on Saturdays, full day.

10 hours a day and six days a week.



I am thankful yes. cuma disheartened aje. But I am grateful because we are better off now than 6 years ago.


I hope he doesn't get too tired for classes though. May Allah make him even stronger. Ameen.

Perhaps Allah will give more barakah in our time.

Reading Novels

Over the years, I notice that I have got myself some novels and they are still left on the shelves. Some still in its plastic wrapper.

I can never find the time to read them anymore.

I haven't bought that many but I still buy them thinking that I will get around to read them.

It's the school break now. Perhaps I can start.

There are so much to do.

Perhaps later.

Decision Decision Decision

Haziq is in Year 9 over here. That is like Form 3 in Malaysia. But I suspect Malaysia has higher standard in the academic subjects they offer though.

Anyway one has to perform consistently well in order to do good subjects. In fact one should do well in the maths to allow them to take their IGCSE maths (Equivalent to Modern Maths) in year 10. Thus by year 11 (Form 5) they can take AS Maths (Equivalent to Additional Maths).

The school are already eyeing the students and have divided the students up by this time. So if one is not consistent at this early stage, most likely they cannot expedite their IGCSE maths which simply means even if they score well when they do their IGCSE, they still do not have Additional maths in their exam result. No wonder why I hear some of the teenagers complaining that Maths is so hard when they start pursuing their A Level or college in Malaysia.

Also this time of the year, the teachers are asking us to start choosing subjects that the child chose to pursue for their final IGCSE so they can arrange the teachers accordingly by year 10.

The obligatory ones are English. If their english is good, they will be doing english as first language exam which would include literature and apa entah lagi. Maths is compulsory too. And so is biology and physics.

Now they need to choose four more subjects from what they have given. Either
Chemistry - Haziq enjoys this subject

Geography - he is ok ok

History - he doesnt like it

french - Subhanallah. haziq enjoys french so much. I think he has flair in language subject. Allahuma Bareek. But since we are limited with only four subjects, we don't know whether it is worth to take this up.

Accounting - I think it will be beneficial.

Business study - I think it will be benficial

ICT - he is ok but from the syllabus, I don't know what's the use of this. Haziq lacks in creativity and such. Kalau programming perhaps he'd like it.

Unfortunately they do not offer arabic as second language which is a shame. because Haziq does enjoy his Arabic lessons. And worse since there is no IGCSE Arabic, Haziq won't be studying Arabic at all after this. That's a shame.

There are other subjects but since Haziq is not interested in it at all, I am not mentioning them.

So most likely he will be choosing chemistry, accounting, business study and geography. And perhaps putting fifth choice as french or ICT. The thing is, he said, he is not so sure about geography. He likes the subject but it's probably a subject he won't be able to score well. He is more confident in his french. So by that merit, French should be chosen. But by the sound of it perhaps geography and ICT has better merit for further study entrance.

Decision decision decision.

And who do we turn to for guidance?

O Allah ! I ask guidance from Your knowledge, and Power from Your Might and I ask for Your great blessings. You are capable and I am not. You know and I do not and You know the unseen. O Allah! If You know that this thing is good for my deen and my subsistence and for my Hereafter - (or say, If it is better for my present and later needs) - then ordain it for me and make it easy for me to obtain, and then bless me in it. If You know that this thing is harmful to me in my deen and subsistence and in the Hereafter--(or say, If it is worse for my present and later needs)--then keep it away from me, and keep me away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me, and make me satisfied with it

The Dawn 89: 27-30

Among my favourite ayah is in Suratul Fajr- the last four ayah. This is in Juzz Amma, if you are memorising the quran from An Nas, you will find this surah the longest and probably harder than usual. But just be amazed with the reward of the last four ayahs.

(It will be said to the pious — believers of Islamic Monothesim): "O (you) the one in (complete) rest and satisfaction! (27)
"Come back to your Lord, Well-pleased (yourself) and well-pleasing (unto Him)! (28) "Enter you, then, among My (honoured) slaves, (29)
"And enter you My Paradise!" (30)

May I now repeat the last two ayahs

"Enter you, then, among My (honoured) slaves, (29)
"And enter you My Paradise!" (30)

and again

"Enter you, then, among My (honoured) slaves, (29)
"And enter you My Paradise!" (30)

By no means when I write this, that other ayat of Allah is not rewarding.

When I found these ayahs, I imagine and imagine what if one day, I will actually hear this actually said to me. Perhaps after the sirat. Ya Rabb allow me your jannah. Allahuma Ameen Ya Rabb.

Do try to memorise this portion in Arabic and feel the verses. feel the verses in Arabic. And feel the strive to be among the people with content nafs. Ya Rabb Guide us.

I was listening to a lecture sometime earlier taht there was an elderly - A local in this country. who was suffering with some form of sickness. She spent most of her time on bed doing dzikir and it was an easy thing for her because she was doing it since perhaps forever.

Narrated by Ibn Abbas, prophet Salllahu Alaihi wasalam said
When you remember Allah in good times, He will remember you when you are in hardship.

She was constantly making syukur to Allah - Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah.

Indeed a believer is the one who praises Allah at all times in good times and trying times. Alhamdulillah ala kulii hal.

Next to her was the teacher of my Quran teacher. At one point she could hear that instead of her normal dzikir, the elderly was making syahadah. She ran next to her to repeat the syahadah with her for she felt, it might be the elederly lady's time. They repeated syahadah for sometime. Until the elderly lady stopped and recited this.

(It will be said to the pious — believers of Islamic Monothesim): "O (you) the one in (complete) rest and satisfaction! (27)
"Come back to your Lord, Well-pleased (yourself) and well-pleasing (unto Him)! (28) "Enter you, then, among My (honoured) slaves, (29)
"And enter you My Paradise!" (30)

And she died after.

What a beautiful death. May Allah have mercy on her. And indeed Allah knows best.

Another beautiful story concerning the ayah here. Are you the sign of the last day?

__________________

I read the tafseer of this ayah (From Ibn Al Katheer)

This will be said to it at the time of death and on the Day of Judgement. This is like the angels giving glad tiding to the believer at his time of death and when he rises from his grave.

Likewise is this statement here. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded from Ibn `Abbas concerning Allah's statement,

﴿يأَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ - ارْجِعِى إِلَى رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً ﴾

(O tranquil soul! Come back to your Lord, well-pleased and well-pleasing!) He said, "This Ayah was revealed while Abu Bakr was sitting (with the Prophet ). So he said, `O Messenger of Allah! There is nothing better than this!' The Prophet then replied,

«أَمَا إِنَّهُ سَيُقَالُ لَكَ هَذَا»

(This will indeed be said to you.)''


May we be among those that will hear this very verse too.

Something to Listen to.

Alhamdulillah for the advancement of technology. We can listen to lectures while we are at home.

I introduced to haziq mostly, to a speaker mainly famous in the States - Nouman Ali Khan. His target lecture are mostly for the young Muslims. And also the parents of the youth.

Among his lecture. Beware of trendsetters.



Go through his many lectures, perhaps you will something that you can share with your family.

Also for those with podcasts on their smart phones, perhaps you can consider his (and counterparts) lectures on tafsir. currently on Juz Amma and tabarrak. In your iphone for example, go to itunes-podcast-search for bayyinah podcast - and download them.
Also can be directly downloaded using ipod touch and ipad. With ipod classic though, you have to extract it from your computer after downloading it. Just click the link above to get it downloaded into the computer.

Some of the arabic lessons are a bit deep if you are not studying arabic yet. However it will still be beneficial Insya Allah.

I am also currently taking up tafseer of Suratul baqarah. Qadr Allah, I found this lecture which describes the hypocrites in a simple but effective manner. May we not be among those who are hypocrites.



May Allah preserve him.

So what are you currently listening to?

More Goddessy Gadgets

Once a while I try to reclaim my goddessy position in my imaginary goddessy world. Like in this entry for example. I present you my latest purchase.

THE STEAMER!

Yes you heard it right. The steamer.

It helps to smooth down fabrics which are tedious to iron.

Especially long thawb for example. We have been spending lots of money on sending the thawbs to laundry for ironing. Thawb are long and tedious to iron on the ironing board. With the steamer you can just steam the thawb standing. As in the thawb is put up on a hanger and hang up on its given rail.

And not to mention long flowing abaya. Especially if you have tedious folds or beads on them. The steamer is your saviour.

Also scarves with beads on them. Or any of your beaded baju kurungs. Steamer is just the best.

And also no wore ugly wrinkly table cloth for me.








Downside for me

I bought the steamer with a big tank - 2.8 litres of water. The more the water is the longer it takes to heat the water. So I am kinda used to the iron which just at at the flick of the switch, I can iron immediately.

But I have learned to manage the time. I will just heat the water up and do otehr things for perhaps 5 minutes. Then only I do the steaming.

The other thing, the pressing of the iron on the board gives a satisfaction of actually ironing wrinkly clothes. Then you are actually hitting on something. With steamer is like a quiet not much punching action. It is like doing a slow repetitive dance. In that sense it is quite boring.

I also think I need something to stretch the fabric to somewhat feel more satisfied when I steam.

Ahhh maybe i really am not this slo-mo kind of person.

I also think the rail they give is too short. It doesnt allow me to adjust it as well. I wish I could get it higher so i could steam the hem of the long abaya/ thawb easily.

I also do not own many beaded materials. LOL! But I guess when I do need to iron that, it makes me wonder how did I do without the steamer before?

I was just thinking whether you can use this to steam your face and attack the comedones myself.

Role Models

Haziq is a growing teenager now. In his young and cute days, I would (and lover) be his reference and role model. Ibu knows everything. And he learned really fast now that my answer when he asked usually comes out with a "I don't know Haziq."So yeah Ibu doesn't know everything in this world.

Haziq is a growing teenager with mood swings and bumps of pimple on his forehead. His hormones are raging and species of the opposite sex is peculiar and somewhat attractive. He is taller and stand towering against his siblings and his Ibu now.

These are the years that he would need good role models for him to emulate and learn from.

I am so glad that I (and lover) made the decision not to buy any hand held games like PSP and such. For I have seen children who are just too engross with games that they fail to realise that there are people around them and adventures to explore and ideas to be shared. Now the world has moved on to Ipods and Iphones and IPads and such, the children don't seem to know how to communicate with others anymore. Undeniably these I-products are very good and educational thus it should remain in the home for such purpose. Well except for Iphone because I need it. :P. And camera is allowed too.

I cringe watching the teenagers in a crowded place full of their peers, sit quietly in the corner of the room with ears stuck to music banging their head eyes fixed on the screen. They only became alive but frantic when their gadgets run out of batteries.

Anyway I was saying, I encouraged my children to talk to people. Start by giving salam (need reminder of course) and make friends.

Back to role model point. Hmmm due to our current lifestyle, the kids tend to be with us all the time and their schoolmates and occasionally some friends when I take them to people's house. So currently the one Haziq is closest to must be his Ustaz ngaji. Keh keh keh. He encourages and pushes Haziq to memorise even more. Perhaps also one of the most noticable thing HAziq has done is by improving his arabic font writing. LOL! It used to be really bad, but because Ustaz writes like as if it was printed from the machine, haziq tried his best to improve.



And who best can be the role models if not for his own father. This is what I have been sweet talking, pestering and bebeling my lover but he is just too lazy. My lover is very good with his hands. He loves DIY job and very good at practical hands on problem solving. I urged him to call Haziq whenever he is up to a project but he said, he didn't learn it from anyone. In other words, so why should he teaches Haziq.

But after years of sweet talking and pestering and bebelling, recently lover began to see my points. Haziq tu biasalah blur but slowly he is enjoying. Slowly I will sweet talk, pester and bebel lover to give Haziq more adult responsibility as part of his continuous learning process. Insya Allah khayr.

At the recent BBQ that I had, haziq enjoyed mixing with the older guys and uncles bbqing for all of us. Thus all the teenage boys got into action. Kalau tak duduk aje tunggu makanan. Meanwhile I enjoyed eating them because I can.



Having a teenager now, it's like jumping into paradigm shift mode in approaching parenting style I think. We need to be their friends but firm. Talk to them and advise them. Discuss with them and listen to them. Easy typed than done. because it is easier to say dengar cakap orang tua.

I am still on the look out for role models in all categories (yang baik preferbally. yang buruk jadi sempadan). meanwhile haziq can start venturing on his own and learn with guidance Insya Allah.

I ask Allah that He will guide us all on the treu path and that he brings to us people who will only bring the best out of us and pleasing to Allah.

If any of you have any stories or info on your own role model or your children or anything, do share. I would love to hear and learn.

Haven't Talked about the Dune for a Long Time

It's coming to winter nowadays. The weather is really pleasant. And indeed is not the time to be spending indoors. I went to dunes as usual. Didn't snap as much photos as before but bits of this and that.

Here is one. I don't know whether it is clear enough in the photo. It shows a car riding on the steep crescent of the dune. This requires high powered car, skill and bravery I must say. I have neither of those thus I will probably never do the stunt.



Or perhaps a youtube on the show. Don't mind the roaring engine sound that shook the sanddune.

Mind Your Language

I love my Arabic Class this time round!

I told you earlier that my new teacher speaks only arabic and when she does it, she does it slowly and ever so patiently. Allahuma Bareek.

Sometimes at the end of the class she would give us tadzkirah. Most of the time I do not know what she says but I do get the gist of it especially if she narrates hadith that I already know in english. A bit cheating but I must say the hadith does sound much better in Arabic.

She also makes us converse in arabic. She would ask to describe our weekends. She makes us write us short scripts, make sentences, write short essay or just hear her read aloud and answer some questions.

Sometimes she would laugh watching us trying to get the arabic words whle at many times she would look confuse with what we said.

I wonder whether she she feels like Mr Brown in "Mind Your Language" sitcom trying to teach us Arabic.

The Attack of the Comedones

Qadr Allah I have bouts of pimples every time I come back from Malaysia. Perhaps it was the dust in my left-not-touched-for-11-months house or the humidity or or or.

These are not the teenager pop pimple type even though I like to think that my body is slowly transforming into the teenage era but I would prefer it would be smaller hip and flatter tummy rather than hormonal fluctuations of these kind.

I had to go to the dermatologist each time. The pimples just refuse to go away even with my sworn to work cinnamon stick. Read HERE. This is the small type of pimple that will make way to become medium ones and will just stay there forever.

Anyway, as usual, i made the trip to the dermatologist. And this new lady doctor recommended that I go for comedone extraction. Hoping not to mistake this with strawberry flavoured toothpaste, I do like what other people do when they come across medical term. Google. And of course the only thing you find are the horrific ones.

Like this one for instance



GASPS!!

_____________________________________

I already went for the comedone extraction. It's like doing facial minus the massage and dim light and soft music that makes you go to sleep. It's just a session to attack on the comedones on the face. Piercing ouch!

____________________________________

Ooohh something happen on my first day of the attack of the comedones. Before I agreed, i asked the doctor how much. She told me a certain amount that I can afford.

But come that day she charged me QR100 more. Apparently there are other hidden costs that she didn't tell me beforehand. So I was not happy and felt that she should be honest from the start.

I got a free treatment the second round.

It pays to voice out unhappiness sometimes.

______________________________________

The pimples seem to be less now. But there are a few small ones springing out.

Insya Allah Khayr.

We all are growing up

Living in the country that is not yours, we are always reminded that everything is temporary. We are reminded often, because there are always people leaving us either to greener pasture and not to mention death.

My kids have somewhat learned that friends will leave them. They have bid farewell to many close friends since they start going to school, some more painful than others.

The latest one, just last Friday, we bid farewell to one of Mr Fath's daughters. If you have been my faithful stalkers (which are dwindling or non existent now)you would know who the Faths are. Anyway their eldest daughter has completed her IGCSE with flying colours or shall I say with brilliant stars. Scored herself straight As and rightfully take the best place in Qtar for Cambridge papers. Masya Allah! I am so proud of her.

Anyway all grown up (but only 16), she has left Qtar to pursue her tertiary education.

My dad said to me when I was about to leave for UK, that I am a person of my own now. Not fully daddy's girl now. I suppose so. One thing for sure, many decisions were made without may family's involvement. Perhaps my bad.

My heart tugs at the thought that haziq's turn will be coming very soon. About 2 and a half years more.

Oh.








I'll cross the bridge when I get there.

Meanwhile I am making Haziq fold his own clothes. Arrange the clothes in nice stack in the cupboard. And I may be a flunked Goddess but I am very strict about folded clothes on a stack. Soon he will iron his own clothes.

He can fry eggs - both scramble and sunny side up.

Sambal nasi lemak perhaps later?

And I ask Allah that he will instill Quran in his heart wherever he goes and all that we have been doing will guide him on the right path.




Suddenly I am feeling three are too few a children.

Tips dari Buku Sekolah

Hokeh my class is back on after months of being dormant! Alhamdulillah.

I have a new arabic teacher. She is new to the centre. A well experienced teacher I heard. But she hardly speaks any english. Oh dear. But she helps by saying things slowly and Insya Allah is very patient.

So today, my second day, and there she goes talking ever so slowly and repeating them again and again while i ternganga all the way. Allah Mustaan.

Anyway she understands that most of us can read very well. We can do the grammar works. in fact some say better than the arabs. But we still lack in vocabs and very weak in listening and speaking. This is mostly because this centre caters for mothers who go only for four hours a week and outside those time we don't speak any arabic at all. What to do? Where got arabs want to speak to us?

Anyway, thought of sharing this excerpt from my lesson today. A dialogue betweeen two students about learning arabic.



One of the students told the the other that she cannot speak in arabic. And that she want to make her Arabic language good. This is the advise of the other student,

"To memorise the quran. To learn some Prophet's hadith and to speak Arabic alot."

I just want to highlight to you about the memorising the quran. There are tremendous benefits in doing so. Of course when I write this to you, it is like a tongue in the cheek situation, for I have not memorise much but Insya Allah, i pray that this would be possible.

We must start with something. At least that something is better than nothing. And that something will lead us to more and will drive us more towards knowing Allah's words by heart and practising it too.


Contemplate this hadith

It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’aan (i.e., the one who memorized and studied it): ‘Read, advance in status and recite as you used to do in the world, for your status will be commensurate with the last aayah that you recite.’”

I cannot get over this hadith. Imagine standing before your Lord, the one who creates you and being told to recite the quran in front of Him. Imagine you will be reciting it just like you recite in this world and for every ayah you recite, your level in akhirah will be increased.

subhanallah, reciting in front of My Lord the Compassionate teh merciful. reciting His own words?

And what if we are having difficulty reading the quran,

It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The one who recites the Qur’aan and learns it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven) and the one who exerts himself to learn the Qur’aan by heart and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.”

Do you not agree with me that much of our time is wasted for senseless reasons. We run our emotions low listening to sappy music and watching depressing series. Our heart is sadden and wasted for reasons not taking us anywhere closer to Allah.

The tip from the book is to memorise the quran to improve your arabic. But I can tell you many more greater benefits in memorising the quran. For akhirah. And when you chase the akhirah, guess who will come running after you?

The dunya my friend.

Jom kita memorise the quran.

Same Message.

Al Shuara 26: 105-122
The people of Nûh (Noah) belied the Messengers. (105)
When their brother Nûh (Noah) said to them: "Will you not fear Allâh and obey Him? (106) "
I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. (107)
"So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. (108)
"No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islâmic Monotheism), my reward is only from the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). (109)
"So keep your duty to Allâh, fear Him and obey me." (110)

They said: "Shall we believe in you, when the meanest (of the people) follow you?". He said: "And what knowledge have I of what they used to do?."Their account is only with my Lord, if you could (but) know. "And I am not going to drive away the believers. I am only a plain warner." They said: "If you cease not, O Nûh (Noah)! You will surely be among those stoned (to death)." He said: "My Lord! Verily, my people have belied me. Therefore judge You between me and them, and save me and those of the believers who are with me." And We saved him and those with him in the laden ship. Then We drowned the rest (disbelievers) thereafter.

Verily, in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers. And verily!
(121)
Your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful. (122)

---

As Shuaraa 123-140
'Ad (people) belied the Messengers. (123)
When their brother Hûd said to them: "Will you not fear Allâh and obey Him? (124) "Verily! I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. (125)
"So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. (126)
"No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islâmic Monotheism), my reward is only from the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn, and all that exists). (127)

"Do you build high palaces on every high place, while you do not live in them? "And do you get for yourselves palaces (fine buildings) as if you will live therein for ever. "And when you seize (some body), seize you (him) as tyrants? "So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. "And keep your duty to Him, fear Him Who has aided you with all (good things) that you know. "He has aided you with cattle and children. "And gardens and springs. "Verily, I fear for you the torment of a Great Day." They said: "It is the same to us whether you preach or be not of those who preach. "This is no other than the false-tales and religion of the ancients, [Tafsir At-Tabarî]. "And we are not going to be punished." So they belied him, and We destroyed them.

Verily! In this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers And verily, (139)
Your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful. (140)

---

Al Shuara 26: 141-159
Thamûd (people) belied the Messengers. (141)
When their brother Sâlih said to them: "Will you not fear Allâh and obey Him? (142) "I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. (143)
"So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. (144)
"No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islâmic Monotheism), my reward is only from the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). (145)

"Will you be left secure in that which you have here? "In gardens and springs. And green crops (fields) and date-palms with soft spadix. "And you hew out in the mountains, houses, with great skill. "So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. "And follow not the command of Al-Musrifûn [i.e. their chiefs, leaders who were polytheists, criminals and sinners], "Who make mischief in the land, and reform not." They said: "You are only of those bewitched! "You are but a human being like us. Then bring us a sign if you are of the truthful." He said: "Here is a she-camel; it has a right to drink (water), and you have a right to drink (water) (each) on a day, known "And touch her not with harm, lest the torment of a Great Day should seize you." But they killed her, and then they became regretful. So the torment overtook them.

Verily, in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers.(158)
And verily, Your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful. (159)

---

As Shuara 26: 160-175
The people of Lut (Lot) (who dwelt in the town of Sodom in Palestine) belied the Messengers. (160)
When their brother Lut (Lot) said to them: "Will you not fear Allâh and obey Him? (161)
"Verily! I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. (162) "So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. (163)
"No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islâmic Monotheism), my reward is only from the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). (164)

"Go you in unto the males of the 'Alamîn (mankind), "And leave those whom Allâh has created for you to be your wives? Nay, you are a trespassing people!" They said: "If you cease not. O Lut (Lot)! Verily, you will be one of those who are driven out!" He said: "I am, indeed, of those who disapprove with severe anger and fury your (this evil) action (of sodomy). "My Lord! Save me and my family from what they do." So We saved him and his family, all, Except an old woman (his wife) among those who remained behind. Then afterward We destroyed the others. And We rained on them a rain (of torment). And how evil was the rain of those who had been warned.

Verily, in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers. (174)
And verily! Your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful. (175)

---

As Shuara 26: 176-191

The dwellers of Al-Aikah [near Madyan (Midian)] belied the Messengers. (176)
When Shu'âib said to them: "Will you not fear Allâh (and obey Him)? (177)
"I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. (178)
"So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. (179)
"No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islâmic Monotheism), my reward is only from the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). (180)

"Give full measure, and cause no loss (to others). "And weigh with the true and straight balance. "And defraud not people by reducing their things, nor do evil, making corruption and mischief in the land. "And fear Him Who created you and the generations of the men of old." They said: "You are only one of those bewitched! "You are but a human being like us and verily, we think that you are one of the liars! "So cause a piece of the heaven to fall on us, if you are of the truthful!" He said: "My Lord is the Best Knower of what you do." But they belied him, so the torment of the day of shadow (a gloomy cloud) seized them, indeed that was the torment of a Great Day.

Verily, in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers. (190)
And verily! Your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful. (191)

---

As Shuara 26: 192-194

And truly, this (the Qur'ân) is a revelation from the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists), (192) Which the trustworthy Rûh [Jibril (Gabriel)] has brought down; (193) Upon your heart (O Muhammad SAW) that you may be (one) of the warners, (194)

---

Different era. Different people. Different prophets. Same message of tawheed.

All these are sent down to us also as lessons that we can learn. Just go around facebook, youtubes and many islamic articles, the response of the disbelievers are the same. Sometimes even the exact words mentioned in the Quran.

Some random thoughts from me that I cannot even conclude to what exactly I am feeling.

I ask Allah to strengthen my eemaan and give us victory.

Whirlwind Start

School has started for the kids. And if you have been reading my past posts, you would know that this month is my new year following the new school term. Resolutions should be done now. Cleaning up and house keeping also should be done now.

We started this year with the kaput of our laptop and I believe will be followed suit with our two other desktops. The tell tale signs are there waiting for its end.

Not to mention, there was something wrong with the network, but it seems ok these couple of days. Insya Allah.

Our five year old car is also giving signs , with a few problem lights blinking now and then on the dashboard.

My phone is acting up also. Strange behaviour.

Did I tell you that my face is covered with zits and you don't have to look closely to connect the dots and form a picture?

And last Thursday Jack had a fall, and caused a slight hairline crack on his bone. Yeah on his left arm. The same arm as before. Just different bone. Read the old post HERE.I have been planning for a year of sports for the kids. I suppose swimming and football are off for him for a while.

Alhamdulillah ala kulli hal. Insya Allah khayr.

It's a Beautiful Day Today

I am back in Qatar and the school new year has started.

It's a beautiful morning today.

There are lots of spreading-slightly-puffed cloud in the sky. The sun was rising and there are rays threading in the cloud not so high.

My children woke up early and happy. Their new pants all bright and crispy.

Their school shirts were last year's, which are still good even if you are near.
But the school has a new logo, which I am sure they will force me to buy the new uniform, and set the old ones forgo.

I will take my time to buy. Until the school threatens us or the children become shy.

The children even get their stuff ready from yesterday. Hey! That must be my day.

So today is a good day. The sun is smiling and the wind is playing.

My lover was kind to come with me and sent the children to their new classes. Meeting the new teachers. Greeting old friends.

Today is a beautiful day. I have a good tudung day and my dress didn't make me look (that) fat, I must say.

We came early to school and even had a good parking spot. We only had to walk a distance that is short.

I strut in my boots, and wore my large sunglasses that hoots.

All are well until of course I had to OPOCOT, terpelecot.

On my knees I fell and my ankle began to swell.

My boots gave way to uneven floor. And my tudung jadi berterabor.

Regardless, Subhanallah walhamdulillah for a beautiful day today.

Atooiii sakitnyaaa.

Did we achieve anything?

Subhanallah, Ramadhan is nearly over. I sincerely pray that we have done justice to ourselves in the name of Allah in this Holy Month.

Let's just recap what the objective of fasting in Ramadhan is.

Al Baqarah 2: 183
O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting)[] is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqûn</blockquote>

May Allah make us achieve this.

I may not have access to the blog after this, so I am wishing all of you,

Taqaballahhu minna wa minkum

May Allah accept our deeds in this month and that it become our intercession in akhirah.

And then also we are reminded of the story of Habil and Qabil. When Qabil was angry that his shabby offerings were not accepted. Allah accepted Habil's offerings, his brother of whom Qabil was already jealous at.

And Habil said to Qabil, "Verily, Allâh accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqûn."

Al Maidah 5: 27
And (O Muhammad SAW) recite to them (the Jews) the story of the two sons of Adam (Hâbil and Qâbil — Abel and Cain)] in truth; when each offered a sacrifice (to Allâh), it was accepted from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the former: "I will surely kill you.[]" The former said: "Verily, Allâh accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqûn

And thus I ask Allah that we have taqwa in our heart and thus Allah accepts our deeds that we perform only to please Him.

Toothless and Four Eyes

Jack has lost one top front tooth during this holiday. So that makes him one tooth less. Or toothless, his favourite dragon in the animation "How to train your dragon."

For the record, he has lost two bottom front teeth already but the grown up teeth have replaced them. At the other top front tooth is now very loose.

Haziq, on the other hand, has to wear glasses. Insya Allah he will be able to see better after this.

We ask Allah for health so we can worship Alla better until the day we die.

Raising Boys (Children) to Love the Masjid

The Prophet said:

There are seven whom Allah ill shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade:
a just ruler;
a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic;
a man whose heart is attached to the mosques;
two men who love each other for Allah's sake,
meeting for that and parting upon that;
a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position [for illegal intercourse], but be says: 'I fear Allah',
a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity;
and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.'

Narrated by Abu Hurairah & collected in Sahih al-Bukhari (english trans.) vol.1, p.356, no.629 & Sahih Muslim english trans.) vol.2, p.493, no.2248

Alhamdulillah when I began to learn about the religion that I am born into, I had an easier time accepting it perhaps due to the environment I was placed in. for that I thank Allah highly for opportunity seized is a blessing.

Going to the masjid has been an easy(ier) experience for the men and we have been encouraging the boys to do the same. Jack has been frquenting the mosque for most Fardh prayers ever since he is five Alhamdulillah. May all of them remain steadfast.

The masjid's norm here is very chidren friendly in a sense that a small child is treated equally as an adult in a praying saff in the masjid. Just as the sunnah deemed it to be, that is the right of the saff (front row) is for those who come early.

The locals, even though their young ones do not frequent the masjid as much, in fact very very very few, love children in the masjid. To the extent most of the older locals would really go all the way to either pat Jack's head or kiss his hand. Many would give a small amount of money too.

When we stayed at our last house, where there were more locals, the boys would get their duit raya from these atuks. Minimum QR50 you.

Mind you, Jack was very fidgety in his prayers. He can never stay still. He would look around, play in his solah. Bite his nails. Pick his nose. Look at people. Sometimes falling himself down when making ruku'. Making sujud earlier than the imam. After that running havoc in the masjid.

A friend I know, who had even more hyper children, got angry with his young sons for making too much noise, was called by the imam. The imam advised my friend to play it soft with his kids and to never give up bringing them to the masjid.

Another friend who shouted at his son for dozing off in his prayer got told off by the imam.

Sure, they would tell the kids to be quiet also. But they do not discourage the boys to come and never pull any of them out of the saff. In fact, the kids are better off to pray next to their dad.

Naturally, I am a bit apprehensive to come back to Malaysia because of this. I am slightly not comfortable with the idea that they would ask my boys to get out of their saff and go to the back. I understand this is what is practised in malaysia.

Good read by Dr. Asri

However, as not to cause tension and rifts, I have talked to te children about this and told them to comply to the situation until people are more aware of everyone's rights.

Our first taraweekh in Malaysia was at a smaller surau in Melaka. The first few days were ok. None of the jemaah told Jack to leave the saff. In fact they gave way to Jack to solat at the side in case he needs to doze off during the taraweekh. Yes dia selalu tidur. LOL. However on one of the nights, a different imam came in. The big honcho imam kampung number one (who is not a tahfiz. On most taraweekh night they all upah some young tahfiz from Siam to lead the taraweekh.) He actually held Haziq's shoulder (Ahhh? Haziq also included as the young one ah?) and asked nicely (Alhamdulillah) for him and Jack to go to the back.

Some of the jamaah whispered to lover, "maaflah dia ni tak faham sangat agaknya." Referring to imam honco number one.

However, according to lover, they couldn't go to the most back apparently becase none of the older people want to leave their "right" to be at the back! Pulak! So Haziq and Jack went to the second saff instead.

Reported by Abu Hurayra: Allah's Messenger said: "The best rows for men are the first rows and the worst, the last rows; and the best rows for women are the last rows and the worst, the first." (Muslim #881)

What is meant by best and worst is in terms of reward.

So that was quite funny.

For the fardh prayer, when usually there is only one saff no one tells Jack (or haziq) to go to the back. In fact the pakcik-pakcik were delighted to see Jack in Fajr prayer. Alhamdulillah. That was really really nice.

May Allah bless them and make all of understand the deen.

Yesterday we prayed taraweekh at the main masjid in Muo. None of my boys were told off. So yayy!

Having said all of these, I must say I understand where this come from. Most people only bring their kids for the once a year praying galore - taraweekh - and expect their kids to behave. How can they behave all the way from tahyatul masjid - four rakaah isya - two rakaah sunnah - 8 rakaah taraweekh with long surahs and three rakaah witr with long qunut. Not including the dzikir that they read out loud in betweent the prayers (cuma di mlaysia sahaja)?

How can they behave as you want them to when they have never frquented the masjid for shorter but obligatory prayers? How can we expect people to be compassionate about the noisy kids as well?

Even in Qtar, people would tell off the kids who make continuous noise in the taraweekh!

Come every fasting month , I hear the stories of peopele saying the masjid are not friendly with kids. It must be noted also, that many of the kids including adults are not friendly to the masjid for 11 months of the year.

I read a comment about how terrible a masjid is. Don't they know that her son has prayed in front of kaabah before. Masya Allah for her and her kids. Maybe, her kids are very well behaved. Unfortunately not the case of many children though.

I think perhaps many of us (the men) should frequent the masjid with their boys more throughout the year when it is in fact an obligatory to pray at the masjid. Then perhaps this issue will be revisited in a different light.

Alhamdulillah, I was made to understand that some communities have been proactive on this as well. Their masjids are very people friendly and so many attractive activities for the jamaah.Barakallahu fikum

I actually see a very good light oncoming to us. These are the things that makes you feel that there is hope for the next generation.

Precious Hours

I have been reading status on so many got stuck in terrible traffic going home from work in Malaysia (mostly in KL I reckon). Make full use of the precious hours nearing breaking fast time. You can definitely do the followings (not limited though) while you enjoy the traffic

1. evening adzkar (plural for dzikir)
- which would involve reading 3 quls 3 times and reciting ayatul kursi
- subhanallahhi wa bihamdih 100 x
- astaghfirullah 100x

and other du'a in the sunnah books. Perhaps you can make a mission to memorise one each day?

2. Have a quran CD with you. For those with iphone, ipod and the likes, this is the time to make full use of gadget. Put up the Iquranpro and blast on the quran.

Perhaps this is the month you would like to add new surahs in the memory bank.

3. Listen to Islamic lectures. Load them up in your mp3 players. Plenty of mp3s and podcasts around the net. Load them up Insya Allah.

Barulah our gadgets betul-betul work for us rather than against us.

I personally would not go for radio even how islamic the radio is unless there is a lecture going on. I just think nasheed is not apt for those precious moments af du'a being most accepted.

Listening to music during those times? Reflect and contemplate whether this is appropriate when Allah wants to accept our du'a and we have the music on.

4. Make loads of du'a. Have a list of du'a and organise your du'a. Remember that first of all the supplication of those who are fasting is always accepted. And even more when the breaking fast time is approaching.

Some tips. Read RAMADHAN DU'A THAT WORKS

If Allah wills that you spend these precious moments in Allah's remembrance, you could perhaps refrain from swearing and stress on the road. And imagine this, if you spend your time in Allah's remembrance, you are actually making your difficult times work FOR you rather than another wasted stress hour.

Why waste time watching people in other cars?

Lastly drive safely and make sure you have fuel in your tank lest your car got stalled in the middle of traffic incurring curses by other road patrons. To the other road patrons, sabar. Make du'a and ask Allah that the person will be relieved from his difficulties.

And if you are making du'a please brothers and sisters have me and my family in your du'a and that all of us are steadfast in this religion. Don't forget to make supplication for the ummah as well.

The Joy of Fasting

We have been busy fussing around Jack that he will be making full day fasting this year Insya Allah. He did fast last year but mostly for half days. So this year we will busy around him to encourage him to make many full ones, Insya Allah.

It is relatively easy for him even though the temperature soars up to 50C this time of the year. Mostly because it is summer school break, so he doesn't have to endure the heat, the compulsary PE and the tiredness. We rarely go out because shops are close most of the time anyway. So he stays at home in the air condition.

He woke up fairly easy for sohoor. Got piggied back by lover to the kitchen. Grinning all the way. Went to the masjid for fajr prayer and got drowsy and shoot to sleep immediately when he got home. Fajr is at 337 here.

Later part of the morning he fool around on the treadmill. Jangan komplen haus tau.

Later in the evening I asked, are you tired. he replied no, but I am hungry. One and a half hour more Jack.

When I start cooking he kept coming to the kitchen and said, "Oh why you have to cook delicious food." Aik baru tumis aje dah tau delicious? LOL

Fifteen minutes to iftar, I routinely get everyone in the household to wind down and make du'a. Any du'a that you wish to ask Allah for. But Jack was also busy eyeing at the time. The moment to clock hits the time, he raaaann to the kitchen but err the adzan is not heard yet. But he managed a date in his mouth already. haziq, of course, the mutawwa in the house reprimanded him and told him not the time yet. He took the date out. Kesian.

Adzan came on moments later.

The one who fasts has two joys: the joy of breaking his fast and, when he meets his Lord, the joy of having fasted.” (Reported by Muslim, 2/807)

The clearest joy of the day must be Jack's. tee he he.

May Allah make him among the muttaqun.

Around the World

At the time of me typing this, some of the Muslims in Australia have done their tarawih.

Followed by the South East Asia countries (mostly).

A few more hours more will be the Muslims in Middle East.

Those in Europe and the States are probably still waiting for the moon.

And the world continue to rotate with alternation of day and night.

Around the world people worshiping Allah in the month of Mercy longitude by longitude.

Ahlan Ya Ramadhan.

I am having knots in my stomach. A very important guest is coming to all of us. May Allah allow allow us to meet Ramadhan to the fullest.

Challenge Yourself

I think if we have never challenge ourself (in terms of ibadah) perhaps Ramadhan is the time to start doing it.

If we have been praying exactly like how we prayed when we last left school, surely we can challenge ourself to improve it. Memorise new surah perhaps? I can never tell you how beautiful it is to be able to add more surah into our databank.

If we have never read any of the morning Adzkar, we can slowly start doing so. At least we can start by reciting the three quls three times and ayatul kursi in the morning and also after asr.

If we have never done the sunnah prayers associated to fard prayers, let's start by doing one by one now. My recommendation is the two rakaat before fajr prayer.

If we have never finish the quran in ramadhan, why not this year? A doable tip is read two pages before solat and another two pages after solat, Insya Allah.

If we have never given charity, why not be generous this time round. If you already are, Masya Allah good for you, may Allah bless you and your rizq. Prophet Mohammad sallahu alaihi wasalam was most generous this month.

If you never wake up in the later night to be in privacy with Allah, indeed this is the best time to start. Allah wants to give you what you need. Allah wants to boast your names in front of the angels. Allah's mercy is in abundance. It's the time of the year when discounts of ajr is everywhere for grabs.

You can choose which ibadah you want or better still pick them all. But also, Allah loves small act of worship but done consistently. Build yourself. Start little, aim big and be consistent.

Show Allah that you are the best of His slave. That you are worthy to be in his jannah. Do something outrageous this year. Something different. Something that makes your ramadhan this year stands out compare to the previous.

Surely we can! Allahu Akbar!

And the least you can do is fight the nafs that go against the ibadah of Ramadhan.

Of course "you" in the paragraphs above really meant "I" as in me.

Do you have any outrageous good deed that you want to challenge yourself this year?

Bismillah Police

Haziq has been a bit naughty lately. So told his other two siblings. He has not been saying Bismillah before eating. Gasps!

THE BOOK OF DRINKS (KITAB AL-ASHRIBA)
Muslim :: Book 23 : Hadith 5006
Jabir b. ‘Abdullah reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: When a person enters his house and mentions the name of Allah at the time of entering it and while eating the food, Satan says (addressing himself: You have no place to spend the night and no evening meal; but when he enters without mentioning the name of Allah, the Satan says: You have found a place to spend the night, and when he does not mention the name of Allah while eating food, he (the Satan) says: You have found a place to spend the night and evening meal. This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Jabir b. Abdullah through the same chain of transmitters but with a slight variation of wording.

If you would like to read more, you can check out one of my older posts in the other blog : THE MANNERS OF EATING

Sya and Jack have been keeping in check with him. reminding him "Have you said your Bismillah" . have you said it? have you? Have you?



This is one of the latest attempts. Putting it on his plate to remind him.

They call themselves the Bismillah Police.

Part of efforts of enjoining good, forbidding evil. May Allah bless them.

Free Parking

When I came to Qatar in 2005, there was only one parking place that charges the patrons which is the airport parking. The rest of Qatar is free parking for all including the kerbs and whatever space you can squeeze your car on.

A few years later, they started dishing out summons those who park on kerbs and slap you with three demerit points while they are at it. (maximum demerit points is 14 for license suspension (i think)).

Then i think it was last year that they "beautify" the open parking space at the most prominent souk here - Souk Waqif. With a toll booth, clearly identifed lines for your parking bay, smaller space to park for everyone's mostly 5.4 gazoline drinker vehicles and smaller space to manouver as you reverse your car to get out and they began to charge you QR3 per entry.

This year the first major shopping mall is beginning to follow suit. With a whopping QR2 for one hour, QR5 for two hours, QR8 for three hours and QR10 each for further hours. The reason, as quoted by management which had inputs from loyal shoppers, is the difficulty to find parking at the mall because many selfish users are parking without actually going to the mall rather to work at nearby offices.

EVERYONE LOVES TO PAY FOR THEIR PARKING SPACE

Oh well.

So I went the other day, forgetting that they are already charging the parking. When I got there and saw the booth and the gantry and the signboard about the parking charges, I regretted immediately for coming. (We can still enjoy free parking elsewhere here). The parking space has gotten smaller. Also they put a sensor on the floor in a form of two small humps thus not allowing my long car to enter fully into the bay.

Anyway when I am done with shopping (got three scarves really nice and cheap. Wee heee)), I proceeded to the parking meter machine. Lo and behold! It was out of service! Great! And there is only one machine there. No information was put, so I had to assume that there is another parking meter machine at another exit in the middle of the mall.

Lo and behold again! It was also out of service!

Getting a bit pissed off, had to walk further to find another machine.

Lo and behold again and again! It says it is out of service in arabic!

Bleargh!

Went to the information counter and calming myself while at that. It is an ugly sight to see a woman screaming at an information counter I think.

So I asked and the info counter girl said, oh it is still free.

Lo and behold!

Ceh!

In my defense, the papers said initially 1st of july then they said 18th July. When I went it was after 18th. Plus they should put some signange telling us that it is still free.

Alhamdulillah for calming down.

The Hot Water from the Hose is Unlike Al Hameem

It is the month of July again. Where the summer heat in the Middle East is soaring. Not to the fullest peak but already reaching 50 Celcius in the noon.

I am still steadfast in taking care of my plants. The challenges are high really. I must say many of the "softer" plants have wilt or burnt or died mercilessly.

When I water them in the morning, even before seven, the water from the hose is hot. Even when i water them later in the day, the water from the hose is hot. At night when the sun is shining on on the other part of the world, the water from the hose remains hot.

The conclusion is the plants are all the time enduring hot water.

Some die but many remain very much alive (at least that's what I hope for my small garden.)

Can you imagine being forced to take hot water all the time?

At least the plants are in my jannah - my garden.

Those in hell will be forced to take hot boiling water. And hell is no garden

Al Waqia 56: 51-56

Then moreover, verily, you the erring-ones, the deniers (of Resurrection)! "You verily will eat of the trees of Zaqqûm. "Then you will fill your bellies therewith, "And drink boiling water on top of it. "And you will drink (that) like thirsty camels!". That will be their entertainment on the Day of Recompense!

The arabic word to watch for is Al Hameem - EXTREMELY HOT WATER

Muhammad 47: 15

(Are these) like those who shall dwell for ever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels?

Al Kahf 18: 29

And if they ask for help (relief, water) they will be granted water like boiling oil, that will scald their faces. Terrible is the drink, and an evil Murtafaq (dwelling, resting place)!

Ibrahim 14: 16-17

In front of him (every obstinate, arrogant dictator) is Hell, and he will be made to drink boiling, festering water. He will sip it unwillingly, and he will find a great difficulty to swallow it down his throat[], and death will come to him from every side, yet he will not die and in front of him, will be a great torment.

As Sad 38: 57

This is so! Then let them taste it, a boiling fluid and dirty wound discharges.

And then there is Al Ghassaq which is boiling fluid and dirty wound discharges . The festering pus that oozes out of the skin pf people of hell. the juice of the people of hell.

As Sad 38: 57
This is so! Then let them taste it, a boiling fluid and dirty wound discharges.

The hot water from the water hose is unlike Al Hameem.

May Allah protect us from Hell fire.

A Teenager in the House

Masya Allah, Haziq has turned 13 last week. As thirteen is the fist number in the ascending order that has teen in it, I consider this age as the official teenage age.

Ahlan to the youthful phase where energy is at abundance, hormone is running wild, opposite gender is confusing yet interesting.

I greeted him in the morning, with him already at the computer table and trust me is not work he was doing. Anyway I greeted him in the morning and started conversing with him. His two siblings sprawling on haziq's bed still in their pyjamas.

We talked about a few important things

The Prophet said:
There are seven whom Allah ill shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade: a just ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques; two men who love each other for Allah's sake, meeting for that and parting upon that; a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position [for illegal intercourse], but be says: 'I fear Allah', a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.'

Narrated by Abu Hurairah & collected in Sahih al-Bukhari

Sayiddina Ali's courage even at young age willing to sacrifice himself replacing the Prophet sallahu alaihi wasalam knowing that it could be his death instead.

Remember the story of the young apperentice in the story of the People of the Ditch? The apprentice was a youth who holds on to his eemaan to his death.

Remember the story of the sleepers of the cave? The youths who refused to worship other than Allah, being the stranger in their own community. Threathed by death, they fleed away only to be saved by Allah. They then became a sign of Allah's power to mankind.

Have you forgotten about Mus'ab bin Umair? The handsome young man, the son of rich family, who when the truth settles in his heart, became one of those who strive hard in the deen. He was the one who guide the Ansars and spread Islam in Madinah before Prophet Muhamamd sallalhu alaihi wasalam made hijrah.

Countless examples of youth, some short life and some live into strong men, has Allah strong in their heart. Nothing shakes their heart, Insya Allah. Their eemaan strong and intact. Their energy channeled in the correct path.

May you strive to be among the leaders of the muttaquun.

Kita Muda Hanya Sekali Aje Babe

Anda muda?
Bertenaga?
Mempunyai makan pakai yang cukup?
Masa yang ada hanya di luangkan dengan bersosial samada di social network atau borak-borak dengan rakan atau menonton TV?
Anda masih mempunyai nyawa?

Jika anda ada salah satu dari kriteria di atas, maka anda termasuk dalam kategori orang yang ada "advantage".

hadith of ibn Abbas radi Allahu anhu reported in the mustadrak of Al-Haakim, musnad Imam Ahmad, and others, with an authentic chain of narration. In this hadith the Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam said to a man while he was advising him:

"Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth, before you become old; and your health, before you fall sick; and your richness, before you become poor; and your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death."

And if we put the end objective in life is to be in Jannah, where we can finally see Allah's face and have a totally pure blissful ending, the advantage we want to grab (as per hadith) mestilah perkara-perkara yang boleh bawak kita ke jannah.

This is in contrast to the more glamorous objective of "kita muda hanya sekali" and adding to it another phrase , "dah tua nanti kita taubatlah."

Muda hanya sekali. Cantik, kuat dan bertenaga juga hanya sementara. Yang sangat pasti ialah mati. Selepas itu berdiri di hadapan Allah yang akan bertanya apa yang kita sudah lakukan semasa kita muda, kuat, bertenaga, berwang.

Just think about it. really think about it. Because this answer among many others will determine your position of life after that. In the blissful paradise or doom to hell?

What we would answer to Allah is what we are living our life now.

May Allah assist us in living our life in worshiping Him alone.
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I am putting up a clip about a man, who has regrets in his past life of not doing what he could do when he was more able. But Alhamdulillah, Allah still give him life, and indeed, Masya Allah, he is taking the final advantage of his ability, to spread daawah. May Allah preserve him and erase all his past sins.



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We had a small halaqah on this. Can be read HERE - TAKING CARE OF YOUR TIME.

I suppose this is my present to haziq who just turned 13 today. May Allah make him among the muttaqun.

When the Lights Went Out

As you know it is summer in middle east and it is hot. Reaching 50C in the mid afternoon. Thus you can imagine that we need the air condition all the time. All houses have air condition in every room except the toilet. And as expected the summer electricity bills shoot up. (water bills also because I had to use more water for the plants).

In this not so new house now we are even more dependent on the electricity. The landlord provided us with electric ceramic top cooker (tak suka!!!!)

Somehow the electricity provider has been doing a bit of hiccups in this sweltering hot season and have cut off electricity too many a time. This is not something normal and it has left us in the hot just a bit too frequent.

Normally, which is really really rare like once in three years, when there is a need of maintenance work or upgrading, they would notify us beforehand. But these past few weeks we have been experiencing black out surprises, not to our liking.

It was just a few days ago we had one at 8 in the morning. I rushed the kids to take their shower because without electricity the water pump is stalled thus leaving us without water very soon.

Then I cannot cook because we use electric cooker. (hooray for great excuses!)

No air condition. Alhamdulillah we could stand it for a while. The house was cooling.

Then no internet. That's like almost no life for me.

Not to mention my computer is acting up nowadays perhaps due to frequent sudden shut down.

Upon enquiring, they said its due to cable failures. Might take 5 hours to repair.

I decided to wait for sometime. Just in case you know. Come Dzuhur, we are already hot and we need food and things to do other than the reading and congkak game we were playing, I decided to go out.

The thing is, my car is parked within the compound of my house (Alhamdulillah). Under the shade. Alhamdulillah. Sealed by a roller shutter that I can use remote control on. Alhamdulillah. So Insya Allah tak adalah kisah-kisah macam ni lagi. READ HERE.

Ladies and gentlemen, as you all know already, roller shutter that uses remote control, uses electricity for it to roll up and down.

So when the lights went out, lollies got stuck in the house.

But naaahhhh, I called the cab instead.

وَيۡلٌ۬ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ لِّلۡمُكَذِّبِينَ (Wailun yaumaidzin lil mukadzzibin)

When I was little and I used to read the stories of the prophets and also how they refuse to accept the message. How the story narrated their refusal to accept Allah as one God and that they one day will be raised again and will have to answer before the one god. Prophet after prophet coming with one main message, that there is no other god worthy to worship except Allah. Then i read about pagan quraysh who denied the message of rasulullah and remain steadfast on their believe in worshiping idols, I used to imagine pre civilisation days.

These stories, to me at my younger age, only happen in the days when there are no cars and no phones. Where people probably dance around fire and wear old fashion clothes and had to dig holes for their toilet. I use to imagine the stories of the past with people wearing old fashion clothes like the one they wear in the arab tele series that I always watch when i was a kid in Ramadhan. Where we label these people as jahiliyah. It does not happen to people who have technologies.

Only as i grow up, I realised that history repeats. Civilisation after civilisation. Technology improves but people's mindset and ideology are the same. In fact in many ways, the era we are now has much more tribulation than the jahiliyyah times. Those who deny also wears suit and can be exceptionally clever. Abu Jahal, for your information was also an exceptionally clever man in his time. They use to call him Abu Hakam.

At least (not defending them though), the Quraysh still believe in Allah that Allah is the one who creates, the one who gives rizq and the one who gives life and death. Except that they need an intermediary to make dua to Allah such that all worship instead of given to the Lord who Creates, is given to the idols who they create themselves.

Many a time we read, that the non believers in this time refused to accept that Allah has promised that they will be raised again to be questioned for all the things they deed when they are alive. They scoff at this idea, unable to believe how Allah can raise you when you have changed to dust and bones. Forgetting that Allah created them from nothing in the first place and everything is easy for Him.

Everything is created by chance and luck.
When we die, it will just be the end so no one can do anything to us even though we killed thousand of men in our lifetime. No one also will do anything to the one who oppress us and gangrape the women in our house. When the oppressors die, they escape everything.
All those written in religious scrolls and Books are fairy tales just like aesop's.
You are backward for believing in God.

Indeed the Believers are those who believe in Ghaib. May Allah guides those who are not.

Stephen Hawking: 'There is no heaven; it's a fairy story'"

Al Mutafiffin 10-17

Woe, that Day, to those who deny. (10)
Those who deny the Day of Recompense. (11)
And none can deny it except every transgressor beyond bounds, (in disbelief, oppression and disobedience to Allâh), the sinner! (12)
When Our Verses (of the Qur'ân) are recited to him he says: "Tales of the ancients!" (13)
Nay! But on their hearts is the Rân (covering of sins and evil deeds) which they used to earn[] (14)
Nay! Surely, they (evil-doers) will be veiled from seeing their Lord that Day. (15) Then, verily they will indeed enter (and taste) the burning flame of Hell. (16)
Then, it will be said to them: "This is what you used to deny!" (17)

Culinary Skills

On jack's last day of school, he was asked to bring either real food or junk food or beverages to share with his friends. Zachary is somewhat like me, who likes to think beforehand what others would bring and thus not to bring the same.

So rather than make things easy for his mother by picking cake or donut or crisps and the likes that I can easily buy, he chose his favourite food that he was very sure to be a hit among students. Something his mother cooks very well.

Proudly he told his teacher he will bring Indomie Mee goreng!

This is an insult to my (diminishing) culinary skills!

I brought spaghetti instead.

Shower Together

We had to collect water now because the rising temperature makes the pipe water too hot to shower if you take a late shower. And do beware when you wash the pee in the midst of noon for the water may scorch you.

Jack was giggling with Sya one day when he saw the collected water.

But Sya being the must-tell-everything-to-Ibu told me what they were giggling about. Jack has this crazy theory that he is sure that Ibu and Ayah is taking shower together in the tub. More giggle giggle.

Well what do you, it is a sunnah for husband and wife to take a shower, I told them as a matter of factly.

*Gasps*

Oh really? Giggle giggle.

Narrated 'Aisha:

The Prophet and I used to take a bath from a single pot called 'Faraq'.
(Bukhari)

Demo Masak-Memasak

Sometime before the exam, my tajweed approached me and asked, "Can you cook fried rice." I answered an affirmative yes. "Can you give me the recipe?" she asked. I answered, "Sure. I can give you now." She said, on the next class Insya Allah.

We departed, but then she turned around and asked, "Better still. can you show it to me?"

"You mean, cook it in front of you?"
"Yes please."
"Insya Allah after the exam"

So today was the day. All the nine of us in the class gathered in my teacher's kitchen, each cooking up something.
One Indonesian cooked mee goreng (mee kuning yang dia buat sendiri)
The other indonesian folded murtabak and fried it there.
Another Malaysian cooked up the fillings for popia and roll it up and spring it after frying it.
My British friend made cupcake. Which was a cheat. Cupcake is a universal food I told her. She must do Shepherd's pie and the likes. But she was excused because her cupcake was delicious. Not sweet and has soft glitters fairy like.
My Pakistani friend cooked up Briyani. I didn't know that it was that easy.
My indian friend made baked chicken Kurma.
My libyan teacher made Libyan salad. The Libyans, according to her, eat loads of chilies. So her salad has chilies and also cheese. What a combination : fried brinjal, tomato, olives, cheese and chilies. Entah-entah dia makan steak pun dengan chilly macam ada sesetengah orang tu.
Yours truly fried up fried ricelah. Apa lagi? An easy peasy cuisine that most of you make for breakfast because you had leftover rice, they thought was so hard to do. My teacher diligently copied everything i made. But I did tell her, in Asian cooking things are "agak-agak and campak-campak".

I enjoyed my time today. First of all this is not something often that we do. We don't gather every week for a morning coffee which I get tremendously restless if there are invites even if it is every week. But Alhamdulillah I don't get invited that much anymore even though, thanks to FB, I do know that morning coffee activities are still going on. LOL!

The other thing is we shared common interest and common goal - the deen and to improve our quran recitation and understanding. The thing that made us envy another is because her recitation has improved, Allahuma Bareek, and that we must catch up. But the envy made us love each other more and we are happy for each other. And when we spend time together, the conversation tend to revolve on our lessons and future undertakings. When we do talk about someone, we are careful that the conversation does not lead to gheebah. We are always cautious.

And I love that. I get tired going to places when there was so much talk and I go home forgetting my verses. The thing is, it is not even the others, it is me who talk too much.

Alhamdulillah for such beautiful companionship.

Anyway cerita pasal masak-masak and agak-agak, check out this video of Gordon ramsay's Great Escape in Malaysia. As vibrant as he is, I like to think I am more of nigella lawson kind of person. And nigella lawson does not swear.

Gordon Ramsay in Malaysia from Joseph Teo on Vimeo.

The Seeker of the Truth

Qadr Allah, I bumped into some hadith that I read to Sya today concerning a story of a man who seeks for the truth. Qadr Allah the timing of the story was most apt.

The story today, my friends, is about ZAYD bin 'AMR bin NUFAYL.

Zayd bin 'Amr bin Nufayl stood at a distance from the crowds watching the Qurays as they celebrated one of their festivals. He saw the men with their heads wrapped in turbans of teh finest silk, struting along in costly Yemeni cloaks. he could also see the women and children in gaily coloured robes and exquisite jewelry. he looked at the livestocks being driven by the wealthy people, who had even decorated their animals before bringing them to be slaughtered before the idols.

Zayd stood with his back against the wall of the Kaa'bah and said:
"People of Quraysh! the sheep are created by Allah. He brings down rain for them so that they can drink, He brings forth the grass in the pasture so that they can eat their fill, and then you slaughter them, but not in His name. What an ignorant people you are!"

His uncle, al Khattab, father of 'Umar b al Khattab, came forth, slapped him, and said, "May you perish! We have heard this foolish talk from you and tolerated it long enough. Our patience has come to an end."

Then al Khattab called upon some of the cruder members of his tribe, and incited them to assault Zayd. They attacked him, and were so determined in their attempts to harm him that he fled Makkah and took refuge in the mountain of Hira'

Zayd met up with Waraqah bin Nawfal, Abdullah in Jahsh, Uthman al harith and Umayyah bin Adul Muttalib. They discussed how teh arabs strayed into polytheism and Zayd said to his companions, "I swear by Allah, you know that your people are in error, and that they have deviated from the religion of Abaraham and gone against it. if you wish for salvation, you must find for yourselves a religion that you can believe in."

The four men went to scholars of the jewish and the hristian faiths, as well as others, seeking the pure religion of Abraham. Waraqah bin Nawfal became a Christian. Abdullah bin Jahsh and Uthman bin al Harith found nothing which satisfies them. Asfor Zayd bin Amr bin Nufayl, he had a story.

"I studied Judaism and Christianity, but turned away from them, because I found they did not satisfy me. I traveled far and wide, seeking the faith of Abraham, until I reached Syria. Then I heard of a monk who had knowledge of the scriptures, so I sought him out and told my story. he said to me,
"I see that you seek the religion of Abraham, O brother from Makkah."
"Yes," I answered.
He told me, "You are searching for a religion which does not exist today. return to your country, for Allah is going to send a prophet from your own people who will revive the religion of Abaraham. If you are still alive, then commit yourself to it."

Zayd hastily headed back towards makkah, in search of the promised prophet. While Zayd was still traveling, Allah began to send revelation of truth and guidance to His Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam. Zayd never reached him, for he was attacked by a band of highway on the road to Makkah. As he breathed his last, Zayd realised that he would never have the joy of seeing the Messenger of Allah, he prayed,

"O Allah! If you must deprive me of this blessing, do not deprive my son Sa'id."

It was the will of Allah to answer the supplication of Zayd, for as soon as the prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam began to call people to Islam, Said bin Zayd was one of the first people to believe in Allah and the message of His Prophet. It came as no surprise to others, fo Sa'id had grown up in a family which rejected the deviation of teh Quraysh. Sa'id has been raised by a father who had spent his life searching for truth, and had died running after the truth.

Zayd b Nufayl was not alone among the Arabs. There were a few others like him who worshipped Allah alone, followed the way of the Messengers, and eschewed the ways of polytheism. Likewise, there were still some Jews and Christians who remained steadfast on their religion.

All of those people were strangers in their times, living in a world of confusion, contradiction, and division. Indeed, Zayd's own uncle, Khattab ibn Nufayl, was one of his main tormentors, despising him for not worshipping his tribes idols or eating the meat that they slaughtered.

He also never participated in killing girls during the time when it is most common practice among the quraysh.

This is one of my favourite stories of a seeker of the truth.

While we are at awe of their steadfastness of their natural disposition (fitrah), how do we handle ourselves when we are already handed the truth in a silver platter?

Portraits - from the Lives of the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad - Adul rahman al basha
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Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar:

The Prophet met Zayd ibn `Amr ibn Nufayl in the bottom of (the valley of) Baldah before any Divine Inspiration came to the Prophet. A meal was presented to the Prophet but he refused to eat from it. (Then it was presented to Zayd) who said, "I do not eat anything which you slaughter in the name of your stone idols. I eat none but those things on which Allah's Name has been mentioned at the time of slaughtering."

Zayd bin `Amr used to criticize the way Quraish used to slaughter their animals, and used to say, "Allah has created the sheep and He has sent the water for it from the sky, and He has grown the grass for it from the earth; yet you slaughter it in other than the Name of Allah." He used to say so, for he rejected that practice and considered it as something abominable.

Narrated Ibn 'Umar:

Zayd ibn `Amr ibn Nufayl went to Sham, inquiring about a true religion to follow. He met a Jewish religious scholar and asked him about their religion. He said, "I intend to embrace your religion, so tell me some thing about it." The Jew said, "You will not embrace our religion unless you receive your share of Allah's Anger."

Zayd said, "'I do not run except from Allah's Anger, and I will never bear a bit of it if I have the power to avoid it. Can you tell me of some other religion?" He said, "I do not know any other religion except the Hanif."

Zayd enquired, "What is Hanif?" He said, "Hanif is the religion of (the prophet) Abraham who was neither a Jew nor a Christian, and he used to worship None but Allah (Alone)."

Then Zayd went out and met a Christian religious scholar and told him the same as before. The Christian said, "You will not embrace our religion unless you get a share of Allah's Curse."

Zayd replied, "I do not run except from Allah's Curse, and I will never bear any of Allah's Curse and His Anger if I have the power to avoid them. Will you tell me of some other religion?" He replied, "I do not know any other religion except Hanif."

Zayd enquired, "What is Hanif?" He replied, Hanif is the religion of (the prophet) Abraham who was neither a Jew nor a Christian and he used to worship None but Allah (Alone)."

When Zayd heard their Statement about (the religion of) Abraham, he left that place, and when he came out, he raised both his hands and said, "O Allah! I make You my Witness that I am on the religion of Abraham."

Narrated Asma bint Abi Bakr:

I saw Zayd ibn `Amr ibn Nufayl standing with his back against the Ka'ba and saying, "O people of Quraish! By Allah, none amongst you is on the religion of Abraham except me." He used to preserve the lives of little girls: If somebody wanted to kill his daughter he would say to him, "Do not kill her for I will feed her on your behalf." So he would take her, and when she grew up nicely, he would say to her father, "Now if you want her, I will give her to you, and if you wish, I will feed her on your behalf."

~ Sahih Bukhari

From 'Aa'ishah radhiallahu `anha that the Messenger of Allaah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, "I entered Paradise and I saw that Zayd ibn `Amr ibn Nufayl had two levels." [Saheeh al-Jaami as-Sagheer, 3/141, no.3362 . Ibn 'Asaakir]

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Listen to audio about Zayd bin Amr bin Nufayl. About the first 8 minutes is about him. The rest are other relevant seeker of truth Waraqah bin Nawfal and Salman al Farsi.

End of the Academic Year

It's the end of the academic year for me here.

Sad to say, I have to inform you that I didn't do too well in my arabic nor in my online class lesson - bulugh Maram. I did fairly well on both my theory tajweed exam and the memorisation. Alhamdulillah.

I am such a clutter brain and was feeling overwhelm nearly all the time. I feel that I could not concentrate on learning ad remembering facts. Allah Musta'an.

Apa-apa pun exam dah over. I can't wait for the K@FA class to be over. I spent long hours writing the notes for the children. We do use the book but I take pity on them because I think many of them could not grasp the english in the book. Each time I tire or feeling overwhelm and feeling like I need to do something else for myself and I would say, "Agghh why bother!" But then, I just can't teach when I think they would not understand. May Allah put barakah on my time. How other successful people can do so many things and achieve so much? Maybe they don't blog and they don't facebook. Hmm

Feeling like i have so many things to do for this coming holiday. So many projects that I am thinking of. Do I have that discipline?

OK anyway, end of the year. So many parties to attend. So many presents to give. Of which none can be the best of reward to all the teachers who have been teaching us. The best of reward for them will be from Allah alone. May Allah reward them in abundance.

I am trying to perfect my pavlova. Still not there yet. So waiting for another party when I can whipped up another pavlova until I am satisfied or I tire. I hope the former comes first.

One Seven Year Old in the House

Before I put up this post, I read up his progress that I put up in the blog. Of course no one else reads it as diligent as the mother, but I just want to say perhaps I am glad that I have some form of snapshot of him recorded. Perhaps the only reason to stay on blogging huh?

The other thing is, after reading him in his past years, I think he has not changed much. He is still the baby. He is still sensitive. He sobs when he is sorry. I still carry him around (relatively less because he is getting heavier and longer.) He is growing in height but not in waist size because he is still wearing his two year old jeans and shirts.

He talks more in relative to the previous years. He would try to explain somethings and get always get sidetracked on a point. I remember he refused to speak to any authoritive figure like a teacher before, but now he would talk. At least that is what the teacher told me. In front of me, when asked by anyone, he would shy away.

His grasps in maths is doing fine. But I must say, he does not seem to worry about homework and prefer to be carefree. So much so, I was called by the teacher because he missed doing his homework. And I also missed some of his exam dates.

Subhanallah! I need more hours and octopus' hands maybe.

Last year he has memorised up to al adiyat and now he got to Suratul Buruj. Hmmm. Should I drill him harder?

He is closest to his sister and the two of them would be quietly away doing some project in the kitchen usually some fruit juice or something. Sya would be the head chef and jack the sous chef. I would usually catch them when Jack is cutting up some fruits, sometimes hurting himself when he is using the peeler, while Sya is doing the finishing job which includes presentation. But Sya also gets her hands dirty by creating some strange food that I do not know of. Then they two would set up the table and wait for us while we taste their incredible cocktail of mixed fruits and baked apple shreds on mcvities.

Jack would get enthusiastic when he talks with Haziq about a game strategy or game characters. I have no inkling to this conversation at all. What language are they speaking really?

He is a happy child. Perhaps i should delete all that I have written here and just write this instead "He is a happy loved child."

May Allah make him a righteus person and a reward for me in the Hereafter.


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After writing this I can't wait to pick him up from school and press his nose. My favourite past time on him.