About LOL and Such

I think I shall embrace certain mishaps concerning the internet and have found certain things quite funny will be likely be a sweet memory.

In one of the whatsapp group I'm in, one of the ladies was upset with me. She was upset because I keep using the word "LOL". She thought I was calling her some names. Short form of "toLOL" or perhaps "bahLOL"? Oh dear.

I have explained it to her and she is ok after that. No more merajuk and kecik hati. Alhamdulillah she confronted me because otherwise who is to know that she is merajukking. And now she is an expert of the word "LOL".

Perhaps now I should upgrade her to "ROFL" and no I will not teach her "LMAO"!

What Have You Prepared For It?

Haziq and some of his fellow friends in the masjid will be participating for a  musabaqah (musabaqah means competition. can be used for any competition not necessarily Quran related) of quran memorisation sometime sometime in December.

I am slightly baffle though because up till now, the exact date of the competition is not announced. December break is coming and I do wish to take a break somewhere, but we can't plan anything much. I keep pressing Haziq but Haziq said none of them can tell him exactly when.

Since none of them speak english, I assumed its Haziq's not so good arabic is the problem here. However Haziq denies it.

The other day, one of the boys asked one of the sheikhs

When is the competition O Sheikh?

To this the sheikh replied, "What have you prepared for it?"



It's a joke, in case you can't see it.

Just a reminder, there is hadith of when there was a man who kept asking Prophet Muhamad sallallahu alaihi wasalam while he was giving a talk, "Mata sa'ah? Mata sa'ah? Mata sa'ah? When is the Hour? When is the Hour? When is the Hour? (The Hour means yaumul akhirah). Prophet sallalalhu alaihi wasalam replied, "What have you prepared for it?

Get it? get it?

Listening

Among the things that I love chatting with Haziq is about the time he spends in the masjid reciting to his sheikhs. His blue-eyed sheikh is really Masya Allah. I've blogged about him once but since I am on my Ipad, I can't figure out how to link the post.

Updated : This is the link. THE WISE and THE PATIENT

Haziq would say, when he got to the masjid, greet his teachers and all, he would then show his sheikh which page does he intend to read. The sheikh would take a look, close the mushaf and ask Haziq to recite and intermittently Haziq will make mistakes and blue-eyed sheikh would coreect him without the need to refer to the mushaf at all. Masya Allah.

Sometimes, blue-eyed sheikh gets a little tired. He would doze off while Haziq is still reading. But when Haziq make mistakes, he would raise his head and correct them. Haziq did deliberately make mistakes and lo and behold (to test his theory), blue-eyed sheikh will correct them. Masya Allah.

At other times, blue-eyed sheikh would read his own pages while listening to Haziq and perhaps three other boys reading. And he can still correct each of them when they make mistakes. Super masya Allah!

On a similar note but totally different standard, my teacher is trying to train my class to become Quran teachers ourselves (please pray for me ikhlas). Part of the training is, we have to listen to each other reading. Identify the memorisation mistakes and also tajweed, record them and correctly correct them. I would get flabbergasted with the recording while listening. First of all its difficult to identify their mistakes. The ladies in my class are already good in their reading. Occasionally they do make mistakes here and there but most of the time, i need to really listen to them and still not find any.

To top this, i usually get very sleepy when I listen to them. You'll find me dozing off only waking up when they have probably finished. Needless to say, I didn't find any mistakes in their reading. :P

May Allah bless all quran teachers around the world.

What to Memorise First

After some observation among the children whom I have met, I am concern to just how much they know from the Quran. Many 10-12 year olds I talk to are not fluent in their basic three quls and some have not even memorised it. I asked them, if you have not memorised these short surahs, what do you read for your solah then?

I am not sure whether some of us expat parents realise this, but our children are not living in Malaysia where you probably would just leave it for the kindergarten school teachers to teach them basic surahs and basic du'a. Not in this country. Not when you are abroad.

Allahu Mustaan.

As expat, learning the deen falls heavily on us. HEAVILY.

I am making a list of what I believe the kids should have memorised by heart. It maybe my opinion only. P

In this order

Al Fatihah 
This should be memorised by age 5. You can stretch it to before 7 but seriously it should be before that because by 7 the child should be formally taught how to pray already. Having memorised al fatihah, would make the teaching process smoother Insya Allah.

The three quls
anytime before seven years old.

I cannot stress to you the importance of having these simple surahs as soon as possible. Not only these surahs are short, so kids can easily have this surah read in their prayers, but these surahs are so important in our daily like, from morning to before you go to sleep.

I am trying to cultivate the reciting of morning and evening adzkar to my K@FA kids and was surprised many have not memorised them yet.

Ayatul Kursi
I know this ayah is slightly long but it is such an important ayah in our life, I would personally make them memorise this before they reach seven also.

In the meantime, for me, I would casually make the daily du'a as daily routine. When repeated often, they would memorise this without much effort Insya Allah.

And of course even before seven, we would encourage the children to follow our solah. Ifthey have memorised al fatihah and some surahs, they can begin reciting them in solah.

Recitation in solah
I personally teach them the shortest ones. The one ruku'. the one in sujud. the one in between two sujuds. Then move to tashahud. and the last one Istiftah.

These should be tested and repeated often. Even when they are nine or ten, you must always ask them to repeat because I have caught my children reading tashahud for instance wrongly.

Again I am encouraging you to get your children to memorise the quran. The early surahs in Juzz amma is short and would it be easy for them Insya Allah.

But baby steps first. And I ask you in the name of Allah, if you have not already, take the responsibility in your hands. And take it seriously.

We are all answerable.

Feeling Secure?

I was talking to my Japanese Muslim friend sometime after the devastating Tsunami in Japan 2011 happen. She was from the very same are that the Tsunami struck. her parents escaped the tsunami. She said, the area already has a very high wall to protect them from Tsunami.

JAPAN PREPARED WELL FOR TSUNAMI

In this article it says:

"An 1896 tsunami killed over 10,000 people in these villages, in some cases eradicating entire towns. In part because of that event, Japan's northern coastline is perhaps the best protected area in the world against tsunamis. Ten-meter high walls defend many towns. Road signs mark the beginning and end of inundation areas determined as such by sophisticated computer simulations. Evacuation routes are well-signed, and vertical evacuation is available in areas distant from high ground. Green belts designed to dissipate tsunami energy line most of the coast."

According to my friend, they always feel safe that they have the wall. No tsunami can ever get them. Really 10m wall is very high.

On the very day, the initial report of tsunami, the wave was about 3.5m high but it developed into a bigger tsunami after completely engulfing the towns. Watching the video is truly heart wrenching. Who can challenge Allah's force.

I read this ayah in surah Mulk and find it very chilling.

AL Mulk 67: 16-17

Do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allâh), will not cause the earth to sink with you, and then it should quake?Or do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allâh), will not send against you a violent whirlwind? Then you shall know how (terrible) has been My Warning.

Human feel very secure. And confident and probably arrogant.

Just think Titanic. Challenger. Wallahu alam.

I am not saying all disasters are an immediate punishment. This is Allah's work. I am saying that we put our effort to have a sound protection for our abode and we rely on Allah to protect us from harm.

We are doing the story of Prophet Saleh alaihi salam. And the same theme happen here. Allah asks

Shuara 26: 146-152

Will you be left secure in that which you have here? (146) "In gardens and springs. (147) And green crops (fields) and date-palms with soft spadix. (148) "And you hew out in the mountains, houses, with great skill. (149) "So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. (150) "And follow not the command of Al-Musrifûn [i.e. their chiefs, leaders who were polytheists, criminals and sinners], (151) "Who make mischief in the land, and reform not." (152)

Allah reminded the people of Thamud on the blessings that Allah has given them, along with skills of making houses by boring the mountain. We have similar blessings as well.

What we need to do next is fear Allah and obey our  Prophet sallalahu alaihi wasalam.

Seriously my mind is everywhere.

Wait for Ibu

I came back quite late yesterday at about 9 at night after going out of the house since early morning. I came back home, famish! I hope my lover and and the kids spared some of the good parts of the grill they bought for dinner.

Lover kept smsing when am i going to get home because none of them had dinner yet. I was a bit not happy because its late, and they still not eating yet? I mean, do I have to do everything around here?

Why have they not eaten, i asked as i entered the kitchen.

They wanted to eat together with you. 

Awwww

Sukaaaaa

Tak jadi marah.

Preserving the Quran

When you say a person is doing tahfiz or the person is a hafizul Quran, you would understand that the person is memorising the Quran or he has already memorise the Quran in its entirety.

Hifz (حفظ) literally means preserving or maintaining. And that is exactly what a person who is memorising the quran is doing. Not merely memorising, but rather preserving the quran.

Allah says in surah Hijr 15: 9 (check out the arabic word for the meaning guard)

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ

Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).

So many Muslims all over the world are preserving the Quran by memorising it that would probably make it impossible for one to destroy the Quran or corrupt it in total (except in the end of times). Perhaps this is one way that Allah guards His Book. Allah knows best.

Let us be among these people who rush to preserve the Quran and be among those in Allah's plan to guard His words. Not for fame. Not for praises. But to be Allah's agents. His slave who only seek Allah's pleasure.

The other day I received a message that is most pleasing Alhamdulillah.

I’m always amazed at the statement of al-Hasan al-Basri where he says that the hafidh of the Qur’an is not just preserving the Qur’an through his hifdh. No, rather the Qur’an is what is preserving him/her.

The more we surround ourselves with the Qur’an and busy ourselves in its recital and memorisation, the more Allah preserves us and protects us through it.

When we think about how, at times, thousands of Angels descended with just one Surah (e.g. Al-An’am) or one verse, it is no surprise then to know that Angels surround, protect, and walk alongside the huffadh (the one who memorises) of Qur’an who spend their days in the company of this Book. It is no surprise if – due to their continuous recital – they find their life blossoming, their affairs being taken care of, their illnesses being removed, their heart being settled in peace, things working out for them and so on. When you preserve the Qur’an, realise that the Qur’an preserves you tonnes more.

Not to say they won't be inflicted with difficulties (in fact as you can probably observe they are tested with tremendous tests), but when tests do come, Quran, along with his Eemaan, with Allah's leave, will preserve the person.

Preserve Allah and Allah will preserve you.

May Allah make us from amongst the people of Qur’an, and die upon Islam.

'Attaar

In the Arabic culture of old, the spice seller called the 'Attaar, was seen as somewhat a player due to much interaction with women, who were the majority of his customers.

One such 'Attaar was riding into a marketplace on his mule, carrying his product with him, and true enough, he was swarmed by women even before he get to where he was going. They crowded him and his animal, asking him about prices and product.

Unfortunately none of them were attractive, in fact they were all far from it.

Without descending from his mule, he said

واذا الوحوش حشرات

And when the wild beasts were gathered (Takweer : 5)

A woman heard him, and without missing a beat said,

وضرب لنا مثلا نسىي خلقه

And he presents us an example and forgets his own creation (Yaseen :78)

-Al adkhiyah, ibn al Jawzi

Stand Up for What is Right

Sometime a couple of years ago, Haziq and some of his friends were into pen tapping frenzy. Its merely tapping the pen onto anything to make rhythm of sound. Its quite catchy.

Three of them including Haziq decided to participate in a talent show routine. After sometime practising they got themselves a new member.

Now this new member is a loud-bullying type of person. Somehow something happen between him and another member that I called Ahmad al Yemeni. Than this new a member whom i now called Abdullah al diktatori, with all this assumed power kick al yemeni out of the team a few days before the contest.

Haziq al Malizi and another chap Farz al Seyloni was stumped but because they did nitbwant confrontation with al diktatori they kept their mouth shut went on practising. 

Al Yemeni did ask Haziq to  get him back in the team but he didnt know what to do, so left it at that.

They contested and got second place.

Then i had a real adult conversation with hadith. 

The bad people are strong now, because those who are on the right are not bothered and just weak. While you are the majority, you still could not stand against al diktatori because both of you want to avoid confrontation.

But he is so argumentative.

True. And you allowed your friend be kicked out. There is a difference between hating argument and standing up for the wronged ones.

Just look around you now, we are weak because for a long time we allowed oppressors to reign. Trust me, its dark now but its only getting darker for the result in the future is our cowardice now. 

 فَاعْتَبِرُوا يَا أُولِي الْأَبْصَارِ

Then take admonition o you with eyes (to see)

Unfortunately standing up for the truth requires alot of hardship but there is honour in that.

Stand up for the truth even if you are the only one doing so.

Love Others as You Love Yourself

We went through this hadith which is the 13th hadith in the Imam Nawawi's collection of 40 hadith. We learned and recapped briefly on how much the ansar were helping the muhaijireen particularly during the early immigration to Madinah.

Who would not be at awe on how much they will go to help. Sharing houses is perhaps most basic thing that they will do willingly, but some also offered half of their wealth and offered one of their wives. Almost unthinkable. 

Then i was going through surah al Hashr: 59 and came to this ayat 8-11

(And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allah and to please Him. And helping Allah (i.e. helping His religion) and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW). Such are indeed the truthful (to what they say)

And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Bani An-Nadir), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful. 

And those who came after them say: "Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful. 

I stopped short at

وَلَا يَجِدُونَ فِي صُدُورِهِمْ حَاجَةً مِّمَّا أُوتُوا وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ

And

 وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا  

The first one Allah says there is no jealousy in the breasts of the ansar over the muhajireen. And the second one is they (ansar) asking from allah not to put hatred in their hearts.

Subhanallah! This is something I may find very difficult to do. To really help someone and go all out for it and not to mention, on top of that to have no ill feeling towards them.

I clearly am far away.

May Allah Increase You in Knowledge

I learned about someone's helper this last few days. Even though a tad too late but Alhamdulillah, whatever that Allah has planned, is always good.

My friend's helper for six years is leaving. She has been a very good helper. She is the only Indonesian helper I know who can speak Kelantan fluently. This she gained after six year stint with her Kelantanese host.

With a heavy heart on both my friend and the helper, she asked to quit because she has become even more wary about the issue of mahram. That a woman shouldn't be travelling without mahram.

On her free time, she likes watching HUDA TV. HUDA TV is an islamic channel where you get to watch Islamic programmes of various topics. The quality is to be reckoned with. She has been picking up a lot of knowledge from it. She is learning the deen and she is picking up english as well. Masya Allah. She is further assisted by my friend's children who use english generously at home.

Out of her thirst of learning, she bought the Sahih Bukhari collection of hadith (The abridged one) and has read it cover to cover. Masya Allah I am simply impressed.

I met her the other day and talked to her. Yes she can speak reasonable english. I am just not sure if she can understand my BM because I don't do Kelantan language and my attempt on Indonesian language is laughable. So we speak rojak. Masya Allah I enjoyed talking to her. I encouraged her to learn when she gets home. I gave her some good lins that she can continue to listen to when she gets back. I am just not sure whether she will have access to the internet though. I also encourage her to teach. Her little knowledge on english could be helpful to the Indonesians especially the children. Teach what you can. She said she is not good enough. Make du'a that Allah opens up your way and if it's good for you, Allah will open a way.

I just love seeing people who love to improve themselves. It is so heart warming. An example of my new friend here, in six years  she has gained knowledge of languages and her deen too. And all through self taught by the will of Allah.

I invited some people over for a friend's farewell yesterday. She came as well (with my friend of course). I gave her some books in english and encouraged her to learn. The look in her eyes when she got those books is akin to a child given an IPAD nowadays.

*LOVES*

 May Allah increase her in knowledge that is beneficial. 

It is in the History

Once upon a time, long long time ago, came a group of people in a desert area. They were searching for a precious jewel in this area as described in detail in their sacred book. In this area lived simple people of two different groups.

The new group were clever devious people. They were also merchants and experts in trade, jewel making and creating businesses. They worked hard in their business and they have fluorished in this new land. They even managed to control the trade of the area that even the locals were sidelined.

They used to give loans to the chief of the two local groups which the chief than would boast off their wealth to others. To ensure a strong anchor in this area, they conspired to spread mischief in this new land. Their approach: divide and conquer which was easy. Here in this land are two groups of locals who could never get along. The chiefs flaunt their wealth by the loans that they could easily provide. All they need to do is to ensure that the two local groups never reconcile and must never be able to meet eye to eye.

The new group of people would sit back and laughed at these local groups who are constantly at each other's throat. They are destroying each other in continuous war. The more the local groups are at war, the more the new group enjoyed their assumed power and wealth in this new country.

Once in a while, they would threaten the locals, "Once we find the jewel we are waiting for, be sure that we will destroy all of you!" The locals were always feeling inferior that this new group who is far wealthier has an upperhand above them.

After years of bloody, tiring war and destruction, the locals heard of a jewel found in another nearby land. Could it be, this is the jewel the new group has been talking about? What if we get to him first. And so they did.

The locals embraced islam at the hand of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam. The locals are the Aws and Khazraj, the two tribes that could not meet eye to eye. Under the guidance of Prophet Muhamamd salllahu alaihi wasalam and the unison of Islam, they came together as one. finally after long years of fighting, they found peace.

The Jews who were the new group of people who has been waiting for the jewel: Prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wasalam could not accept that this is the prophet that they have been waiting for. What? An Arab? How lowly!

This is now a problem because the Aws and Khazraj are not fighting anymore. They are united and strong and could eventually be stronger that them.

Then the jew plotted again. A man called Shas bin Qais an elderly of the Jews sent out his propaganda machinery. The media of the yesteryears. He sent out a young poet to sit among the arabs. To recite to them of the days of battle. To spark their memory by narrating scenes of their past conflicts and hostility and hatred among them. He recited to them verses that they used to compose satirising each other.

Slowly and surely the Aws and Khazraj remembered and hatred began to sow in their eyes. Past revenge has not been paid. Blood must shed! War must go on!

Little did they think, that this is a plot that when they began fighting again, the jews will enjoy their place and their expense and ensuring Islam dies together with the war.

Prophet sallahu alaihi wasalam rebuked them,
"O Muslims! By Allah! Have you entered the state of ignorance while I am still among you, after Allah guided you to Islam, honoured you with it, by it He cuts the fetters of ignorance from your necks, and delivered you from disbelief and united your hearts?"

The Aws and Khazraj immediately realised they mistake and embraced each other and was sorry that they had allow shaytan to control their mind. They become more united and stronger after.

We, on the other had, has regressed and deep in the abyss of disunity. We have the jews controlling the Shams area inciting fights and most like trying best to make sure the different gorups of Palestinians not to unite. The Muslim world are so divided that it is easy to slaughter whomever they wished. The have chiefs who love the dunya and support those who kill their own brothers.

We can't tell truth from false with media. Sure we hate the wests that are continously destroying the muslims, but we also hate each other.

We have swallowed in all the propaganda that we can't tell who is right and wrong anymore.

While the one trying to be closer to Allah disunite because of differences, the others are becoming agnostic and hate anything Islam by the day. While some are trying to spread the truth, others destroyed it by making fool of the religion.

Meanwhile we watch the onslaught of the Muslims. Honour has left us.

Hasbinallahu wa ni'mal wakeel.

Defending Ibu

I invited some friends over for buka puasa at my place the other day. While the adults enjoyed their meal, hopefully, the kids dashed upstairs to play. Jack and his friends played Wii.

If you are familiar with Wii you will probably know that in Wii you can create characters that you would use to play and Wii would store your record and accumulated strength. You can design a look (using their options) to suit your Wii character.

My kids designed the characters for all of us and my character is called, surprise surprise, "Ibu" and my lover: "ayah" and them in their respective names. They added some fictional characters that they use sparingly.

Anyway the kids were playing Wii and somehow while they played, this character "Ibu" kept annoying this kid. Out of his annoyance the boy exclaimed, "What is this stupid woman doing?!!"

Zachary, totally unhappy that someone called his "Ibu" stupid stood up to the boy and said,

"Don't call my mother stupid! She is clever, intelligent, creative, beautiful, fun and very cute!"

Yeah i do teach him that I am beautiful! LOL! The rest are from him Allahuma Bareek!

This was reported to me by Mrs Fath via her daughter who was there.

Jack took offense that the boy was insulting me event hough the character was not me for real. Despite that, I ask Allah that he (and my children and yours) become among those who stands for the truth and among those who differentiate truth from falsehood the way that Allah is please with.

Sayang Jack.

The Land of the Prophets - The Lowest Point on earth

THE VICTORY OF BYZANTIUM

Surah Rum 30:1-4
Alif, Lam, Mim.
The Romans have been defeated in the lowest land, but after their defeat they will be victorious within three to nine years.
The affair is Allah's from beginning to end.
On that day, the believers will rejoice. (Qur'an, 30:1-4)

These verses were revealed around 620, almost 7 years after the Persians had severely defeated Christian Byzantium in 613-14. In fact, Byzantium had suffered such heavy losses that it seemed impossible for it even to survive, let alone be victorious again. Following their defeat of the Byzantines at Antioch in 613, the Persians seized control of Damascus, Cilicia, Tarsus, Armenia, and Jerusalem. The loss of Jerusalem in 614 was particularly traumatic for the Byzantines, for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was destroyed and the Persians seized the "True Cross," the symbol of Christianity. The emperor of Byzantinne at the time is Emperor Heraclius. He scrambled to regain strength and money to defend what was left. Gold, silver and bronze of statues are melted down to fund for the army. Many governors had revolted against Heraclius, and Byzantium was on the point of collapse. Mesopotamia, Cilicia, Syria, Palestine, Egypt and Armenia, which had earlier belonged to Byzantium, were invaded by the Persians.

Everyone was expecting Byzantium to be destroyed. But during this time, the first verses of Surat ar-Rum were revealed, announcing that Byzantium would triumph in 3 to 9 years. This predicted victory seemed so impossible that the Arab polytheists thought it would never come true.

In 622, Heraclius gained a number of victories over the Persians and conquered Armenia.177 In December 627, the two empires fought a decisive battle at Nineveh, some 50 kilometres east of the Tigris river, near Baghdad. This time too, the Byzantine army defeated the Persians. A few months later, the Persians had to sue for peace with Byzantium, which obliged them to return the territories they had taken from it.

The Byzantine victory was completed when Emperor Heraclius defeated the Persian ruler Khosrow II in 630, recaptured Jerusalem, and regained the "True Cross" for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.179 In the end, "the victory of the Romans" proclaimed by Allah in the Qur'an miraculously came true within the verses' stated "three to nine years" time frame.

An interesting geographical fact that could not have been known by anyone at that time: that the Romans had been defeated in the lowest region of Earth. This Arabic expression adna al-Ard is interpreted as "a nearby place" in many translations. However, this is not the literal meaning, but rather a figurative interpretation. The word adna, derived from the word dani (low), means “the lowest”. The word ard means “the world.” Therefore, adna al-ard means "the lowest place on Earth." The Dead Sea, one of the regions in which the Byzantines were defeated in 613-14, is the lowest region on Earth.

The Byzantines and the Persians actually fought at the Dead Sea basin, which is situated at the intersection point of the lands belonging to Syria, Palestine, and Jordan. At 399 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is the "lowest" place on Earth's surface.


Also the day the the Romans won was the day that the Muslims won the Battle of Badr. The battle that is the pivot point for the Muslims onwards. And that is why in Surah Rum, Allah says the believers will rejoice. Not for the victory of the Romans but for their victory which was really against all odds.

Sadaqallahul Adzim
Indeed Allah has said the truth.


Do you know that Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. When we were in Jordan, most places are cold below 10 but after passing Mount Nebo and driving towards the Dead Sea, the temperature increases to 20+. The salinity at 31 which is 9 times the ocean. Is it the high salinity? the low level it is at?

Anyway just some info, dead sea is also losing its water. the river that goes into Dead Sea is drying up. Some naturally, some are diverted to farms and residential. Not to mention, Jordan is also facing water problem in general.

They are thinking of bringing pipleline of water from the Red sea into teh Dead Sea. from red to Dead. Would that affect the salinity and mineral contents it used to have? All the time they get freshwater from the river.

What impact would it give to the surrounding area if there is no Dead Sea. Tourism will be affected for sure. Weather also maybe, perhaps pulling the temperature of Jordan and Occupied Palestine lower.

Allah knows best.

The Land of the Prophets - Prophet Lut and the Dead Sea

Then we have the Dead Sea where it is believed this is where Allah's curses landed on those who transgressed and also what we know that those people committed the grave sins of homosexuality.





I remembered when I was 11 years old, I found a set of Encyclopedia for Children. In it has a picture of the Dead Sea and its amazing salt contain that make people unable to sink. I knew I must be at this place. I didn't get in the water though because my interest dwindle at this cursed place. I went there though and did taste the bitter, salty water and tested the miracle mud as people call it on my hand.

I was disappointed when I got there. It was littered everywhere. I mean for a site that is world famous, should this not be the basic thing to do? Especially for a country whose main income is tourism. It is perplexing to me.Of course there is the paid area. I suppose its cleaner there. They have toilet and towel facilities for you to wash yourself after splashing in the super salty water.

But the free area, it can sure be cleaner. Tanjung Mas Muo fare better. Having said that, you can't float unaided at the waters of Tanjung Mas Muo though.

The picture above, is at the southern part of the Dead sea area. No people here. And the view is spectacular.

Thinking back, when I read the Encyclopedia, I have always wondered about this Dead Sea. Can't believe I get to see it myself.

The Wise and the Patient.

Since we move to this house, i sent haziq to the masjid nearby for his quran. Alhamdulilah he enjoys his class even though none of the sheiks speak english and he doesnt speak much arabic either. But well, he'll pick up here and there i suppose.

When he first had his exam with this blue eyed sheikh, he told me he couldnt even look at the sheikh. The exam was one to one and face to face. And the sheikh would look at him above his glasses with deep piercing blue eyes. Eyes so blue that you can swim in it.

Haziq further describe this exam sheikh as someone who looks so wise. You can see wisdom in his eyes in his face in his smile and in his question. Even when he singles out haziq and ask him, "hal anta tafham?"( do you understand). It is as if only wisdom springs from his speech. The fact that he speaks arabic fusha (standard arabic) makes his speech beautiful. Masya Allah!

This sheikh we always refer as The wise sheikh.

And there is another one. He is the mudir of the centre. The kahuna. Haziq describes him as a very patient man. Haziq also said his feet is like those who is firm. He has firm and steadfast feet. How do you know this Haziq. I don't know, i just feel so.

Well perhaps the sheikh is.

He is the firm and patient sheikh - based on his feet.

As long as they are good description. Otherwise better to keep it to yourself.

I ask allah that the sheikhs are even better than what we think of them. And may their good characters rub on their students.

Having said that, we are not taksub to any of Allah's creation. Allow me to share this clip. The sheikh being address is Sheikh Uthaymeen rahimullah

Promising the Little One

Yesterday haziq promised Jack that he will play football this morning. I heard this promise and I saw how excited jack was at this thought.

Qadr Allah lover, myself and haziq went out last night to visit a sick friend and came back a bit late. Haziq was already feeling tired because he is not feeling so well and he just put on braces (yeah he has robot teeth now). Fajr now is also at 3 plus in the morning. He woke up groggy and went back to sleep.

Jack, despite waking up for fajr and sleeping back and would wake up a little later on other days, woke up before 7. He then tried to wake his abang up without much success. I went to his room and saw him leaning over Haziq desperately waking him up.

I asked what he was doing and he replied abang promised me that he will play football with me today. I explained to Jack that abang came home late last night so he is a bit tired.

Then Jack cried quietly and hugged me.

Oh Jack.

I distracted him with little conversation.

Later I quietly woke Haziq up ad when he did open his eyes, I reminded him of his promise to Jack. He woke up quickly. You should see Jack's face when he saw his abang.

They are playing ball outside as I type.

May they become the comfort of their eyes to each other as well as mine.

---

It is important that when you make a promise, to fulfill it. Do not even offer them sweet just to distract their attention but in actual fact you will not give him anything. This is lying and on top of that you are teaching your child how to lie also.

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Aamir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “My mother called me one day when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was sitting in our house. She said, ‘Come here, and I will give you (something).’ The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘What do you want to give him?’ She said, ‘I will give him a date.’ The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘If you had not given him something, you would have been lying.’”

Not that Haziq intended not to play with jack though. 

Takutlah

And the scariest thing of all, writing and inviting people to do good, but yet i myself don't do any of that. Ya Rabb

as Saff 61: 2-3

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ

كَبُرَ مَقْتًا عِندَ اللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُوا مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ

O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do?
Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do.

Takutlah.

Haziq's Virgin Ride

My lover has been having his mid-life crisis and is into MTB riding.Which I do encourage because truthfully I would do it myself.



I have been persuading my lover to take Haziq along. Especially on the easier rides. He has an extra bike. Extra helmet. Extra tight pants.

After months of persuading, and only when the days are getting hotter, lover finally agreed to take Haziq today. It's easy on the road ride.

Haziq looked like an excited child this morning. I told him, don't fall.

He came back and told me he had a fall. His knees were bleeding and his left wrist was in pain. Qadr Allah.

All the uncles were teasing lover that how will justify to me that cycling would be good for Haziq seeing that he fell on his first ride. Heh heh none of my men need to justify to me after a small fall like this.

Fall? Ride again young man.

We don't baby our men sissies.

Cewah!

Taubat Sambal Belacan

Haziq was watching me slicing up chillies and putting it into my sardin cap ayam sandwich. Ooohh this green chillies are fiery, Haziq. Surely my tongue will be on fire. Yum yum i digged in.

Why do you do that? He asked. You know its hot, yet again and again you eat them. Oh i don't know. Chilly is attractively delicious. It makes bland food, fiery. And delicious food even better. And the thrill is when the tongue actually starts burning. Eating a bland chilly, is like eating grass.

Now Haziq, have you heard of taubah nasuha? This is what my ustazah said back in school and somehow, i can always remember it. Taubah nasuha against taubah sambal belacan.

She said, make taubah. But don't make taubah sambal belacan. Dah pedas makan sambal, taubat tak nak makan lagi. But soon after that, you cant just resist the fiery sin of sambal belacan. And there you go again and again and you know it. You repent but cant resist when its in font of you.

Having said that, if this happen to you, just like many of us, do not despair, continue to make tawbah for Allah loves the one who continuously repent and lets make the next repentance a taubah nasuha.

Surah tahrim 66:8

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحًا عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُكَفِّرَ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَيُدْخِلَكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ يَوْمَ لَا يُخْزِي اللَّهُ النَّبِيَّ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَهُ نُورُهُمْ يَسْعَىٰ بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَبِأَيْمَانِهِمْ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا أَتْمِمْ لَنَا نُورَنَا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will remit from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) the Day that Allah will not disgrace the Prophet (Muhammad SAW) and those who believe with him, their Light will run forward before them and with (their Records Books of deeds) in their right hands they will say: "Our Lord! Keep perfect our Light for us [and do not put it off till we cross over the Sirat (a slippery bridge over the Hell) safely] and grant us forgiveness. Verily, You are Able to do all things."

The Land of the Prophets - We can See Philistine

As we go up north to Madaba, there is this place called Ayn Musa which hosts a spring of water. Supposedly to be one of the places where Prophet Musa alaihi salam strike the rock and water gushes out for the twelve tribes. There is another site that is said to be also where the Ayn is - which is in Petra and I didn't go. *Bangs head*

Allah knows best and it doesn't really matter where.

Al Baqarah 2: 60

And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses) asked for water for his people, We said: "Strike the stone with your stick." Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each (group of) people knew its own place for water. "Eat and drink of that which Allâh has provided and do not act corruptly, making mischief on the earth."

I was told, on better days there is more water here. The water source is now being walled up to maintain the place. When we came, there were a few bedoin women who were fetching the water at the spring.

In Madaba, there is Mount Nebo. The Christians took this mountain as their holy place because they believed Prophet Musa alaihi salam was buried here.

This is the memorial of Prophet Musa alaihi salam in Mount Nebo. But that is not his grave. It is just a memorial. They never did find his grave. This was not the reason I came here though.

From a hadith concerning the moment Prophet Musa alaihi salam death.

Abu Hurayrah (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) said, "The Angel of death was sent to Musa. When he came to Musa, Musa punched him on the eye. The Angel returned to Allah and said, "You sent me to a servant who does not want to die". Allah ordered the Angel, 'Return to him and tell him to put his hand on the back of an ox and for every hair that will come under it, he will be granted one year of life'. Musa asked, "O Lord! What will happen after that"? Allah replied, 'Then death'. Musa decided, let it be now'.
Musa then requested Allah to let him die close to the Sacred Land (near Masjid Al-Aqsa) so much so that he would be at a distance of a stone's throw form it". Abu Hurayrah (ra) added, the Prophet (saw) then said, "If I were there, I would show you his grave below the red sand hill on the side of the road". (Bukhari)

Where is the red hill? Allah knows best.

Mount Nebo thus become one of the sites for the Christian pilgrimage. I didn't know before that there is Pilgrimage in the Christian believe. And their sites are, if I am not mistaken. Jurusalem, Jericho,  Jordan river where Prophet Isa alaihi salam was baptised by John the Baptist (As the Christian's believe) and Mount Nebo. John the Baptist is Prophet Yahya alaihi salam.

Just something that I have been pondering because someone told me that the Christians pilgrimage is to the V@tican. Since Jesus alaihi salam was born and was raised in this area and this is the area where Christianity originates, how is it that the V@tican became their holy place? A study in history perhaps.


Mount Nebo is about 46km to Jurusalem and 30km to Jericho. And on good weather you could actually see these places. The sheer feeling of being so near gave me hope. I pray for true Muslim leaders in these areas.

The Land of the Prophets - Wadi Musa

As you already know, Jordan and the Shams (Including Syria and Philistine) are the blessed lands of the Prophets as narrated to us in the Quran and the sunnah. Of course, the other lands surrounding it - Egypt, Iraq, Saudi and Yemen.

We were traveling from the south and passed through the Petra area. Before arriving onto Petra, you will pass through Wadi Musa first. A village where many of the modern day Bedouins settled now. It was said, this is the valley that Prophet Moses passed as he had to roam with his people.




The southern area of Jordan going up north and bordering to Philistine are vast land of mountainous dessert. Now, it is still arid and dusty but here and there olives and figs lined up at the foot of the mountain.

You can just imagine Prophet Musa alaihi salam and Prohet Harun leading his people throughout the mountain after the holy land was forbidden for the Bani Israel; them for forty years after they refused to obey Prophet Musa's command to enter the land of Batul Muqaddis and fight the transgressors in there.

Al Maidah 5: 20-26
And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses) said to his people: "O my people! Remember the Favour of Allâh to you, when He made Prophets among you, made you kings, and gave you what He had not given to any other among the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinn, in the past)." "O my people! Enter the holy land (Palestine) which Allâh has assigned to you, and turn not back (in flight) for then you will be returned as losers."  They said: "O Mûsa (Moses)! In it (this holy land) are a people of great strength, and we shall never enter it, till they leave it; when they leave, then we will enter."  Two men of those who feared (Allâh and) on whom Allâh had bestowed His Grace (they were یوشع وکالب yusha and Kâlab) said: "Assault them through the gate, for when you are in, victory will be yours, and put your trust in Allâh if you are believers indeed."  They said: "O Mûsa (Moses)! We shall never enter it as long as they are there. So go you and your Lord and fight you two, we are sitting right here."  He [Mûsa (Moses)] said: "O my Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother, so separate us from the people who are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious and disobedient to Allâh)!"  (Allâh) said: "Therefore it (this holy land) is forbidden to them for forty years; in distraction they will wander through the land. So be not sorrowful over the people who are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious and disobedient to Allâh)." 

They refused to obey even though they were saved from their centuries of being oppressed. Despite seeing so many miracles that prophet Musa alaihi salam including the split of the sea, along the way of this migration, they still demand for a physical God.. Even though they are under punishment, Allah still allow them to have the companionship of their Prophets and Allah provided them food from heaven - Manna and Salwa and shades of clouds when the sun scorched upon them.

In Petra, is is said that Prophet Haroon alaihi salam was buried on one of the mountains there. They build a mosque there but I did not go.

Among the landscape of the vast dessert

A Jar of Cookies for Sya

Sya had a camp out at her school backyard this week. Throughout last week she was thinking of baking some cookies to ring to her camp out. But I was err lazy. And also the cookies recipe I had in the Magnolia Bakery recipe book was complicated and the ingredients were beyond me and I have run out of interest in this anyway.

But you know what, I noticed Sya has improved so much in many things. Not up to par yet (especially her messy room) but what I look for is effort and improvement that follow suit. Result is up to Allah. And we must acknowledge that people are different. Not everyone can be scorer and can find maths easy or or or. 

Regardless, effort is what I want to see. And this is what I am struggling with Sya. Alhamdulillah she seem to be coming out of her blur cocoon and is more aware of what she needs to do and what is expected and what it means to give good work.

Her hifz has also leapt and is beginning to retain her memory without me having to strain my vocal chord so much.

Don't expect a noble prize just yet but I am more than grateful to Allah, because it has been stressed for many years with her. And now Jack. Another story.

So I thought why not I surprise her with some cookies for her camp out today. I am lazy yes. But I will make an exception when I am happy and appreciative. 

It's my first time. Baking cookies that is. He he

So yeah a jar of cookies for Sya with lots of love and messy kitchen and happy other people in the house.

May Allah make her righteous and among those who is ikhlas and ihsan.

---

I sent the cookie jar picture to lover to tell him that I am sending this to Sya but the cookies was tak cantik and kembang-kembang. He replied nampak sedapnya yum yum. That evening he came back home. I think he was looking for the same jar with the red lid. But he couldn't find it because I have already send it to Sya. He was so shocked because there were no more cookies and started babbling and I err sort of let him.

I was surprised he didn't see the cookies in the clear tupperware. He said I must buy more ingredient and I must make more. I told him I am lazy to make more. Then he said I have to go to Magnolia Bakery and get their cookies then but that is cheating because it is not the same one. And insisted and insisted I must make some more. Then suddenly he saw the cookies on the table right in front of him. Isk isk isk kekasih ni, takkanlah saya tak tinggalkan BANYAK untuk awak dan anak-anak. Meroyan cari batu belah batu bertangkup pulak nanti.

 Rasa dia sedaplah jugak. tak lah over the top. But I like the burnt one most. I believe the burnt one has low sugar count sebab dia pahit. LOL

Allah Gives it Life

Among the joy of gardening must be to see a dead plant revived to life again.

Especially after witnessing many wilt to the increasing heat, or lack of maintenance, or pesticides or whatever that Allah wills.

Your effort : Good soil, placing it where it will receive right amount of sun depending the type of plant, right amount of water, fertilisers.

Whether it will live or otherwise, is entirely up to Allah. Until when it will live is up to Allah.

Al Fussilat 41:39
And among His Signs (in this), that you see the earth barren, but when We send down water (rain) to it, it is stirred to life and growth (of vegetations). Verily, He Who gives it life, surely is Able to give life to the dead (on the Day of Resurrection). Indeed! He is Able to do all things. (39) 

Ar Rum 30:50Look then at the effects (results) of Allâh’s Mercy, how He revives the earth after its death. Verily, that (Allâh) (Who revived the earth after its death) shall indeed raise the dead (on the Day of Resurrection), and He is Able to do all things. (50)

Meanwhile, since we do not know Allah's scheme of things, we put our effort and tawakkal.

I suppose the joy of gardening is seeing the fruits of Allah's plan. Thus seeing life in His signs. 

Drinking in Jordan

The traditional food in Jordan is not disappointing at all. Masya Allah they are delicious. I particularly like maqlubah literally meaning upside down. Originally from Philistine, made famous when the Philistines began to make Jordan their home. But really most of their dishes are nice. It plays round with fresh tomatoes, ghee, herbs, nuts and grilled stuff.

Anyway on our last day at Petra and also our last day of Jordan in Aqaba, we thought of eating at a nice restaraunt set up. You know good food, nice setting, nice environment and so forth. So we entered this restaraunt. Loads of visitors in there. Very full.The host was bubbly and were doing things fast and yet managed to talk to all his customers.

I didn't realise that in Jordan, alcohol is allowed almost everywhere. Maybe because I am living in Qtar where you can only find alcoholic drinks in hotel and can only buy if you have license to buy it. It was in this restaraunt that I overheard someone ordered beer and the host explained that he didnt have beer. After taking his order, he mumbled to himself in arabic that alcohol is haram and he will not sell it.

Subhanallah! Here I am in a restaurant that is full of visitors and as you know the fitna is, alcohol SELLS. This restaurant is on the main street going to Petra surrounded by visitors who are used to drinking and almost all restaurants have alcohol (I only realised this later) and here the owner refuse to have alcohol for his fear of |Allah.

And look at his restaurant, the food is really good (I am not bias), the restaurant has a nice ambience, the customers came in more than once and it is listed in major tourist guidebooks, and some fair comments in tripadvisor HERE and HERE.

Does it not remind you what Allah says in Surah Talaq 65: 2-3

And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allâh will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allâh has set a measure for all things. 

Put your means - good food, good location, friendly host, clean place and everythign a good restaraunt should have and tawakkal. May Allah make the owners steadfast and not fidget with fitna and mat Allah bestow him barakah.

In Aqaba was tougher, all the nice looking restaurants that are jam packed with tourists mostly divers pro or otherwise serve alcohol. We were about to go to a normal kebab joint when we spotted one near to our hotel. Also filled with people. Slow in service  though but food was good. Well the bread would be nicer if its fresh. Also no alcohol.

Why do we need to please people and go against our deen? Really the tourists can do without alcohol for a while. And because they are tourists, they would understand the difference in custom. Jordan does not have to sell themselves this way because Jordan itself is a country that will make tourists flock to them even without alcohol. But then again perhaps the owner is non muslim. And I must remember not all Arabs are Muslim.

Yup remember that.

This thought of maqlubbah is making me hungry.

____________________________

When I was in the university, I stayed in the hall with people from different countries. me and a Turkish guy were the only Muslim. Anyway, they know I don't drink. An Italian girl asked me, what do you drink for dinner in the restaurant when you cannot drink wine? Even though I find this question strange because I always wonder how do you quench your thirst drinking wine and not to mention getting rid of that hot taste of chilly with wine or brandy or that fiery alcohol drink, I told her we have varieties of fruit juice freshly pressed, or water not to mention variety of tea drink, milo and coffee. All no alcohol? Why spoil it I'd say.

They respected me and respected my believe. The other one who drinks openly on the other hand was always getting the bashing from others for not obeying Allah. Another story perhaps.

2013

Already the third month of the year eh? Alhamdulillah for the chance to continue living and amend and work harder. By the way did I tell you I turned 40 last year? Alhamdulillah. A strong reminder that youth years are over and I can only pray that the little deeds I tried to do are accepted. Ya Rabb.

Some changes this year with timings. My lover's office changed his timing from 730 in the morning to 7. His office is approximately one hour away. So he needs to be out by 6 to be on time. The thing is, he usually sends the kids to school. Thus giving me time to cook before I go to class.

To send the kids now, he should go out the latest 540 in the morning and the kids will be there at 6 in the morning waiting for the gate to be opened.

Cut story short, it is decided that i will be sending the kids from now on. This would jeopardize the quality of food because I usually use that time before my 8 o'clock class to cook.

To top it, the traffic to and fro to this current house has worsened. With the roads that are forever under construction, I can only make premonition that it'll get worse. I have to be even more creative with cooking that should be quick and easy. Buying out is among the most top three options. :P

I suppose this the answer to my du'a that I ask Allah to give barakah to my time. Usually when you are busier, you tend to use your time better. Alhamdulillah ala kulli hal. We must try to make best out of this situation. Sure I am disappointed with his office but we must seek goodness to calm the heart. Of course meanwhile I ask lover if they allow to do flexible timing. Tapi I know the answer with these arabs. Dia orang kerja doha aje, senanglah cakap.

So I get to hear first hand whether the kids are doing their adzkar. Haziq has a funny way ensuring they do recite though. Main snap-snap finger aje.

I get to memorise in the car. Baca kuat-kuat dalam kereta macam dalam studio. I will upload more lectures on the iphone/ ipad. The car has bluetooth connection to the sound system. Memang blast! I am hinting to lover, I want an increase in allowance. Tee he he. Kerja lebih tak ada cuti tak ada mc babe. Tapi rasanya tak ada can. It doesn't hurt to try.

On another note, I admit I am tired out at the end of the day and prefer to spend time at home. Alhamdulillah, I rarely got invited. Come weekend all i want is to have a good morning exercise with the kids, hearty breakfast, halaqah after solat jumaat and board games after that or outing with them alone. And KAFA on Saturday. This is joy to me. Alhamdulillah.

I pray that you are in Allah's protection always.

Get the Children to remember Allah Too

Are you among those who get to spend rush time with your kids in the morning? And also in the evening? Among those who get to send the kids to school? Or maybe has a short idle time with them in the midst of the rush hour? If you are, then you are the lucky fews may I suggest that you spend this time to teach them to remember Allah. That is making dzikir.

I cannot stress more on making dzikir particularly in the morning and evening. Subhanallah there is so much benefit in it. Reward. As a protection. A du'a. And Allah knows what other benefits He will give.

When i was younger, I was given the du'a mathurat. Coupled with jahil and laziness, I fellt that it was overwhelmingly too much and boring. Of course it was. I didn't know what i was reading. It was overwhelmingly ALOT! And reading is not making du'a. It is just reading.

Starting early, undoubtedly makes it a habit harder to break, Insya Allah.

First of all, may I suggest you turn off the radio for a while. Everything else is lesser a priority than remembrance of Allah. To tell you the truth, it was hard for me. But try disciplining yourself. Make the dzikir first. perhaps after a while, music even nasyid on radio will become noise. Ameen.

Break into small doable chunks. Try doing the three quls first. Three times. Do it together at first to encourage them. If the kids have not memorised it yet, do a separate exercise as well. But have a practice in the morning. Do this as much as you can everyday until it has become a part of you and them. It may take some time or it may not.

‘Abdullah Ibn Khubaib said: ‘The Messenger of Allaah (S) said to me ‘Recite!’ I replied ‘O Messenger of Allaah, what shall I recite?’ he said ‘Recite:

[Al-Ikhlaas]

[Al-Falaq]

[An-Naas]

…in the evening and the morning three times for it will suffice you of all else.’

When all are comfortable, add ayatul Kursi. I find many kids do not know ayatul Kursi. At least in the Kafa class I am doing. If they have not. Have a separate exercise for this. Ayat Kursi is important. meanwhile practise it before sleeping and you read out loud in the morning. The repetition will help them Insya Allah.

Again, do this every morning together until they are independent. When they are, tell them to read quietly (not in the heart though) on their own. Once in while spot check on them. Sometimes their ayat kursi goes everywhere. He he.

Now you may have the three quls and ayat kursi. For myself I would prefer to the the dzikir "lailaha illallah 100 x, subhanallah.. 100X, astaghfirullah 100x but maybe it's a overwhelming for the kids. If not go ahead.

‘

None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, alone, without partner, to Him belongs all sovereignty and praise, and He is over all things omnipotent.’ (one hundred times every day)

‘How perfect Allaah is and I praise Him.’ (one hundred times)

Otherwise start with the small easy du'a for them to memorise. I would choose a short one to build their confidence. Like this one for example.

‘

I am pleased with Allaah as a Lord, and Islaam as a religion and Muhammad as a Prophet.’ (three times)

‘O Allaah, grant my body health, O Allaah, grant my hearing health, O Allaah, grant my sight health. None has the right to be worshipped except You.’ (three times)

(ii)

‘O Allaah, I take refuge with You from disbelief and poverty, and I take refuge with You from the punishment of the grave. None has the right to be worshipped except You.’ (three times)

‘Allaah is Sufficient for me, none has the right to be worshipped except Him, upon Him I rely and He is Lord of the exalted throne.’ (seven times morning and evening)

You can check out some part of the Fortress of Muslim HERE. Go over the meaning and only move on when they are fairly good at it.

May Allah accept our deeds and May Allah make the earth as our witness. Imagine in Yaumul Akhirah when the earth will be allowed to speak and inform what has been going around her. Imagine the stones, the trees, the sand, the plastic (petroleum is from earth kan?) in your car speak for you and on your side. ya Rabb we are in need of your mercy.

The Flowers are Brighter on the Other Side

We were told by our compound guard that they had bouganvilla planted in all houses. But ours didn't have this colourful easy to maintain flowers. Instead we had bushy, half dried creeping jasmines. Of course, if this country is autumn with pleasant sun, creeping jasmine on the wall would be nice. Alas, the summer is cruel, it wilts the fragile leaves and flowers. So i pulled out all the jasmines and planted a few bouganvilla around the wall. Personally, I think, this is the easiest plant to grow in this country. Very little maintenance except watering, fertilsing and pruning. And yet, under the hot sun, it blossom to bright colour flowers. The climbing one has the most beautiful effect. It's climbing very slowly though. I planted it last November. It's quite a tall wall to climb.


Look it's peeking out from the wall now, exclaiming, Freedom! Tee he he


Only one for now though because this one had a headstart compared to the rest of the bouganvilla. In November it was already at half the wall. It takes about three months to climb the next half of the wall.

And these are my neighbours'. Masya Allah!


Subhanallah. It's really nice to have all the neighbours who love flowers as well. Alhamdulillah I get to enjoy the colours everyday.

Practicing Du'a

Sometimes despite learning a particular du'a or a surah that you know is a sunnah to be read at certain time, we become slack in practicing it. Now and then, we are reminded, then we practice it, at some other time we leave it. Now that I don't really spend my time with the kids before sleeping, i have to remind them about the three quls and all that. But I myself slack in reading the Baqarah and al Mulk each night. :\ I would usually be the one to wake the kids up in the morning. And because Jack is the baby, I do spend a bit of time waking him up. Usually this is what I do, call everyone. Shake Haziq. Knock on Sy'a door loudly (she is always locking the door) then call jack's name last. After a while I would call Jack again until finally I will sit on his bed. When he is halfway waking up, I would say to him, "Jack Alhamdulillah..?" to prompt him to continue. If he doesn't respond, I will repeat until he does continue Alhamdulillahilladzi ahyana ba'dama amatana wa ilahin nushur. All praise is for Allaah who gave us life after having taken it from us and unto Him is the Resurrection Eyes still closed. But baby voice tu yang mahal tu. Then I will ask him to get up properly. Try it. perhaps it is one way that we will be istiqamah in reading our daily du'a and help the children to start their day with good words too. Insya Allah.

Who is this guy?

Among the places I went to in Jordan was Wadi rum. It is known as among the best sanddunes in the world - world class. Especially made famous from the movie Lawrence of Arabia.

The magnificent red sand is not disappointing. Huge red rock as tall as ten story building, red sand, natural ancient trade path and natural springs in between the rock.





However, it was more than all these beautiful sights that intrigued me. The name T.H. Lawrence kept popping up whenever I read up about Wadi Rum. Who is this person? He is a white man from Britain (16 August 1888—19 May 1935). Stayed in the desert for sometime. Started off as an archeologist in the middle east and underwent training with the British military and was sent as a military officer in the middle east.

From learning about Wadi Rum, I came to learn about Arab Revolt. I do not know much about history  and I am still trying to piece things together. So what I write here may be inaccurate. However I wish to ask you to think about it with me. Perhaps Allah will open up our understanding of things.

For a simple reading of what Arab Revolt is about, read the wikipedia writeup HERE.

For 600 years Islam was under the ruling of the Ottoman. It was a large power to be reckon with. One ruling under the banner of Islam. Sadly at the end on the 19th century, things begin to brew within this empire. Was it excessiveness? hedonism? But the younger generation we already looking into this idea of secularism.

Coupled with that, at the beginning of the 20th century, new ideas were emerging in the Arab world - nationalism. Ideas were spreading that they were not able to see that being under one strong force is better than breaking up and become a solo individual. Nationalism caused them to see, that the Turks are ruling us the Arabs. Its not about living under one islam banner. This idea is flamed up by certain parties eyeing for power for themselves.

All these seem to be at the right place and the right time - easy loophole for the west to come in the picture. They sent in their man - someone who can be trusted - among them T.H. lawrence whose main work is to ensure the nationalism spirit is well fuelled.

Paid the bedouins in gold, providing ample funds and arms for the rebels, in the end they managed to destroy the great empire. And thus it's so easy to divide the arab nations. And here I am wondering what is Qtar celebrating their independence from. Free from the Khalifate and into nationalism.

This division makes everyone individualistic. Just about 30 years later, Israel was formed with brutal killing of the Palestines. Along the road, most of North africa nations are ruled by dictators. Ahundred years later, you see Syria as it is now, not before she is already ruled by cruel family rulers. Yemen is never at peace. Sure we have the few rich ones - Qtar, UAE, Saudi - but what happen to the brothers?

Where is their initial dream of big arab nation? Supposedly, it should be one big nation from Syria allt he way to yemen. One big happy arab family. The countries remain among the most backward despite having so much oil and natural resources. Ya Rabb.

When I came here, I have always wondered, why is this country getting independence from the British? When did the British rule them? And if so why is this country  not under commonwealth countries like all other colonised nations? Remember teh national quiz I took part in, read HERE, I had to read the history which was told in a different light of course. But yeah, this was among the country which freed herself from being in the banner of the Khalifah, and the one who revolted is hailed as a hero in the modern arab history.

Then again we are reminded of this hadith

Hudhayfah son of Al-Yaman reported that the Messenger of Allah sallalluhu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Prophethood (meaning himself) will remain with you for as long as Allah wills it to remain, then Allah will raise it up whenever he wills to raise it up. Afterwards, there will be a Caliphate that follows the guidance of Prophethood remaining with you for as long as Allah wills it to remain. Then, he will raise it up whenever He wills to raise it up. Afterwards, there will be a reign of oppressive (The reign of Muslim kings who are partially unjust) rule and it will remain with you for as long as Allah wills it to remain. Then, there will be a reign of tyrannical rule and it will remain for as long as Allah wills it to remain. Then, Allah will raise it up whenever He wills to raise it up. Then, there will be a Caliphate that follows the guidance of Prophethood." Then Hudhayfah said, "The Prophet stopped speaking." (As-Sililah As Sahihah)

If these countries do not come together again under one banner, if the love of individual wealth is the top priority, then we will continue to be the weak individual country as what we are now.

To tell you the truth, I am appalled at the fact that J0rdan hailed this lawrence guy as if he was a hero of some sort. Going to J0rdan made me feel even sad at our already sorry state. Ya Rabb guide us.

Some opinion on Arab revolt with insertion of clips from the movie L@wrence of the Arabia.

The fall of the Ottoman empire

Qadr Allah, this was all inevitable. The Turks themselves were playing the nationalism game and began to impose their language and customs to people. We have now become exactly the opposite of what Islam has taught and we are paying the price for it.

Water

We took the horse to climb up the mountains of Petra. They told us this is the same route as Indiana Jones took in the film The Last crusade. We took the ride because it looked adventurous and also we were trying to save time.

Anyway if you can notice in the picture, there are some black water hoses on the ground. This is what they have resort to, to water the whatever plants that are left in this area. I read how water is already a problem in Ustaz SaifulIslam's Travellog - "Rindu bau pohon tin". According to him, he was advised to take little shower let alone wash up. That was back in 1992. And I heard it's getting worse.

It is amazing that water is a problem because they have river, they have mountain, they have oasis. In fact Petra, for example, was chosen to be the location of a civilisation among many reason was access to water. They had water channel to channel it to residential areas around the city. They diverted big flood from the siq to a reservoir so that it will not flood the city and their temple. (Left is water channel in Petra)



The Dead Sea, for example is also dying. The water from different rivers in Jordan is drying up, either naturally or being diverted to farms and residential areas. The oasis in the north is also drying up.

A replica of a mosaic map in Madaba. You can see the Jordan river depicted there going into dead Sea with fish scampering away from the lethal water
This was the country that was thriving with civilisation after civilisation. Nearly all great civilisation around the vicinity wanted this land and the surroundings. All the ruins I went to, there are evidence of water management- water channel, open cisterns ducts and other means.
Cistern diagram in Citadel Amman


Left : From what is left from a river near Petra.

Some of the hotels that I went to (which was not of many stars rating) has very little water.

As we drive along Jordan, we saw many big pipes and water hoses along the road. A major desalination project all the way from Aqaba will be supplying water to Jordan.

The thing about desalination is the effects in the long run. They will have to spill the hot waste back into the ocean and it will destroy the marine life. In a long run, their thriving diving tourism will be affected. It will also affect the water and its evaporation into rain. It will give an illusion that you have so much water because the sea is there to exploit but will probably leave nothing for the next coming generation.

Allah Mustaan.

Sure Jordan has rain. In fact after I left the country was snowing and rain and flood follows. Ya Allah may we will be bestowed with rain that is beneficial. Don't we hear nowadays, so much rain and yet no water? Ya Rabb bestow mercy on us.

This trip made me reflect upon what we have. Our green country with abundant rain. Do we think this will last forever. Looking at past generations, we will learn and must take heed that Allah can take all of these away. look at rub al Khali, the vast desert which, they say, use to thrive with streams and gardens. look at these past civilisation. Where are the resources?

I reflect upon Qatar, a country with no water resource of whatsoever. A country that uses desalination plant as their stream and lake but yet has the highest water consumption per person in the world! Allahu Akbar. I feel afraid that Allah will take away when we are in excessive, when we do not care and when we do not show gratitude.

And throughout this journey I cannot help but to reflect on the last verse of Surah Al Mulk

67: 30

Tell me! If (all) your water were to sink away, who then can supply you with flowing (spring) water?"

And also from Surah Nuh

71: 11-13

"I said (to them): 'Ask forgiveness from your Lord; Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving; (10) 'He will send rain to you in abundance; (11) 'And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.' " (12) What is the matter with you, that [you fear not Allâh (His punishment), and] you hope not for reward (from Allâh or you believe not in His Oneness).  

The Children and the Quran

When I first had Haziq, I was ever determined that I will be the first to teach him the Quran. I wanted to be his first teacher. I wasn't a teacher material but Alhamdulillah, along the journey I had an easy opportunity to learn to read the Quran with tajweed.

Back then my determination was probably because I myself was taught by my mother, may Allah make this as light for her and forgive her sins. So I have always thought, it is natural for a mother to do so. Coupled with I-want-to-do-everything-myself-attitude, I made sure the class go on every week days.

Alhamdulillah I am still trying to teach the children the Quran. We are slowly doing memorisation of the words of Allah. However, I have also decided that come the right time, I will send them to others which obviously are more knowledgeable and Insya Allah will fine tune the children in their hifz.

Anyway, as I have mentioned sporadically in previous post, starting last summer, I felt that Sya is already ready and should go to a group class. Alhamdulillah we found one - for girls only. A small informal one where most of the girls are her friends who are also into Quran. They had quiz day last week where they are put in teams of two and compete with each other. Sya didn't win the overall quiz but I know she did well, Masya Allah, Tabarakallah.

And Sya can stand on her own. She looked confident with her answers. The spirit of the girls in the class encouraged her to push herself. In that sense, I felt that she has blossomed and I am proud of her. I am glad I made the decision to send her there. Such testing task I have to say, the distance and the traffic. Ya Allah..

I pray that Allah will open the doors for all of us for Quran. And the Quran that we read and we memorised will be for us and not against us.

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Did I tell you also sitting down listening to them also help me with my own Quran. It's part of my Quran revision. So I haven't let go of them even though they are doing it with others. he he. Selfish sikit maaaa.

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I would like to share with you a video. The video shows two boys who cried. The former because his football team lost and the latter is because he finally finished his Quran memorisation.  I am actually not in favour of the first part of the video because I personally I do not like to make comparison like this and plus you can see the boy's face. I don't like that. Also there is nothing wrong with football except that too much love in it is wasteful of emotion and heart space.

But please look at the message of the sweetness of completing memorisation Quran. ya Allah. The boy was already having a hard time reading from suratun Nasr because he knows in a few more surah will mark the end of his memrosising throughput the Quran. And that requires a big sacrifice and hard work.

May Allah allow us to live long to see this for ourselves first and to our children. Ya Rabb.