Lost in Translation

Thank Allah for the Azan:)

2010-09-07T16:33:00.000-07:00

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

What? a NEW entry?? Yes, after many months, I'm back.

Syukur Alhamdulillah I am still alive to this day (and TGIR: Thank God It's Ramadhan!!)

Hopefully everyone has (almost had) a good Ramadhan and hopefully we didn't just gain starvation and thrist insyaAllah:)

Anyways, just to share. I have a busted alarm clock in my house. The one with the azan everytime prayer time comes. Sometimes, it azans when its not supposed to. It started yesterday; and it so happens that on the same day (earlier though) I saw these words of wisdom: "Hear the call of the Azan for it may be your last."

MasyaAllah. Coincidence? I think NOT!

" Indeed all things We created with predestination" (al-Qamar: 49)

Let us perform the solat:)

2010-02-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalamu'alaikum readers. Long time no...write? Yeah, pretty much.

Just an update: am currently in Malaysia (and loving it!)

Ok, back to the blog entry.

So, got reconnected with my loved ones at home, especially the kids. Can't get enough babysitting, if you know what I mean;p I have five beautiful nieces and nephews. They're all special in their own way. But, this blog is partic

ularly about Myra (my first niece).

Myra is turning nine this May. Alhamdulillah, she is routinely praying. After every azan, she will already be ready on her prayer mat. My heart melts as I hear her recite the surahs of the Qur'an. When I say 'recite', I really mean the traditional amplified regurgitation as if done in choral:D So cute. I'll try to get a video up.

One thing's for sure, Myra puts all of her aunties to shame when she starts praying the second the azan stops. Whatever she's learning, I hope she keeps it up. InsyaAllah, she will be a great Muslim and contribute to the betterment of Islam. Amin.

However, there are problems with Myra's recitations. That's where we come in. It's our responsibility to fix any mispronounced words to avoid wrong meanings.

L.O.V.E.

2009-11-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Back in the days, watching movies just involved watching (duh!). But now, with the understanding of Islam, I watch and reflect.

Movies entertain. That's what they were made for, right? But have you ever noticed how they make you internalize the wrong things (even if you don't realize it)! Don't believe me? Look at what the media has done to our generation: who's who on the celebrity IT-list, top songs on the charts, boyfriends, girlfriends, who's hot and not. Are these really necessary for the life after death? NO! In fact, they add on to our sins.

As I mentioned, one of our generation's concern is that of boyfriends and girlfriends. Movies do their best to capture the beauty of love. This subsequently allows us to long for love and companionship. Yes, we could have feelings for others, however, should these "feelings" overcome that of for Allah? Astaghfirullah, NO!

"...(Lawful to you is marriage) are chase women from the believers and chaste women from those who were given the Scripture before your time when you have given their due Mahr (bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage), desiring chastity(i.e. taking them in legal wedlock) not committing illegal sexual intercourse, nor taking them as girlfriends. And whosoever disbelieves in Faith, then fruitless is his work; and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers." [5:5]

My parents are aware of the fact that I want to get married (who doesn't, right?), and everyday they ask me whether or not I have a boyfriend yet. When explaining the haram-ness, they only laugh. I pray that I can instill what I understand in them. How do I do so? Through my actions, insyaAllah. Hopefully, they'll see that I can marry because of Him and not for my love (or lust) for a guy. What I hope to do best is show my younger sisters the love for Allah so that they do not stray from the path entrusted on us. Who knows? Maybe better, my nieces and nephews. But definitely, my children.

In conclusion:

"Ya Allah, please guard me against this. I do not wish that my love for anyone is above which the love for You. And, please Ya Allah, let me love for Your Sake. Amin."

Don't be a quitter, pick up your litter:)

2009-11-11T07:22:00.000-08:00

In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Why is it so hard to turn off the fan or lights when you're not in the room?

Why is it so hard to make sure the tap is tight so no water drips?

Why is it so hard to keep a wrapper in your pocket until you find a trash can to dispose of it?

These may seem like little things, but considering them might buy us a few years. Whether its recycling a bottle, picking up a small piece of trash off the floor, it helps. No effort is too small.

Allah only borrowed us the Earth, it wasn't a gift! So, how do we treat things we borrow? With care. Besides, if you cause destruction to Earth, it's a sin. what good is it if you preach of good doings and obedience to Allah, if you don't include taking care of our planet. Who would have thought, environmental awareness in religion? Newsflash: Islam is syumul (complete). Everything, and I mean everything, is included.

I came across this Ayat in the Qur'an:

The recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and do mischief in the land is only that they shall be killed or crucified or their hands and their feet be cut off from opposite side, or be exiled from the land. That is their disgrace in this world, and a great torment is theirs in the Hereafter (5:33).

In the Malay translation, the bold text is translated as 'mereka yang melakukan kerosakan di bumi' which means those who do destruction on Earth. My interpretation is the inclusion of polluting, etc. (If I am wrong, please correct me.) But, Allah knows best. If it is correct, it's a pretty big sin, asbig as waging war against Him and His Messenger.

So, what are we waiting for? GIVE OUR PLANET A HUG!! It's waiting:D

Examplary Pak Cik and A Wave from the Kaabah

2009-10-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

I read this article Kak Aini posted on Facebook:

http://www.bharian.com.my/Current_News/BH/Thursday/Agama/20091028234921/Article/

Hope he and his wife gets the most beneficial and a mabrur Hajj. Its so moving that this man went all out to fulfil Allah's demands. Imagine if all Muslims did that, we wouldn't be in the state we are now. Unwanted and disliked.

Reminder for Muslims, especially me:
What are we saving towards?
The latest phone, that dream vacation?

Surprising to see they're all material items that really don't do any good for us in the Hereafter. This pak cik took ten years saving up for his Hajj. Imagine ten years of drive. Drive for Allah. Worth every second, I'm sure! I'd sure want to be in his shoes right now:D

The article also entails a mak cik leaving her sick husband to fulfil her duties as well.
I guess sometimes, you just have to leave dunia things to get closer to Him. It's all a test. Are we up for it?

Too Many Muslims?

2009-10-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Shocked to hear:
Former Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews suggests that Australia should cease the growing population of Muslim migrants?

What? Why?

The world's gonna be Muslim before the Day of Judgment anyways@.@

But even the current Immigration Minister claims his views did not contribute to any reasonable debate. Luckily, the Rudd government does not share the views expressed by Kevin Andrews and does not believe they contribute to an informed debate.

(btw, this is in Australia)

Sick Day

2009-10-25T23:06:00.000-07:00

In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Well, I'm sick. Can't say much about it, except...
runny nose, dry cough, soar throat, drowsy eyes, light-headed, etc.
Ok, maybe I can say stuff about it:p

Though it may seem I'm complaining, I'm not.
These are just descriptors. Adjectives (well, what can you say? I gonna be an English teacher!)
The thing is I'm so thankful.

That Allah presents me with the time to reflect on how I spent my days of being healthy.
It really is leisure, when you don't have a headache every time you cough:)
When you're healthy, you do nothing but demand rest,
but when you're sick, you do nothing, but rest.
It makes you think, doesn't it?

Another reason? Well, I am sneezing non-stop. Allah gave me the chance to
thank him a million times over. (1,000,000 yeays!)
Everytime I sneeze, I say Alhamdulillah!
Alhamdulillah again, and again, and again, and again..you get the point!

Really, I have nothing to complain about. I have the best gift of all.
The gift of being born into Islam with Iman and Ihsan:D
Alhamdulillah (yet again!)

My Ustazah

2009-10-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Well, this blog is about a special teacher dear to my heart. She's no ordinary teacher. She taught me the Quran.

Growing up outside Malaysia, I had several ustazahs (or female religious teachers)who taught me the Quran. However, because these ustazahs were students, they come and go. I remember beginning to learn the Qiraati (beginning level book before the Quran) until only like 30 pages with one ustazah and end up doing the same with another. I kept repeating the same recitations:( Even in Malaysia, I never really got a hold of reading consistently.

Till one day, I asked a God-sent sister if she could help me learn to recite the Quran. She was happy to do so. Masya-Allah, her devotion was great. She came almost everyday; before class, after class, even if she passed by or if she was tired. She came, rain or shine.

(read the article before moving on)

http://pembina.com.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=288:ipg-pendidikan-islam-juara-keseluruhan&catid=15:beliawanis

I've always wondered why I've never stuck with one ustazah, but it turned out Allah wanted to give me the best:) Alhamdulillah.

So, this is a special entry for my sister, my ukhti, my ustazah. May Allah bless you always.

Love you fillah Kak Lin:)

A letter to the culture that raised me

2009-10-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

By: Yasmin Mogahed

Growing up, you read me the Ugly Duckling. And for years I believed that was me. For so long you taught me I was nothing more than a bad copy of the standard (men).

I couldn’t run as fast or lift as much. I didn’t make the same money and I cried too often. I grew up in a man’s world where I didn’t belong.

And when I couldn’t be him, I wanted only to please him. I put on your make-up and wore your short skirts. I gave my life, my body, my dignity, for the cause of being pretty. I knew that no matter what I did, I was worthy only to the degree that I could please and be beautiful for my master. And so I spent my life on the cover of Cosmo and gave my body for you to sell.

I was a slave, but you taught me I was free. I was your object, but you swore it was success. You taught me that my purpose in life was to be on display, to attract, and be beautiful for men. You had me believe that my body was created to market your cars. And you raised me to think I was an ugly duckling. But you lied.

Islam tells me, I’m a swan. I’m different – it’s meant to be that way. And my body, my soul, was created for something more.

God says in the Qur’an, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (49:13)

So I am honored. But it is not by my relationship to men. My value as a woman is not measured by the size of my waist or the number of men who like me. My worth as a human being is measured on a higher scale: a scale of righteousness and piety. And my purpose in life – despite what the fashion magazines say – is something more sublime than just looking good for men.

And so God tells me to cover myself, to hide my beauty and to tell the world that I’m not here to please men with my body; I’m here to please God. God elevates the dignity of a woman’s body by commanding that it be respected and covered, shown only to the deserving – only to the man I marry.

So to those who wish to ‘liberate’ me, I have only one thing to say: “Thanks, but no thanks.”

I’m not here to be on display. And my body is not for public consumption. I will not be reduced to an object, or a pair of legs to sell shoes. I’m a soul, a mind, a servant of God. My worth is defined by the beauty of my soul, my heart, my moral character. So, I won’t worship your beauty standards, and I don’t submit to your fashion sense. My submission is to something higher.

With my veil I put my faith on display – rather than my beauty. My value as a human is defined by my relationship with God, not by my looks. I cover the irrelevant. And when you look at me, you don’t see a body. You view me only for what I am: a servant of my Creator.

You see, as a Muslim woman, I’ve been liberated from a silent kind of bondage. I don’t answer to the slaves of God on earth. I answer to their King.

**I was moved by this compelling piece-telling me that we are (whether we realize it or not) slaves to the 'latest trends', media, etc.

SHIFT YOUR PARADIGM SISTERS!

Fasting for Him:D

2009-08-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

WHY DO WE FAST?

For money?

I remember growing up to "If you fast, you'll get a dollar for each day of fasting."

Did Allah say anything about money in the Quran? Don't think so.

As a diet?

I always hear "I bet if I fast, I'll lose weight. Look good for Eid."

Nope! Allah didn't mention anything about obtaining the 'perfect body' when you fast:p

Guess what? Fat people can go to Heaven too! (insyaAllah)

To save money?

Who hasn't heard of "We're gonna save big coz of the free iftar at the mosques!"

Well, there's an idea. But, then again, Allah did say something about money.

But I think it was sedeqah, not saving any??

For Eid?

And the ever-famous "It's Ramadhan, we should get ready for Eid. Can't Wait!"

How come we weren't excited when Ramadhan was coming?

No spring cleaning? No new clothes? No decorations?

SOUND FAMILIAR?

If we wanna fast for these reasons, go ahead. But, it wont get you far in the Hereafter.

We should only fast for one reason, and ONE REASON only! Allah!

Narrated by Abu Hurairah r.a.: Allah's Messenger s.a.w said. "As-Siyam (the fasting) is Junnah (protection or shield from the Hellfire). So, the person observing Saum (fasting) should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should say twice, 'I am fasting.' " The Prophet s.a.w. added, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better with Allah SWT than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The Saum (fast) is for Me. So, I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.' "

[Sahih al-Bukhari, 3/1894 (O.P.118)]

Think about it (maybe better to think about it before you fast).

Salam Ramadhan everyone.

Should I? Shouldn't I? Yes, I should!

2009-07-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

I watched this video of Baba Ali surveying Americans on how much they know about Islam. I thought I'd just share the link with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8bE13u3YGs

This video led me to post this blog entry. This is because I have heard (once or twice) that students who have deep Islamic knowledge (maybe if they went to Sekolah Agama/ Religious School) do not have the confidence to share their knowledge with others. Surely, if you are confident with the message of Islam, you would want others to believe in it as well? It is sad to hear this as I, myself, do not have an in-depth knowledge like scholars and such, but yearn for it, insyAllah. If we as Muslims do not educate others about our religion, who will?

People may snear at Islam. Who knows? Maybe with what knowledge we have to offer, the disbelievers (the very lucky ones) might repent and embrace Islam. Amin. The best part would be: WE HELPED!

excuses, excuses:(

2009-07-04T03:46:00.000-07:00

In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

"Excuses are for the incompetent;" a phrase I heard yesterday. There is no good to come of excuses. Do you think that Allah would listen to our excuses in the Hereafter? I don't think so. The words from our lips won't do us good; it will be the speech from our body parts that will determine our deeds, or otherwise.

Instead of giving excuses, why not critique ourselves.

critique |kriˈtēk|nouna detailed analysis and assessment of something, esp. a literary,philosophical, or political theory.
In other words, muhasabah. Critical thinking. Spending 5 minutes to reflect on our daily actions would certainly benefit us, believe it or not:D

Rise up!

2009-05-24T04:01:00.000-07:00

In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

I was watching a program for a charity raising money towards a sustainable change for poverty around the world. What I was most impressed to see was the incredible bodies established to uphold women's and children's rights in India. One, in particular, was the one of a community radio created and run by children for children's right. It's amazing to see that one girl, Regita (let's assume that's her name), could bring about a huge impact to the Indian community. Not only did she fight for the right of children in India, her community radio program also received an award of prestige. Now, you might ask what the big deal is, an award, right? Well, it must have been an esteemed award because BBC received the same award the following year.

This touching story made tears flow (although it's easy to see me cry) and led me to think 'Where are or young Muslims?' Jamie Durie, the host of the show, stated that the amount of passion put forward into these movements allowed a sustainable change for the future. If Muslims had the same amount of passion for our religion, we should surely succeed in our bidding. Sadly, our young Muslims have gotten to caught up with the latest 'it' things. Though we aren't being physically attacked (like in Palestine), our minds are chronically deteriorating. Why? We're being attacked too, mentally.

So, come on young Muslims. Rise up! We are the answer to the future of Islam. Which, in the promise of Allah, will surpass all others. So, basically, Islam will reach its destination of glory, the question is are you along for the ride?

Say, "I LOVE MY FRIEND"

2009-04-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

I was researching for my EDB 010 (focusing on
peer support) when I came across this saying:
If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day, go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime,
help someone else.
It says that this came from a sign posted in a volunteer center for the elderly.

What I noticed most about students from my school visit was the fact that they help out with their peers a lot. When looking into this matter, I discovered that not only Australia, but other western countries, encourage this.
I'm not saying we don't practice it, but I think it should be weaved into
our practices spontaneously. Just a thought.
This reminds me of a hadith from Rasulullah SAW (I only know the Malay version):
Dari Anas R.A meriwayatkan bhw Nabi saw bersabda: Tidak sempurna iman kamu sehingga kamu mencintai saudara kamu sebagaimana kamu mencintai diri kamu sendiri. (HR Bukhari)

So, go on! Let's help a friend today:)

Why oh why?

2009-04-26T02:06:00.000-07:00

Why is it so hard to tell the truth but yet so easy to tell a lie?

Why are we so sleepy in the mosque yet when the prayer is over, we suddenly feel refreshed?

Why is it so hard to talk about Allah but yet so easy to talk about other people?

Why is it so boring to look at an Islamic article but yet so easy to look at a nasty one?

Why is it so easy to delete a Godly e-mail but yet we forward all of the nasty ones?

Why are the mosques getting smaller, but yet the dance clubs are getting bigger?

Do you give up? Think about it...

I received this offline message through my YM! I thought instead of forwarding it to other people, I would post it on my blog instead. So, hopefully this is a helpful stimuli to get you to reflect on what is mentioned.

EUREKA!

2009-04-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Archimedes reportedly exclaimed, "Eureka!" when he stepped into a bath and noticed that the water level rose. This was when he understood that the volume of water displaced from the bath tub is equivalent to the volume of the parts of his body he had submerged. This mean that the volume of irregular objects could be calculated with precision which was a previously intractable problem. He realised that he could use water to work out the volume of the king's crown (Why would they want to do so in the first place, I'll never know!). Despite this famed Greek mathematician not only made many mathematical and scientific contributions, but he even coined a term.

The previous paragraph was not just to give you a science lesson, but history on how this popularised exclamation came to be many things, including the name of my new street:

Eureka Street!

I read in an article that brain researchers have discovered that Archimedes' Eureka experience is because of the "Aha! experience" (you know, when the solution of a problem comes out of thin air!). Like, when looking for the street in early November with Fadilah. She helped me search for it, it was when she saw the street, she yelled out, "Eureka, Eureka, Eureka!" Props to Fad for bringing back the old-school phrase!

Note: This is an old post I didn't publish. BTW, the picture is of the Eureka Street furniture store right next to our home.

So, it was basically a post to share how thankful I was to Allah for getting a house while others kept looking for a house. However fun it was getting a new house, it's all dunia. It may not be applicable now, but this should be remembered when we get a new new home like when we get married, etc. No matter how big the house you own is, or how expensive your car is...there is much greater rewards to be had in the Hereafter.

And the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. But far better is the house in the Hereafter for those who are al-Muttaqun (the pious). Will you not understand? [6:32]

We should keep in mind that this is a promise for only the pious. So, where does that leave us? Well, I guess you have to figure it out how to be among one of the pious. But not to worry for Allah has sent us a guide: the Holy Qur'an.

Yet, another thing Allah provides for us to be grateful for:)

Sleeping disorder gone out of hand:(

2009-04-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

Today was a one of those days where you wish you could turn back time. I have two assignments due by the end of this week. I was supposed to get started on them long time ago, but my procrastination made me do otherwise.

Like I said, I really regretted doing what I did this day: SLEEP! I know some of you may think: What's wrong with getting some shut-eye? Well, nothing, but when you shut your eyes for almost 12 hours of the day, that's when it's a PROBLEM! I couldn't get a wink of sleep the previous night, then I slept right after Fajr prayer. To add, I didn't get any work done, at all. I was seriously upset and disappointed with myself. To make things worse when I got up, I couldn't help but entertain my "mood of not wanting to do assignments." This led me to browsing the net (checking e-mails, Facebook-ing, etc.) which then led me to signing in my Yahoo Messenger!

That's when I saw it..a friend's status that hit me like the wave hitting the shore. It was in Malay and said "Hidup ini mst bergerak, bkn diam dan bukannya beku, HIDUP ADALAH PERJUANGAN! Akan berjuangkah org yang duduk berpeluk tubuh? Hidup adalah menikmati kelazatan susah, bkn bersedap-sedap dgn tidur nyenyak" -YAQ) Reality check: I slept the whole day, waking up to regret but not doing anything about it. This is sad.

The Qur'an includes a few ayats mentioning time. But the most significant is that of Al-'Asr. It reads:

In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful. By Al-'Asr (the time). Verily, man is in loss. Except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to perform all kinds of good deeds, and recommend one another to patience. [103:1-3]

Surely, I don't want to be among those who is in loss. So, use all the time we get so that we don't regret it later and be sure not to waste time because we won't get it back.

Note: The picture is of our housewarming gifts. I just wanted to include a picture of the clock (from the Scott residence).

Newsflash!

2009-02-03T03:45:00.000-08:00

Hey readers! I'm sorry about the long absence in blogs. I did type a new post, but haven't had the time to put in pics and edit it (I know, it sounds like an assignment!). Truth be told: I'M EMPLOYED! Yeah! Thank Allah 'cause this slave has been looking for a job for quite a while as she's been desperately poor and on the verge of starvation (quoted from Fiqh classes). So, the point is: I've been very busy since the second week of January.

The past few weeks have been tiring (but totally worth it!). All I've been able to do online is logging on to Yahoo Messenger. That's when I found out that this particular blog has "silent readers." Who knew, right? Word of advice to those reading without dropping a comment: Please let yourself be known! FYI, I am a beginner blogger and get really excited when people acknowledge the existence of my blog.

Until next time:D

Gee, thanks!

2009-01-07T04:29:00.000-08:00

Bethlehem – Ma’an – Israel reportedly bowed to international pressure on Wednesday announcing it will halt its air raids on Gaza for three hours each afternoon to provide a “humanitarian corridor” for the delivery of food and other aid.

Gee, I wonder what three hours will do. Well, I suppose it IS better than nothing. But, seriously! Why don't they just stop. They're adding to the number of Gaza casualties rather than those who have wronged. Or are they really looking for trouble? A war with Palestine, is a war with all Muslims!

Just a short blog to unleash this anger!

My First Finger

2008-12-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

O Allah! Let me be patient. Amin.

I have just recently came back from an exhausting two-day road trip with my friends. There were nine people altogether. I had loads of fun except for the driving part. I'm not a patient driver, you see. I still need to work on that. If you're reading this entry, please remind me to be patient at all times. Patience is, after all, a virtue. In fact, there are several verses stressing patience. Though there are many, I am most fond of this one:

"...Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Sabirun (the patient)." [8:46]

Who wouldn't want Allah's company? In a way, being patient successfully is a reward in itself. So, that was one thing I've noticed during the trip. It wasn't that I just realised it, but I've always saw this as one of the major things I need to work on. Hey, I'm human! However so, I pray that we are all among those who are As-Sabirun. Amin.

Congratulations Umai!

This is a special shoutout to Umai who started to "really drive" here in Australia. She drove Humairah all the way to Ballina. How cool is that? Humairah drove Humairah (FYI: Humairah is a Hyundai Sedan we drive in Brisbane while Humairah is my dear ukhti). Here's a picture of her victorious drive into the New South Wales border.

We had a GREAT time. The trip was successful (Alhamdulillah!). Thanks to our organizer/Amirah: Choc. We pushed off a bit late (still human) heading towards Ballina, which is further south than Byron Bay. Here's the funny thing: without the exact whereabouts of the place, we first stopped at the public toilet. Mind you, I was deprived of sleep and uncomfortable, so I got cranky. This was until I saw the lovely view of the river next to us. There I took a few pictures and got my smile back. Then, we headed to the Lighthouse Beach. It was beaautiful. While other went on the rocks at the river bank, Kak Wina and I went to the Beach. Kak Wina, creative as she is, wrote and drew all kinds of things in the sand. In admiration, I took the photos of some as all I wrote on the sand was "Sarah." Talk about creative. Of all Kak Wina's sand-writing, this was my favourite:

Isn't it nice? Definitely, better than mine. After the Lighthouse Beach, Umai wanted to stop by Lennox Heads, which was really close by actually. There we played a game. Don't exactly know the name of it but it was like Musical Chairs without the music.

Then, it was off to Byron Bay. Subahanallah! It was beautiful. We stopped by a few places, one or two beaches and the so-called famous lighthouse.

We ended the day when it was pretty dark. Since I forgot to transfer the batteries from my Wii remote to my speedlight, I was doomed to set the camera on auto. How sad. But, the last pic of the day did end up quite ok. I was satisfied.

O yeah. About the title. The next day, we had a boxing-day shopping spree at Harbour Town. After the exhausting retail therapy (yeah, who knew therapy could be tiring?), we head back home at 3 because the car had to be sent by 6. On the way back, while driving slowly, trying to avoid tickets and summonds, etc., a blonde driver drove past me "exhibiting" her middle finger. Nice! It made me so mad! What's wrong with driving slow? Ok, it was kinda my fault because I was in the fast lane. But, show a little courtesy, at least. Oh well, that was "my first finger." Kak Chik and Umai (the only ones awake) saw the wholething and tried to calm me down (THANKS! Love you guys for it!) But, how much could they do? Nothing could help me come back from that (Wow, the trauma!) until I came across Allah's words:

" The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allah orders the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly) then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend." [41:34]

As usual, Allah comes to the rescue. Thank you Allah!

Where's your pork-loving, alcoholic friend?

2008-12-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, you DID read the title correctly. And NO, this blog is not associated with anyone of the sort. Here's the story: It all started when we (Me, Kak Chik and Fad) planned to go to Indooroopilly for a Smiggle-ing retail therapy session. Before that. Here's a funny metal plate I took a picture of somewhere in Melbourne.

Since I didn't eat breakfast (as usual), I was absolutely starving. I don't know why but lately I've been obsessing over sushi after years of THE INCIDENT (flight from LA to KL; maybe next entry?). Though there were no signs of pork, it wouldn't hurt to ask. Better be safe than sorry, am I right? Well, so, I asked the lady at the counter, "Excuse me, is there any sushi with pork?" She replied, "Sorry, no. But we do have something that tastes like pork." Obviously, I shook my head indicating that I do not desire anything with pork. She seemed disturbed. Probably thinking, "Why in the right mind would she ask for pork if she didn't want any? Makes sense. Moving on, I inquired on the alcohol content. She was shocked and looked at me with a weird face saying no. If was as if she was looking at me and trying to tell me, there's no alcohol in sushi..don't you know how to make sushi? Well, as a matter of fact, I DON'T! Why would I buy something I can make? Ok, maybe I do that sometimes, but not in this case. It didn't bother me at first, but when her friend came. She hastily told my "story" to her friend. I know I can't understand Japanese, or Korean, or whatever she was speaking but one thing's for sure, I do understand English. She used the word 'alcohol.' Gee, I wonder what she's taking about. Annoyed, I bought my sushi and left (well, a girl's gotta eat).

That's the story. Oh, and a bout the title: Fad wanted to buy sushi after we had dramatically left the stall (nice!). I told her to go alone because I didn't want to become the joke of the sushi girls. When Fad returned, I asked her. Did the girl ask where your pork-loving, alcoholic friend was? Just thought I would share this 'interesting' little incident that happened to me.

There is a message. Don't be ashamed to ask what ingredients (or how it's made) are in something. We should be proud we're not consuming haram products. InsyaAllah, He will reward us for making an effort to eat halal and toyyiban food. But then again, not consuming the above is a reawrd in itself. Why? Well, studies show hat there is a certain bacteria in pigs that cannot be killed no matter how they're stewed, fried or baked. As for alcohol, well, let's just say that it's flammability will definitely "get the fire going." If you know what I mean. Hell; it's a hot place. Chances are, you don't want to be consume anything flammable prior to that. So, basically, Allah forbids the bad for our won good. I'm probably guessing there's a verse on that but I'll attach it later.

Remember Him?

2008-12-18T05:02:00.000-08:00

In the Name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Today, I cleared my Bulk (aka Spam) mail. Yes, talk about having time on your hands. While reading a few, I came across an email from an adik, Nafisah, wishing me happy birthday. I know the time has passed but I was, and still am, touched by the words she had written. What I liked the most was the quote taken from the Quran in the last part of the email. It was:

"Say: Truely, my prayer, my service of sacrifice, my life, and my death are (all) for God, the Cherisher of the Worlds" [6:162]

I guess it's a do'a, and I think I'm right:D And it led me to thinking of what we do everyday. Is it all for Him? Do we intend it for Him? Do we remember Him when we do these things? If your answer is apart from 'Yes', 'Uh-huh' or a 'Yup,' you'd better think it through.

God is Almighty. Duh! Everyone knows that. So, you don't want to mess with Him. If He tells you to do something, you'd better do it. You don't wanna get on His bad side, trust me. Remember what happened to those before us? Stories from the Quran that tell us of the once-prosperous tribes of Samud and Ad. Their ungratefulness had led to their own destruction for Allah took them swiftly. Bare in mind that He gave you life, He can take it back as easily too.

This is just a reminder for everyone, including myself. So, let's all thank Nafisah. But most of all, thank God for inspiring her to send me the message in the first place. Let's face it, we're nothing without Him.

"And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can keep back His favour; He brings it to whom He pleases of His servants; and He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [10:107]

Cherry-ing up myself:D

2008-12-17T06:11:00.000-08:00

To console ourselves (the unemployed), we went on a vacation. As if we didn't have enough money to spend.