tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71626096585200236702024-03-05T19:53:42.143+08:00Real Life In Malaysia ... and everywhereWhat you see is not always what you get. Real people. Real life. Questions. And surprising answers ...Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.comBlogger455125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-31159140119640967992020-01-23T12:28:00.000+08:002020-01-23T12:28:58.824+08:00Been So LongAssalamu'alaikum Dear All.<br />
<br />
Indeed.<br />
<br />
It has been so long.<br />
<br />
I was triggered.<br />
<br />
To check a weblink.<br />
<br />
That I kept here.<br />
<br />
Found it.<br />
<br />
And I lingered.<br />
<br />
I saw that most have left.<br />
<br />
Their 'houses'.<br />
<br />
Since years.<br />
<br />
Some are no longer accessible.<br />
<br />
I miss them.<br />
<br />
IbuSham. MakPiah. Blu4Sky.<br />
<br />
Sad.<br />
<br />
Last link. Khairul Abdullah.<br />
<br />
His last post yesterday.<br />
<br />
Alhamdulillah.<br />
<br />
The virtual world still has its bridge.<br />
<br />
<br />Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-23541196752102689732019-02-25T11:59:00.002+08:002019-02-25T11:59:44.212+08:00PresenceAssalamu'alaikum.<br />
<br />
The deadened heart is that which no longer has presence.<br />
<br />
Vanity needs mirror.<br />
<br />
Arrogance needs another person.<br />
<br />
To get out of delusional state we utter<br />
everything in every instances.<br />
<br />
We must learn how to respond appropriately.<br />
<br />
Tribulation sabr patient.<br />
Blessing gratitude reminder to pull you back.<br />
<br />
To be a conscious human being created at the door of infinity - the death.<br />
All the roads lead to death but only one leads to good death.<br />
And thats' the way of Ihsan.<br />
<br />
The concept of the wayfarer.<br />
<br />
People of stillness. People of presence.<br />
The response to fanaticism and zealotry is sakinah. This is Allah's gift. And the heart should be opened.<br />
<br />
God is closer to us than our own consiousness.<br />
<br />
May Allah SWT give us taufiq and hidayah.<br />
BarakaAllah feekum.<br />
<br />
Memo: The above are notes I jotted directly for the blog, as I listened to a syarah that I have now forgotten by whom. I must have been distracted by something else. And the notes remain in draft since ages. I saw them as I was scrolling down the blog posts. And it touched my heart again. And as usual good moments are best shared. The notes are just keywords. I hope they make sense to the readers as they do to me. It's been a long time. Life remains complex. Allah SWT is our Protector and Helper.<br />
<br />Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-43580835259465697622018-05-30T13:02:00.003+08:002018-05-30T13:02:37.181+08:00The Search. Day 3<div style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
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Dari Allah Ta'ala kita datang. KepadaNya juga kita kembali. Syukur atas segala nikmat dan rahmatNya. Sabar atas segala dugaan. Semoga kehidupan yang singkat memberi manfa'at kepada yang lain.<br />
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Camelia Memory for Adik Yang Jauh.<br />
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Been away for awhile. Alhamdulillah. Syukur. Banyak. Successfully defended the Thesis. 15 May 2018.</div>
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Remembering friends who were with me. While burning the midnight oil.</div>
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Thank you. Dear <a href="http://sarfaeiz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Ibu Sham</span></a> </div>
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Thank you. Dear <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogin.g?blogspotURL=http://blu4sky.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Blu4sky</span></a></div>
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Thank you. Dear <a href="http://keeplatched.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mak Piah</span></a></div>
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Blessed be to all.</div>
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The Search. Day 3. April 3 2018. Tuesday.</div>
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Let me talk about the hotel first. </div>
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Somehow hotel and me work well together.</div>
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Hotel provides me with the space to quieten down. No clutters. No distractions. I could think better. And dream better.</div>
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From Farm Lodge Hotel we took a taxi to Newtown House Hotel. Hayling Island. A short hop away.<br />
And closer to our destination. I asked the taxi man. Whether he lived in the island and was familiar with the area. No unfortunately not.<br />
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'It's okay. We will manage. Inshaa Allah'. I said to myself.<br />
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Newtown House Hotel. Image: Self.<br />
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A 1795 old building turned hotel.<br />
Camelia blooming while some others were still in buds.</div>
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The front of the hotel may look compact and solitary.<br />
In reality the hotel has a large area that includes spacious lawn for events especially weddings. Shown below is a model of the entire hotel complex. </div>
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It was a beautiful day. Beautiful weather. When we arrived. Took one look at the camelia.</div>
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And I fell in love.<br />
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Camelia to welcome us.</div>
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We reached early. About 12.00 noon. Check-in was at 2:00 PM.</div>
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It was kind of the reception to check us in early.</div>
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We had a family room. A beautiful comfy room. On the first floor overlooking the spacious lawn. All the three of us together.<br />
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Alhamdulillah. </div>
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We discussed our next step. We decided to take a short nap, do our solat, and get a taxi to our Adik's address.</div>
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I was worried that Adik may no longer be at the address. </div>
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But it was better to know than not knowing. So let's go and pay her a visit. I said to my sister HR and niece HZ.</div>
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By 5:00 PM we did our solat. Booked a taxi. And was ready to go. We were apprehensive. We made doa. I asked for Husband's doa.<br />
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As usual I was the quieter among us. I couldn't seem to express my thoughts and feelings verbally. I worry that I should not express my worry to them. I wanted us to be positive at all times. </div>
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Always trusting Allah Ta'ala to help us.</div>
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The taxi arrived. And we moved.</div>
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I told our taxi man the address. All set. We moved on. </div>
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The island was charming. Away from the beach. Farms abound. Old English houses. Narrow roads. Simultaneously rural and touristy.</div>
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I have checked on Google the location of the address. And slowly guided the Driver along the landmarks.</div>
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The houses were named. They had individual names. But no house number. So we asked our Driver to drive slowly so that we could read the house name on both the sides since we were not sure from which direction we were approaching. </div>
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And then. We found it! The address. Hoping that it was also her house.<br />
Alhamdulillah.</div>
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The gate was open. To a spacious driveway. Our taxi entered. And I alighted.</div>
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I went to the front door. Gave the doorbell a push. Once. Pause. Twice. Pause. Three times. No answer.</div>
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My sister joined me. We went to the back. Gave the back door a knock. Again. Then again. No answer.</div>
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No one seemed to be in.</div>
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There was a large garage next to the driveway. Our thoughts were that their cars could be inside the garage.</div>
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Our taxi had another assignment and could not wait. Although we would have liked to return to the hotel with the same taxi.</div>
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We had explained to him our reason for being there. He wished us the best. He seemed to understand. For he was a stranger himself to the country. Coming all the way from Romania. To earn his living, driving taxi.</div>
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As the taxi moved away. We also moved out of the driveway, crossed the road and stood by the roadside thinking what to do next.</div>
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We did not want to be lingering by the house. Our appearance was certainly not local. And I would not want any unfortunate matters arising from our presence in the area.</div>
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London was currently on the news for 'hassling Muslims'. Some deaths had been mentioned. That was the reason our Muslim Taxi Drivers had been cautioning us about moving about in public.</div>
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With hijab on.</div>
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But as always. I trust that Allah Ta'ala will protect us. </div>
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We just have to be careful and not to cause suspicious eyes who were watching us, I was pretty sure, from neighbouring windows, to worry.</div>
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My sister and my niece were very much into photo taking. And I had to stop them from doing it openly. Sometimes it was hard for them to understand my caution.</div>
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Standing and getting chilled. I said to my sister. Let me go and enquire from this front neighbour. They might be able to help us.</div>
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I left them both by the roadside. And walked gently. It's a long way to the front door. A long driveway. A handsome Mercedes parked along it. Another, less handsome I presume, because I couldn't remember what was it, was parked closer to the house.</div>
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I could sense that I was being watched from the large living room window.</div>
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I reached the door. Gave a knock. No doorbell. Only a door knocker. Once. Twice. Thrice.</div>
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And waited.</div>
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Image: Google.</div>
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And then it opened. Alhamdulillah, said my heart.</div>
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And a senior gentleman appeared, with countenance quite official and professional. I apologised for disturbing him and introduced myself. I explained that I was looking for ..... (Adik and Husband) and was wondering whether they did indeed live in the house across the road. Yes indeed they were.</div>
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He confirmed.<br />
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But they didn't appear to be home. I said. Yes, their cars were normally parked out and they appeared to be away since the past few days. The Gentleman explained. Oh okay thank you very much. I said. Not knowing what else to say. I bid goodbye. I had politely enquired whether he had any mobile contact to Adik or her Husband. To which he regretted to say none.</div>
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I went back to my Sister and Niece and informed them about the neighbour's confirmation, that we were indeed at the correct location.</div>
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We decided to go back to the hotel, to return the next day. Suddenly I thought of leaving a small note of our presence through the neighbour. It would be for Adik to know that we were around and good for the neighbour who was seemingly wary of our intention.</div>
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I tore out the centre page from my small 'to do' notebook and wrote a short message. Carefully measuring my words against the apprehension of rejection. Nothing but our love and affection. And that we were presently at the hotel. And waiting. And our telephone numbers.</div>
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It was an open note. So that the neighbour could emphatise with us. And deliver the message to Adik or her Husband.</div>
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Slowly. I walked back to the Neighbour. And again. I knocked. I was feeling bad. For disturbing them the second time. </div>
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He opened to my profuse apology. And requested him to pass on my small note to Adik or her Husband. I thanked him quickly and bid goodbye.</div>
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I walked quickly to my Sister and Niece and said to them let's move away from there. I did not want anyone to be bothered by us lingering around.</div>
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We walked away and reached a church nearby. Called a taxi to pick us up from its driveway.</div>
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A most helpful landmark.</div>
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As we settled back in the hotel we thanked Allah Ta'ala for this day. We finally found the address. I did sujud syukur.</div>
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Still in my heart I wondered whether we could meet our Adik.</div>
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Only Allah Ta'ala could calm my sad heart. </div>
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Trusting Him to lead us to her. </div>
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I informed my Husband. Our Mother. Of our progress. And sought their doa. </div>
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A lot of doa.</div>
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That Adik might came over to visit us in the Hotel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMg4D2lZCQkBAGZwYOgVlmCqo5eY42y45UYb_sJkqQah5LjijlrIaQt6I0qmOsdJkDeTpcJ0QV0-g8KLs_rUxXH-wdegxygXbOv6A3jdJ6bw-EHneNORpvla5iCZCXRYjTeKaP-fJgtPA/s1600/Newtown+House+Hotel+4+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1600" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMg4D2lZCQkBAGZwYOgVlmCqo5eY42y45UYb_sJkqQah5LjijlrIaQt6I0qmOsdJkDeTpcJ0QV0-g8KLs_rUxXH-wdegxygXbOv6A3jdJ6bw-EHneNORpvla5iCZCXRYjTeKaP-fJgtPA/s320/Newtown+House+Hotel+4+%25282%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Camelia and Me. Penuh Syukur.<br />
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-73436231445453886122018-04-19T05:06:00.002+08:002018-04-19T05:14:55.266+08:00The Search. Day 2<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Bz25G4Cza6QmtAVZmMYm1w17l28hqgjVN17Iwvf8JcBYth3Pdwm4PNFjw95AEXQy3acVQH2uBVUBGTs3HAQbEgr2lkl16NMu4fD96gCMuzYg5TMy7lWYdGSU7glgfQF3jQ6D2nbaJZM/s1600/Day+2+April+2+Ibis+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Bz25G4Cza6QmtAVZmMYm1w17l28hqgjVN17Iwvf8JcBYth3Pdwm4PNFjw95AEXQy3acVQH2uBVUBGTs3HAQbEgr2lkl16NMu4fD96gCMuzYg5TMy7lWYdGSU7glgfQF3jQ6D2nbaJZM/s400/Day+2+April+2+Ibis+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Southampton. </div>
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April 2 morning from the window of my room. </div>
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Grey Sky, Wet and Cold.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmSA0c74Eo-qh_8Km84EB0lcKcQw3E1lgFDO1dgWEq0xw04WsRBwp_6cXUo1m2FPdBYd6RuG2F-s_GrN8u0sZWawBmM3oNQbIUp_nEACuyfYU8GN1FiAoZUk9l2XEipg3C_u43TzXbLg/s1600/Day+2+April+2+Ibis+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmSA0c74Eo-qh_8Km84EB0lcKcQw3E1lgFDO1dgWEq0xw04WsRBwp_6cXUo1m2FPdBYd6RuG2F-s_GrN8u0sZWawBmM3oNQbIUp_nEACuyfYU8GN1FiAoZUk9l2XEipg3C_u43TzXbLg/s400/Day+2+April+2+Ibis+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sister HR and her daughter, my niece, HZ came up to my room. </div>
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We had a light breakfast. </div>
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And discussed our next step.</div>
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We came to the UK armed with only an address. Which I found online a few years back. It was a company's address.</div>
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But as I searched for more details I was convinced that it was also a house address.</div>
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And </div>
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an online contact through an anonymous friend. That has not responded to sent messages for sometimes now.</div>
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We informed our Dear Mother of our every step. And we sought her and everybody's du'a. And kind strangers. </div>
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~`~</div>
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Niece booked us a hotel online for our next stop.</div>
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This time we managed to get a family room. </div>
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The three of us together.</div>
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We checked out and booked a taxi.</div>
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to </div>
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Portsmouth</div>
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~`~</div>
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It was about 50 minutes journey. </div>
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Our cab driver was a kind gentleman from Somalia. Who, after our prompting, talked about his life in Britain, his family in Somalia. A daughter in South Korea teaching English.</div>
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He talked about us being careful. Because some unfortunate incidents were happening to Muslims in London. He advised us to avoid walking in the street the next few days.</div>
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I explained that we were just going from hotel to hotel. </div>
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By Taxi.</div>
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He said Inshaa Allah we would be fine.</div>
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As we reached our hotel, we sought his du'a. For safe journey and the accomplishment of our search.</div>
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~`~</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz4m5U4bayZouvKfwjzBhjzf5oYrhTr5UqFDuiai-2uaBSKCDmZYBsit34hyiIr81X65pUiMb12w1UA6RrAdSgPI8iz4ftA8IwKAiODKWxmb8x42p2C3nrn5b8gjZB1QbaeBDVV3vWek/s1600/Day+2+April+2+Farmhouse+InnLodge+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1205" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz4m5U4bayZouvKfwjzBhjzf5oYrhTr5UqFDuiai-2uaBSKCDmZYBsit34hyiIr81X65pUiMb12w1UA6RrAdSgPI8iz4ftA8IwKAiODKWxmb8x42p2C3nrn5b8gjZB1QbaeBDVV3vWek/s400/Day+2+April+2+Farmhouse+InnLodge+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Farmhouse Innlodge, Burfields Road, Portsmouth.</div>
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A cosy hotel and warm reception welcomed us.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBj0craiVZl3B0RpSUnwzNsY0-lVKolmJ-PzFrV_r58PJgF22xuqUYBPHCTY0jDTBarrTzM-jQGF7OtEUXGmhZNhD7DB5N5jllra515BBWhCRtBco0W05ahMEdMFY6OIBgmsFE4pdgsYU/s1600/Day+2+April+2+Farmhouse+InnLodge+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1024" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBj0craiVZl3B0RpSUnwzNsY0-lVKolmJ-PzFrV_r58PJgF22xuqUYBPHCTY0jDTBarrTzM-jQGF7OtEUXGmhZNhD7DB5N5jllra515BBWhCRtBco0W05ahMEdMFY6OIBgmsFE4pdgsYU/s400/Day+2+April+2+Farmhouse+InnLodge+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was still exhausted from the long flight and nauseating aftermath in the coach.</div>
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My sister and niece have been away since 16 March, to Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands. In a group tour hunting for Aurora, the Northern Lights, and emerging Tulips. Hence their arrival from Amsterdam to Southampton.</div>
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While I flew in direct from Kuala Lumpur because I had prior commitment.</div>
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~`~</div>
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We checked in and rested. We decided that we should move to a hotel closer to our destination. Unfortunately Niece has booked this hotel. Still some distance away. I preferred that we should locate ourselves in the locality of our destination. Thinking that local cab drivers would be familiar with the local landmarks and roads. And hoping that we would get to know some Muslim drivers who might even know the area.</div>
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Nevertheless, we decided to try to recover as much as we could in this hotel.</div>
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Later, ravenous, we booked a taxi and went for dinner at a Muslim restaurant a few miles away.</div>
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Again slept like a log till early morning for Fajar.</div>
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Watching golfers across the field braving the cold and grey morning.</div>
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Alhamdulillah.</div>
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For another day. Despite our apprehension. Closer to our destination.</div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-77327676168469926332018-04-18T13:17:00.002+08:002018-04-19T05:14:25.256+08:00The Search. Day 1<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: black;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
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Where do I begin.</div>
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Probably my most distinct memory of her.</div>
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The first day of Primary School.</div>
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Every child walked to and from school. </div>
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Some distance away from our Ulu Village.</div>
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On the way back, walking with my other siblings, she fell and hit her brow on the gravel road. </div>
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A slight scar right across her perfect right eyebrow. </div>
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Was the only reminder of that fall.</div>
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My Sweet Little Sister.</div>
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Our Pearl</div>
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~`~</div>
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And years and years later.</div>
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Something happened.<br />
No.<br />
Not just something.<br />
A series of painful and traumatic incidents.</div>
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And our Pearl.</div>
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Left.</div>
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The country for good.</div>
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Never to be seen nor heard.</div>
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~`~</div>
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April 1 2018.</div>
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Destination: London</div>
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Mission: In Search of Our Lost Pearl.</div>
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Depart MH4</div>
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Kuala Lumpur-London Sunday 1 April 2018</div>
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09:50 Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal M</div>
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16:35 London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 4</div>
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Duration: 13h:45m</div>
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Airbus Industrie A350-900</div>
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Post flight Coach to the next destination booked.</div>
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Hotel booked.</div>
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~`~</div>
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I was slightly unwell. </div>
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Packed with remedies from the Pharmacy I departed. </div>
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I took a couple of Paracetamols to prepare for the takeoff and landing. </div>
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Previous extremely painful experience during these two processes when I was sick has taught me well.</div>
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And prayers, zikr. As Husband kept reminding me before departure.</div>
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~`~</div>
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It has been many years since I was in a West Midlands' University in the UK.</div>
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It did feel like another homecoming.</div>
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A nostalgia of sorts.</div>
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But most importantly. </div>
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I was apprehensive whether I could accomplish what I intended to do.</div>
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For Our Dear Mother.</div>
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For our Lost Pearl.</div>
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For all of us. The family.</div>
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~`~</div>
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Alhamdulillah.</div>
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Reached London on time. </div>
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Sleeping throughout most of the journey since I did not sleep a wink the night before.</div>
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And I am not too young anymore for this long haul flight.</div>
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After a long queue and plenty of immigration polite queries, I moved on.</div>
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A nephew and his family kindly received me. </div>
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Nephew was Husband's Sister's Son.</div>
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Nephew sorted out my communication needs. And set me on my booked coach to my next destination.</div>
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Southampton.</div>
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Departure: Heathrow Airport (T4) Arrivals Forecourt</div>
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Sunday, April 1, 2018 7:15 PM</div>
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Arrival: Southampton Coach Stn, Harbour Parade,</div>
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Sunday, April 1, 2018 9:15 PM.</div>
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Another 2 hrs. On the National Express.</div>
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~`~</div>
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I am never the one for coaches or buses. Nausea is a big issue. Hence why favourite public transport is the train. It is my transport of choice since my residential school days, travelling up and down Seremban-Bukit Mertajam-Seremban.</div>
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Alhamdulillah.</div>
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Reached Southampton. Without major mishap despite my churning stomach</div>
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Consistently trying to suppress my cough throughout the 2 hr ride.</div>
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As we were disembarking a lady seated across me smiled.</div>
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'Get well soon'</div>
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She said. </div>
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Immediately, I felt much better. Emotionally.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As I trudged in the cold drizzle towards a taxi a few steps away from the Coach Stn.</div>
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to</div>
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Ibis Southampton Centre</div>
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9 West Quay Road Western Esplanade, Bargate, Southampton.</div>
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and </div>
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To join HR my sister and her daughter HZ who were already in the hotel.</div>
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The both of them flew in from Amsterdam earlier in the afternoon.</div>
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~`~</div>
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Alhamdulillah.</div>
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It was a short less than 10 minutes ride in the taxi. Checked in. Lugged my light luggage to the lift. Into the room. Messaged my sister HR that I was in, and bid goodnight. Would see them in the morning, I said.</div>
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It has been a long day. I fell asleep in my travel attire.</div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-74041838174691664542018-04-16T03:50:00.000+08:002018-04-16T03:56:45.219+08:00Ecology and Balance<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Warming up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a long break.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let me start with some food for thought.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"One of my favorite memories of my childhood was my father helping me set up an aquarium. In retrospect, I understand that he was teaching me to think about a community of organisms and their interactions, interdependence, and the issue of keeping them in balance so that it would be a healthy community. That was just at the beginning of our looking at the natural world in terms of ecology and balance. Rather than itemizing what was there, I was learning to look at the relationships and not just separate things" (Mary Catherine Bateson)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Source: https://www.edge.org/conversation/mary_catherine_bateson-how-to-be-a-systems-thinker?utm_source=pocket&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pockethits)</span></div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-10087333573659003762017-11-25T12:52:00.000+08:002017-11-26T01:04:50.533+08:00Food Homeless Scholars Rulers<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: small;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
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Let me share</div>
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Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Hanson in his Syarah (1) describes that our tradition has always been</div>
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Free education</div>
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Free treatment for the sick</div>
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Food for the poor and homeless</div>
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Shaykh Hamza describes the Prophet SAW gave food to the homeless daily. Whosoever gave food to him, in turn the Prophet SAW gave it to the homeless and the needy.</div>
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On average the Prophet SAW gave food to about 70 homeless people per day. </div>
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And among these homeless arose scholars and rulers. Examples. Abu Huraira (RA) was the scholar who recorded the Prophet SAW sayings.</div>
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Salman Al Farisi (RA) who became the Governor of Persia.</div>
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~:~</div>
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Thus Feeding the Poor and the Homeless. Daily. Is the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW.</div>
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Let's resolve</div>
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To give food daily. At least to one person per day.</div>
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~:~</div>
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Alhamdulillah.</div>
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Reference:</div>
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(1) Syarah Tafseer Surah Yaseen Part 3.</div>
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~:~</div>
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~:~</div>
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And</div>
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It is also worth pondering our modern tradition on:</div>
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Education</div>
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and</div>
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Treatment for the sick</div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-46374576982397026612017-11-22T12:56:00.003+08:002017-11-22T12:56:24.450+08:00Broken Vase<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: medium;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
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It is amazing what we pick as we listen to a good syarah.</div>
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We pick pearls that are closest to us.</div>
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The ones that have touched our real life.</div>
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Let me explain.</div>
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~:~</div>
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Shaykh Hamza Yusuf says:</div>
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Most exchanges are utilitarian.</div>
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We use people and we honour things</div>
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If we look at people, observe how carefully they move around things in their house.</div>
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For instance: </div>
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People would be careful not to knock the vase in their house. </div>
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But they have no problems bumping other people.</div>
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~:~</div>
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A long time ago.</div>
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I was on transit at the Karachi International Airport.</div>
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Went to the Ladies' Room.</div>
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I washed my hands and stood in front of the counter mirror to fix something.</div>
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A woman came in. A flight crew member.</div>
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There were a few other sinks. And long mirror.</div>
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She came straight to where I was standing and bumped me off so that she can use the mirror to fix her things.</div>
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I was shocked. Then angry. Speechless. Then quietly I left.</div>
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I told Husband who was in the waiting area.</div>
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Sabr.</div>
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~:~</div>
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In trying to understand the behaviour of the woman I had these "MAYBE's" as my heuristic tools:</div>
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MAYBE she thought I was just a maid. </div>
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We were on PIA flight. In transit I remembered in Dubai I met a few ladies from Indonesia who served in the middle eastern households. </div>
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This woman was a flight crew member so MAYBE she had different perceptions of how people are elevated in this creation.</div>
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MAYBE according to her, a flight crew member is more elevated than a household service provider.</div>
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MAYBE she had a philosophy of racial differentiation. </div>
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Some natives are created better than others. South Asians are better than South East Asians. Whites are better than coloured and blacks. In look. In status.</div>
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MAYBE she had a philosophy of class differentiation.</div>
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Some people are low class. </div>
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Some are of high class.</div>
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The feelings that one is of the brahmin class is prevalent in any society regardless of their espoused belief.</div>
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I was in Jubah. And in Niqab. Probably a low class attire to some.</div>
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That was my heuristics of MAYBEs.</div>
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~:~</div>
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Yesterday. </div>
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I found myself again with similar experience. With a South Asian during a transaction.</div>
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This time it was not physical bumping off. But an attitudinal bumping.</div>
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~:~</div>
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Alhamdulillah</div>
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I have learned to relax. I have learned how to take the bumps and humps. Slowly and steadily.</div>
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Just like when we drive over the humps on the road.</div>
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Smoothly. Without pain.</div>
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~:~</div>
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So when Shaykh Hamza Yusuf says:</div>
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We USE people and We HONOUR things. It strikes deep into my heart.</div>
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May Allah Ta'ala save us from this error. </div>
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Ameen Ya Rabbal 'alameen.</div>
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~:~</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhUki6BDU4i2DaXYt-vxGzL4C2IibKmBjh0KSjCd57ZuIUzIKuQ67EzpGf74ZZEIT2O7Z7FahVh_RsaQbOcl0fL0DHaL3RHi2VNZy6jiUtI3OeZBtpOmgHau16qKefKtk54Si5HivDtI/s1600/broken+vase+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhUki6BDU4i2DaXYt-vxGzL4C2IibKmBjh0KSjCd57ZuIUzIKuQ67EzpGf74ZZEIT2O7Z7FahVh_RsaQbOcl0fL0DHaL3RHi2VNZy6jiUtI3OeZBtpOmgHau16qKefKtk54Si5HivDtI/s320/broken+vase+1.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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Broken vases repaired with golden thread.</div>
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Compare with how people mend broken relationships.</div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-51215551116025885352017-11-16T14:46:00.000+08:002017-11-16T18:50:14.877+08:00The Wayfarer, The Skin and The Fruit<br />
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<b style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMOWjRq6APmtb-z1cfhiBQc2cFnSXV6IQj19jAZIjLBBcm6bObvZpVtLc5zDTF03RfODw3TpUQyFTXD3xxSDP_SeOUX4nnZXIHRvzT53ZD4macx6mMlqn7JsvfxtF1jBN4zsFyrP77yc/s1600/track+through+the+woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMOWjRq6APmtb-z1cfhiBQc2cFnSXV6IQj19jAZIjLBBcm6bObvZpVtLc5zDTF03RfODw3TpUQyFTXD3xxSDP_SeOUX4nnZXIHRvzT53ZD4macx6mMlqn7JsvfxtF1jBN4zsFyrP77yc/s400/track+through+the+woods.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been trying to sort out my thoughts on 'Managing Change'. We have an abundance of discourses from change theorists of the western tradition (See for example Lewin, Mintzberg, Burnes, Kotter, Fullan, West-Burnham).</div>
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Essentially change theorists discuss change in the context of these two processes:</div>
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The evolutionary Continuous Improvement versus The revolutionary Transformational Change. One starts from the status quo or the 'as-is' while the other is a complete re-engineering process.</div>
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~:~</div>
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Suddenly it occurs to me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That I have not looked into the Islamic worldview on managing change. After a short search I was led to this scholar that has had a lot of impact on both the east and the west.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shaykh Bediuzzaman Said Nursi. And his treatise on social change.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7Ljxl6UVAbRTZga3UDKL46uovMPh0m51YC8W6ZdbkEkLYHXMpiQ9DwYDfmIqqhUFpFU3oVJyembvwat7jLMO9XpBQDJ8bKzLsyPI1ZvMjLqZ7GiKBGf32QeSb0KmUuEcWMqglQQccd4/s1600/Bediuzzaman+Said+Nursi+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7Ljxl6UVAbRTZga3UDKL46uovMPh0m51YC8W6ZdbkEkLYHXMpiQ9DwYDfmIqqhUFpFU3oVJyembvwat7jLMO9XpBQDJ8bKzLsyPI1ZvMjLqZ7GiKBGf32QeSb0KmUuEcWMqglQQccd4/s400/Bediuzzaman+Said+Nursi+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Excerpt from: <a href="http://risaleinur.com/studies/141-conferences/2012/4185-bediuzzaman-said-nursi-as-a-guide-to-the-youth-and-the-teachings-of-morality.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Here</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~:~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prof Colin Turner penned his thought in context with his discussion on Ustad Bediuzzaman Said Nursi' Risale-i Nur: A Revolution of Belief. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The created world is thus a book of names, an index, which seek to tell about its Owner"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://risaleinur.com/what-is-risale-inur/4401-the-risale-i-nur-a-revolution-of-belief-colin-turner.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Prof Dr Colin Turner</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~:~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For Ustad Bediuzzaman Said Nursi:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"The West is not only a geopolitical entity, it is also
a metaphor. Geographically, the West was the first place to witness a mass
revolt against the Divine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Modem Western civilization is the first of which we
have knowledge that does not have some formal structure of religious belief at
its heart.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> The West is thus a metaphor for the setting of the sun of religious
belief; a metaphor for the eclipse of God. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">And since this eclipse is no longer
confined to the geopolitical West, one may say that wherever the truths of
belief have been discarded, there is the West.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Thus
the West should be seen as a state of mind, a disease, an aberration. The root
cause of this, as Bediuzzaman Said Nursi points out, is the disease of
self-worship, of 'ENE' (Ana, the I or ego).</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The
kind of revolution envisaged by the Risale-i Nur is a revolution of the mind,
of the heart, of the soul and the spirit. </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">It is not an Islamic revolution but a
revolution of belief. </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">As such it works on two levels: it is designed to lead
Muslims from belief by imitation to belief through investigation, and to lead
unbelievers from worship of the self to worship of Allah."</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~:~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The wayfarer is me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That shiny beautiful skin is what I have learned of the metaphorical western worldview. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But the fruit - the seeds- are what I need.<br />
<br />
And how I peel the skin matters.<br />
<br />
So is managing change.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk46AtvydTPfHbZ7PcAcZann_qXtVvTyeZKtFukmWj3rl1a1RicbMnNaX3FsqYJFA6EF5L9q8h11lBBGPN757tOh7q6NpKSXWZQjg-s6a7Pw04CHnJVxqVdqwmA_ZxdHZjlqV8jSq2AZY/s1600/Pomegranate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk46AtvydTPfHbZ7PcAcZann_qXtVvTyeZKtFukmWj3rl1a1RicbMnNaX3FsqYJFA6EF5L9q8h11lBBGPN757tOh7q6NpKSXWZQjg-s6a7Pw04CHnJVxqVdqwmA_ZxdHZjlqV8jSq2AZY/s320/Pomegranate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~:~<br />
<br />
A movie on the life of Ustad Bediuzzaman Said Nursi (1877-1960) shows the Ustad's struggle through the period when Turkey was moving into the western realm. When the country was transformed - clothed in the new garment of modernisation weaved by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (died 1938) and his immediate successors.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQpcnxZQzd0" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Here</span></b></a><br />
<br />
~:~<br />
<br />
A short note on his life and legacy:<br />
<br />
"Bediuzzaman Said Nursi was born in eastern part of Turkey in 1877.<br />
He was a scholar of the highest
standing having studied not only traditional religious sciences, but also modern science and technology.<br />
Therefore he was titled Bediuzzaman; wonder of the Age in his youth as a result of his outstanding ability and
learning.<br />
Bediuzzaman died in 1960 at the age of 83 after struggle and self-sacrifice in the cause of Islam the big
work and achievement done by Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, could be seen through His book Risale-i Nur
collection about 5000 pages in which different subjects are cited.<br />
In the first reading, it may seem as an exegesis
of the Glorious Qur‟an but at the second and third reading it may be different. Aspects of some other branches
of knowledge such as theology, psychology, history, philosophy, cosmology, economics, physics, medicine, law
and technology will all prove an integral part of Risale-i Nur. Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, considers Al-Iman
(Faith) as his main goal in his writings, but what is faith?<br />
How it can be seen as a foundation for human
progress? In attempt to answer these questions, the concept of faith and progress should be first defined."<br />
<br />
Access the original Paper*<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.questjournals.org/jrhss/papers/vol4-issue8/J487380.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Here</b></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
*Faith As The Foundation of Human Progress: Nursi’s
Perspective (Dr. Vaffi Foday Sheriif)</div>
Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-91245719324736851302017-11-14T13:35:00.001+08:002017-11-16T18:53:09.232+08:00Humaira and Falsafah<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b><br />
<br />
Humaira is cucu of Mak Lang. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her first cucu.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is six years old. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humaira calls Mak Lang Ninik. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mak Lang is my sister. So Humaira is also my cucu.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But she calls me Makmbong ... hehe.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~:~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humaira and I were having a conversation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But every now and then when I asked her about something she would answer: Tak tau.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a few 'Tak Tau'. I said slowly to Humaira: Humaira tak tau ke (while putting my left hand up). Atau Humaira tak mau cakap (and putting my right hand up). Itu dua falsafah yang berbeza.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humaira: Apa falsafah yang berbeza tu?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makmbong: Falsafah tu maksudnya .. dalammmm sangat. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humaira: Apa dalammmm tu.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makmbong: Kalau Humaira kata tak tau (my left hand up). Mak .. na .. nya Humaira memang tak tau. Te .. ta .. pi kalau Humaira kata tak mau cakap. Maknanya mungkin Humaira tau. Te ..ta .. pi Humaira tak mau cakap. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humaira: ohhh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makmbong: Jadi apa jawabnya tadi tu. Humaira tak tau ke (my left hand up again). Atau tak mau cakap (my right hand up).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humaira: Tak mau cakap (and putting her corresponding hand in front of me up).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makmbong: Humaira dah pandai falsafah. Boleh beza yang dalam-dalam.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humaira: Falsafah (angguk-angguk :) ).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~:~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is Humaira next to me in the car.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kakak was driving me home from a night at Mak Lang's place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBs-JxYS3zHO1uys8hFGJ1a27_Q1TJXxiaYvJ8xojkj29CYKQ7Gn6KgNUrxLMbmgnj_sSO-CCnEco5dJgDIRSV5s-fwOMR03ty4AOnyv6HtuqmYxZZJKOhcXvzG67YYrBGljr5jvVl24/s1600/Humaira+13-11-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBs-JxYS3zHO1uys8hFGJ1a27_Q1TJXxiaYvJ8xojkj29CYKQ7Gn6KgNUrxLMbmgnj_sSO-CCnEco5dJgDIRSV5s-fwOMR03ty4AOnyv6HtuqmYxZZJKOhcXvzG67YYrBGljr5jvVl24/s400/Humaira+13-11-17.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I asked Humaira for her permission before taking her photo.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She put up her hands. Covered her face. And said No.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kakak while driving interjected: Boleh. She is shy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I said slowly to Humaira. In Bahasa Melayu:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No. I will not take Humaira's photo without Humaira's permission. Right Humaira?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humaira nodded.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I added: Humaira sudah buat keputusan tidak mahu gambarnya diambil. Jadi Makmbong kena hormati keputusan Humaira. Betul Humaira?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humaira nodded.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few moments later: Humaira boleh Makmbong ambil gambar Humaira?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humaira nodded.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makmbong then took a selfie of Humaira. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Learning Philosopher. </div>
Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-60429207705939074462017-11-11T14:09:00.001+08:002017-11-11T14:13:21.425+08:00Deficit Thinking<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I received this book last October 6, 2017. I ordered it from Amazon. Flipped through it and left it among the piles of books since then.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD97TOtIk2M0Ok7urlqVBLJOqBr4jICj7ul_zgjvpKBRdAt5EgOiZoHYr5yH8reSO7bF3d8gxXtlmUgPtTwsiXSWhCBhsLinT4gpKe2dpM3W0ryP6faBbKR1PVOldbNBO-5vUSsRwA_ro/s1600/Deficit+Thinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD97TOtIk2M0Ok7urlqVBLJOqBr4jICj7ul_zgjvpKBRdAt5EgOiZoHYr5yH8reSO7bF3d8gxXtlmUgPtTwsiXSWhCBhsLinT4gpKe2dpM3W0ryP6faBbKR1PVOldbNBO-5vUSsRwA_ro/s320/Deficit+Thinking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dismantling Contemporary Deficit Thinking (Valencia, 2010)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~:~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These last few days I was not at the laptop. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had bleeding in half of the right eye. Looked very serious but no pain Alhamdulillah. I have been to the doctor earlier. And yesterday to an eye-specialist for follow-up, because the healing was looking not too good. Alhamdulillah. Not too worry. It would take a couple of weeks to resolve, the good doctor said.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~:~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Husband said. Stop the computer for a while.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I did. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But picked up the book instead and have been digging into it for awhile.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~:~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Deficit thinking.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me illustrate its meaning through some real life examples.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Example 1: An engineering graduate is told by the HR director that she is not suitable for the post because the Agency wants a male. Ladies would not be able to fulfil their field duties when they are married and pregnant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Example 2: Orang Asli students fail in school because they are poor, lazy, parents are not involved, attitude problem. So most research say. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Example 3: Girls should not be encouraged to memorise the Quran Kareem because when they get married and be busied by their children they will not have the time to review. And they would forget.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No no no. I did not make the above up. You can read about it <a href="https://yaqeeninstitute.org/en/nour-soubani/is-feminism-the-problem-why-ideological-bandwagons-fail-islam/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An excerpt from the article ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">“… and that’s why women shouldn’t memorize the Quran.” </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="c14" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What did he just say?</span></em><span class="c3" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> I had just finished memorizing the Quran myself that year, so I sat up in my seat. “My sister memorized the Quran,” he continued, “but she’s been so busy with her newborn baby that she never has time to review it, and now she’s forgotten it all. So it’s better for women not to memorize because they won’t be able to retain it while raising children.” (Tesneem Alkiek)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="c3" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~:~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Deficit thinking is a social construction that is flavoured by three contemporary discourses.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. the genetic pathology model - the belief that we are naturally disadvantaged by who we are genetically ... being a female one cannot be as good an engineer, a black is less intelligent than a white (a prevalent implicit as well as explicit belief in the USA ... see JP Rushton for example) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. the culture of poverty model - the belief that failure is due to being poor. Students failure are linked to family's poverty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. the 'at-risk' model - the belief that some are culturally to be more at-risk to fail than others ... a married woman will have no time to review her memorisation of the Quran Kareem ... or when students are lumped into at-risk category because of who they are are.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~:~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The key idea is that deficit thinking gives rise to 'blame the victim' culture. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's your fault that you can't get the job because you are female.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's your fault that you failed because your family is poor and can't afford tuition, and your parents are too busy eking out a living to teach you at home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's your fault that you risk failing because you speak 'Greek' at home, and you can't follow the lessons taught in the Martian language in class. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~:~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is more common than we think.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Think about the many incidents when we had this sudden inclination to blame the victims (the individuals themselves, their families, their culture, their language, etc.) for what have happened. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did our thinking process sound like any of the examples above?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFq-8WpJxKZfmU3zt6ZTGMgM-7Mg5ecU7hgn-pjY8vpE_xoYQ5ZKX7-fM4tq91bRFoHu85ZqpMimNvUurbfMGFH3kLjfRZFvlaVByYmBolqXLq1KO3556_UdcXsdV9UYc3LXoGb_Vppt0/s1600/torn+school+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="624" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFq-8WpJxKZfmU3zt6ZTGMgM-7Mg5ecU7hgn-pjY8vpE_xoYQ5ZKX7-fM4tq91bRFoHu85ZqpMimNvUurbfMGFH3kLjfRZFvlaVByYmBolqXLq1KO3556_UdcXsdV9UYc3LXoGb_Vppt0/s320/torn+school+shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-27262494850701939672017-11-08T11:19:00.000+08:002017-11-09T17:17:36.361+08:00Abah<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
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16 September 2016</div>
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<a href="https://realifeinmalaysia.blogspot.my/search/label/Abah" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Abah</span></b></a></div>
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a year. and a bit more since.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXWDuCl7iIARvzd_E5GGbIZU-Cm-qEGCDRbmmyfdU0AnImnOD-A8q_Sf-KWJqCH2GZM5LQrNR0q4Pe1IsMCN_i4EHhMzvkfseR2hLJ2s2ARIkG9_SvrjKX-j25UzfhoQpbVa5iudeRR4/s1600/pebbles+in+the+stream+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXWDuCl7iIARvzd_E5GGbIZU-Cm-qEGCDRbmmyfdU0AnImnOD-A8q_Sf-KWJqCH2GZM5LQrNR0q4Pe1IsMCN_i4EHhMzvkfseR2hLJ2s2ARIkG9_SvrjKX-j25UzfhoQpbVa5iudeRR4/s400/pebbles+in+the+stream+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and left are us</div>
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pebbles in the stream</div>
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rolling along</div>
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a destination not too long</div>
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we despair not</div>
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for we hear the news of fajar light</div>
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and its blessings</div>
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and here we are</div>
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bathe still</div>
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in the cool memory </div>
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of life </div>
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simply lived</div>
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Alhamdulillah. </div>
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Allahummaghfirlahu warhamhu wa 'afihi wa' fu 'anhu</div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-55484828173064060272017-11-07T16:20:00.000+08:002017-11-08T10:57:37.791+08:00Would a monkey be less of a monkey<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
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Nice isn't it? Window seat with a view.</div>
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No it is not my room. I wish.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHftArjCfYxeg2DSE3Ypw7R7RwfjT097MnMiizFhtETqL07tHFBBF_v_lPoIdAnNNlHcCHsVeFW4dDGJxULh_PUaWHzaY15dCcUFyPdn2kKBYbs7lbYNytWhvV4TTBDKzyFyNp_sJqtc/s1600/corner+room+window+seat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHftArjCfYxeg2DSE3Ypw7R7RwfjT097MnMiizFhtETqL07tHFBBF_v_lPoIdAnNNlHcCHsVeFW4dDGJxULh_PUaWHzaY15dCcUFyPdn2kKBYbs7lbYNytWhvV4TTBDKzyFyNp_sJqtc/s400/corner+room+window+seat.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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But </div>
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I do have a corner room in our house in Kampung Ulu. Alhamdulillah.</div>
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The room is flanked by two windows on both the sides that can be opened just like the above. No iron grill. One can just jump in and out of the windows if one so wish.</div>
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We were in Kampung on Sunday, staying overnight. At night I closed the window but left the curtain drawn opened so that I could see the soothing night light and the moonlight beyond.</div>
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Right across the road up the slope, I could see the grey shadows of rubber trees.</div>
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~;~</div>
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In the morning I opened the windows wide. Then we went to Kuala Pilah to shop for Mother.</div>
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~;~</div>
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Meanwhile at home.</div>
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Brother-in-Law was in the living area. Suddenly he heard a commotion in the corner room. He rushed in to see. And lo and behold.</div>
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A family of monkeys were having a fanfare in the room. Jumping up and down on the bed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefH_WaxGCz_sww2ad45fYEetB3lUo817VppjtRgC2rXLhPiI1cQAEOme3MYDFogdgpCpR_uNIPlyRg4IGKs3gVeaWIw2wrRFOMWsBeF0jR5sQNR12YCTo4w_Nb0d0tbGCbw3kOBxHVlk/s1600/Monkeys+in+the+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefH_WaxGCz_sww2ad45fYEetB3lUo817VppjtRgC2rXLhPiI1cQAEOme3MYDFogdgpCpR_uNIPlyRg4IGKs3gVeaWIw2wrRFOMWsBeF0jR5sQNR12YCTo4w_Nb0d0tbGCbw3kOBxHVlk/s320/Monkeys+in+the+Room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Those were one amazing intruders.</div>
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Alhamdulillah. Brother-in-Law was quick. No mishap. Nothing was borrowed by the monkeys.</div>
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It was hilarious. </div>
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But I was thankful that nothing was missing.</div>
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~;~</div>
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Would a monkey be less of a monkey if he is inside a house?</div>
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hehe.</div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-54380514041689506392017-11-03T11:41:00.004+08:002017-11-07T22:45:03.628+08:00Nujoom<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
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By the sky containing the constellations (85:1)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcRV5VfEO1yG0-TP0-2JGBiJBQFIlZhKk1sO1Gjdu79J2cXq9pIPa2uMPu97KcS79rBc5Pg6A_QaHYfhBJvfMTDTDv1miP-PbRZMPWQHehOKxgk_r_L8w4wNDifcqNwJc5LZDDEU-VGw/s1600/Surah+Al+Buruj+85+Verse+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcRV5VfEO1yG0-TP0-2JGBiJBQFIlZhKk1sO1Gjdu79J2cXq9pIPa2uMPu97KcS79rBc5Pg6A_QaHYfhBJvfMTDTDv1miP-PbRZMPWQHehOKxgk_r_L8w4wNDifcqNwJc5LZDDEU-VGw/s400/Surah+Al+Buruj+85+Verse+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nujoom are the stars. Constellations are groups of stars.</div>
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Shaykh Hamza Yusuf (SHY) related a conversation he had with a pilot in the pilot's cabin during a flight over the USA.</div>
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SHY: If the instrument to indicate direction fail, no GPS no nothing, how would you find the direction.</div>
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Whereupon the pilot turned off all the lights in the cabin. In complete darkness SHY looked out to the sky flooded with stars. And the pilot said:</div>
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We still have the stars.</div>
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~;~</div>
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SHY said that the verses in Al Quran Kareem are like the stars. Those who delved into the Holy Quran will find guidance in it.</div>
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Much like the constellations of stars that provide guidance to earthly travellers, the Holy Quran provides guidance to spiritual travellers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxz94DmG4Mei0FZKA2RKMxRkcBSkWpvz4uCNyx8LA-wxbo69Z6_J3m7jL6rGpa04L8McnaGrmXNniEM6rW7P2GVKfZ0RAd6MrKaJQTxMnOFb-LmmUIA3vmox4IB1WY63IiajlWDM1YXU/s1600/constellation+orion+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxz94DmG4Mei0FZKA2RKMxRkcBSkWpvz4uCNyx8LA-wxbo69Z6_J3m7jL6rGpa04L8McnaGrmXNniEM6rW7P2GVKfZ0RAd6MrKaJQTxMnOFb-LmmUIA3vmox4IB1WY63IiajlWDM1YXU/s400/constellation+orion+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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~;~</div>
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In the end, Allah Ta'ala guides our path and our heart. The darkest time of the night is just before fajar. If we are patient, soon fajar breaks and darkness lightens. So never despair from the Grace of Allah Ta'ala. So give good news to people with patience.</div>
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May Allah Ta'ala have mercy on all my teachers. </div>
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Real and Virtual. </div>
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Ameen Ya Rabbal 'alameen.</div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-72391773032703870252017-11-02T16:42:00.000+08:002017-11-03T23:22:06.009+08:00Liza<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
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Today I will start to put into words the many memories of beautiful people that have touched this short life.</div>
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Yes. </div>
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In retrospect it is truly a short life. </div>
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Years have just gone by and there are not too much left I am sure.</div>
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~;~</div>
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Liza was my help bee. In Brunei Darussalam. </div>
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She was a Filipino. She told me her mother was a Muslim from Mindanao. She came to Manila to work and married her father, a Catholic.</div>
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~;~</div>
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Liza lived in Bandar Seri Begawan, staying in a rented room along with her sister, brother-in-law and some female cousins. It was a small room. It looked very crowded to me. But I understood the main purpose for their being in Brunei was to earn and sending their earnings back to their families in the Philippines. </div>
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They were young and full of energy.</div>
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Liza came almost every Sunday to help me. She took the bus from Bandar Seri Begawan to Tutong where I lived. About forty minutes. By 8.00 AM she would be calling out to me to throw the house key from my bedroom window on the second floor to her.</div>
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She would let herself in. After asking about her welfare and showing what needed to be done I left her. She would then be busy as a bee. </div>
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Hand washing all my clothes. </div>
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She would only use the washing machine for heavy items. Towels. Bed sheets and pillow cases. Everything else by hand. And was she a fast bee. </div>
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Then the vacuuming and mopping. </div>
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It was a huge double storey house. The Government's provision. </div>
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I lived alone. </div>
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But I used every room and every corner for different purposes. </div>
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Didn't they say that one should not leave any room or corner unattended, then something else would come and reside there. </div>
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I had three radio/tapes running at various time through out the house. 1 upstairs in the family area (although I had no family then). 1 in the big living room downstairs. And 1 in the kitchen. I use them to listen to Quran recitals. </div>
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Truth be told having Quran recitation where ever I was in the house gave me a lot of courage.</div>
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I love Liza. </div>
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She kept every inch of the house clean and tidy.</div>
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Working through the house sincerely.</div>
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No instructions needed. She just knew what needed to be done. And did it extremely well</div>
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By 10 in the morning I would be down to prepare some heavy brunch for the both of us. We would miss lunch. Because by 4.00 PM I would be sending her back to Bandar Seri Begawan and I would give her early dinner on the way in Bandar. These were special treats for her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekjepNyCVua7z04o3tLXN1fUfQ4yqkSjkWsf0qMDjem2aGqOrHzn5krkndQZkbb_qcPTSz3DpfniZ-Y-oNj2Xi7el-E8OlMTDK3vC1StqOlMi6rZkEBcZzex4ylliJEwQWXdGmik1vs0/s1600/helping+bee.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekjepNyCVua7z04o3tLXN1fUfQ4yqkSjkWsf0qMDjem2aGqOrHzn5krkndQZkbb_qcPTSz3DpfniZ-Y-oNj2Xi7el-E8OlMTDK3vC1StqOlMi6rZkEBcZzex4ylliJEwQWXdGmik1vs0/s200/helping+bee.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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I miss Liza. </div>
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When I left Brunei she was the last person to meet me as I passed on my Passport to be checked before leaving the public lounge. She was late. And she was running. Calling me at the same time "Kak Hajjah, Kak Hajjah".</div>
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Just a minute or two more and we would have missed each other.</div>
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Those were not smartphone days. And I was not much into photography. I don't have a photo of Liza. </div>
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But I have a beautiful vision of her.</div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-46926376474804094412017-11-01T08:51:00.000+08:002017-11-03T23:23:01.096+08:00Unity<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unity</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't hate one another. Don't envy one another. Don't turn away from one another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">la tabaghadhu wala tahasadu wala tadabaru</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unity</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The above is part of the following hadith of the Prophet<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> <span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم (ṣallā llāhu </span><span style="text-align: left;">ʿalayhi wasallam</span><span style="text-align: left;">)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Anas ibn Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) reported: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; text-align: right;"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">لَا تَبَاغَضُوا وَلَا تَحَاسَدُوا وَلَا تَدَابَرُوا وَكُونُوا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ إِخْوَانًا وَلَا يَحِلُّ لِمُسْلِمٍ أَنْ يَهْجُرَ أَخَاهُ فَوْقَ ثَلَاثٍ</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: start;">Do not hate each other, do not envy each other, do not turn away from each other, </span><span style="text-align: start;">but rather be servants of Allah as brothers. It is not lawful for a Muslim to boycott his brother for more than three days.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: start;">Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5718, Grade: </span><span style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://dailyhadith.abuaminaelias.com/2011/10/03/brotherhood-means-to-reject-hate-envy-and-cruelty/" style="outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;">Muttafaqun Alayhi</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">~:~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A reminder as I was listening to Shaykh Hamza Yusuf syarah discussing the life and work of Imam Al-Ghazali (rahimahullah)</span></div>
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la tabaghadhu wala tahasadu wala tadabaru</div>
Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-66226154617576685652017-10-31T02:01:00.002+08:002017-11-03T23:23:56.876+08:00Yusuf ...<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b><br />
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Muhammad Yusuf . Born February 2014</div>
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He has a sister. 25 days old today. Zulaikha.</div>
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He also has an older sister. Sarah. About three years older than him.</div>
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~:~</div>
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For two weeks Yusuf was with Mak Lang. To give space to his Mother to recover.</div>
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Mak Lang has a large MPV to meet the needs of her big family.</div>
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Yusuf thinks his Dad's car could also be bigger. As big as Mak Lang's.</div>
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Yusuf: Ayah belilah kereta macam ni.</div>
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Ayah in jest: Banyak duit kau.</div>
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~;~</div>
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A few days later. Pak Lang was having a playful conversation with Yusuf.</div>
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Pak Lang: Yusuf, nanti bagitau Ayah bayar 50 ringgit sehari kat Pak Lang jaga Yusuf.</div>
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Yusuf: ... </div>
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[Diam for awhile. He does not understand the value of RM50. But he knows that Pak Lang is talking about money].</div>
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~:~</div>
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Moments later they moved to the dining table.</div>
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Mak Lang, Pak Lang, Yusuf, Kakak (Anak Pak Lang & Mak Lang) were getting ready to eat.</div>
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While seated Kakak heard Yusuf uttering softly to himself.</div>
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"Nanti Mail cakap, banyak duit kau"</div>
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Pak Lang asked Kakak. What Yusuf said. And Kakak repeated.</div>
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They laughed. Of course.</div>
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Mail is Ismail. Yusuf's Ayah. Others refer to Ismail as Mail regularly in front of the children. So Yusuf picked Mail as an option for Ayah.</div>
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~;~</div>
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But as I heard this being narrated, I too laughed. Initially.</div>
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Then I felt like crying.</div>
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I was wondering what could be in Yusuf's mind as he uttered those words.</div>
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Was he feeling sorry for himself.</div>
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I don't know. </div>
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And I would never know.</div>
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~:~</div>
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Our family is straight talking industrial family. People of industry. In contrast to people of politics (who has diplomacy) and intellectuals (who think before they speak).</div>
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~;~</div>
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At 3 plus years. Yusuf is learning to make connections. A pattern linking the concepts of:</div>
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Money. Ayah. And Possibilities.</div>
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~:~</div>
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While parents, uncles and others around a child may be jesting, the child is processing the incoming utterances and actions in his or her own way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWzIaR_uiDlYTMM-tJuLttAsgKEX7EmYR3FNBDnP3D1Z8wTui1DgBHdT6BzZkpXGgzrz3dIRZG1UCDN4jO7XHXH7vWddWdI0AbEUw9brclPMwBHxQZmarA18_6C6fUwCOdURr6q2jurk/s1600/Muhammad+Yusof+Di+Hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWzIaR_uiDlYTMM-tJuLttAsgKEX7EmYR3FNBDnP3D1Z8wTui1DgBHdT6BzZkpXGgzrz3dIRZG1UCDN4jO7XHXH7vWddWdI0AbEUw9brclPMwBHxQZmarA18_6C6fUwCOdURr6q2jurk/s640/Muhammad+Yusof+Di+Hospital.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Yusuf at 1 year plus. Demam.</div>
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Yusuf. Yusuf kecik lagi. One day you may come across these written words. You may not remember anything. Mak mbong may or may not be around. </div>
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But know that. Mak mbong loves you. You are named after our Beloved Prophets, Muhammad Salla llahu 'alayhi wasallam and Yusuf 'Alayhissalam. Whose life story is our inspiration towards understanding family issues, virtue of patience and forgiveness. </div>
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May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala protect you in your lifelong journey.</div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-75646214194222084622017-10-29T11:49:00.000+08:002017-11-03T23:25:03.653+08:00Memorising ...<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b></div>
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This is the story of Imam Al-Ghazali (Rahimahullah). About the virtue of memorising.</div>
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Memorising his lessons was tough. And he was not too keen either. Instead he took copious notes as he listened to his teachers.</div>
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This story tells how an incident brought him to the realisation that MEMORISING is truly a learning process that must be respected and one must train oneself for it.</div>
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The following screen captures from a PDF version is available in my laptop. </div>
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Briefly it is about how Imam Al-Ghazali was robbed during a journey home. After years of studying. </div>
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He was very upset about the loss of his study notes, that he followed the robbers and beg them for the return only of his notebooks.</div>
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The chief robber asked why the notes were important. And Imam Al-Ghazali explained that the notes were from his years of study, leaving his country, to hear, write and learn knowledge of great teachers.</div>
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The chief robber laughed at Imam Al-Ghazali, saying "How can you pretend to have learned their knowledge, when I have taken them and stripped you of your learning so that you have no knowledge?"</div>
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The chief robber then asked his people to return the notebooks back to Imam Al-Ghazali.</div>
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And Imam Al-Ghazali said that 'this man was sent by God to teach me'.</div>
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As he was not emphasising Memorising as a requisite in his learning, he realised that he almost lost whatever understanding and knowledge he had compiled in his study notes.</div>
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The robber was only a tool.</div>
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Allah Ta'ala sent him to teach Imam Al-Ghazali a lesson for his remiss.</div>
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Imam Al-Ghazali then spent the next three years of his life committing to memory the lectures that he had learned from his teachers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLGNaa7mOHzZhn0P7gS60K-LgTHPTCu02wAvzXvh7_LB49LcZ1u5dME9cUZOzjhUdG53ABOny6rCObK6panxku-xQKowbzhLU5RG8BUG-RqC50Kc2vn9hTPT-3LBkk7FG-vCU-RRpbxU/s1600/Al-Ghazali+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLGNaa7mOHzZhn0P7gS60K-LgTHPTCu02wAvzXvh7_LB49LcZ1u5dME9cUZOzjhUdG53ABOny6rCObK6panxku-xQKowbzhLU5RG8BUG-RqC50Kc2vn9hTPT-3LBkk7FG-vCU-RRpbxU/s400/Al-Ghazali+2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>~:~</b></div>
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As a learner we have at our disposal a variety of learning strategies to acquire knowledge. Memorising is one of the most difficult strategy as we age.</div>
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But for the young, it is a valuable innate skill that should not be passed in loss.</div>
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Some of us may think memorising is not a worthy skill. </div>
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This is because we link memorising to regurgitation during examination. This is truly a misunderstood purpose of memorising.</div>
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Memorising makes higher order thinking and concept elaboration easier. Because we have in our memory bank the knowledge capital to support our complex thinking and generating learning process.</div>
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~:~</div>
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Rabbi yassir wa la tu'assir. Rabbi tammim bil khair. Rabbi zidni 'ilma. </div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-583628316715128292017-10-28T19:03:00.000+08:002017-11-03T23:26:06.348+08:00Motivation ...<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b><br />
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All you need is a two letters prefix. And you are de ... motivated.</div>
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Sounds simple. </div>
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Just a literary manipulation. </div>
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Freire said. </div>
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Demotivation is a vision that has lost its bearing. And this is more complicated. Vision is what moves us.</div>
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Vision of better things moves us to plod on through whatever life processes that we have to go through.</div>
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Loss of vision is a sad thing.</div>
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But if one recalls that this life is temporary</div>
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then</div>
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Vision of akhirah moves us to goodness.<br />
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Inshaa Allah</div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-75102026239884113582017-10-28T12:58:00.001+08:002017-11-03T23:27:15.240+08:00Maryam ...<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">... my Beloved Niece. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">My Child</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Beyond the sea</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">She had
her wonderful wedding occasion in April 2016.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">6 months later ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">In October
2016 I received news of her husband's passing in a mishap.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">How do
you console a grieving young heart?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;">
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-87wfddmyk72P0Opv3BQsXRS5SvyXe7rzoEeXeDRawwFad9JHadZZmoRF5jndwu6ztEaaJKCZdJJD6-qWEAgmVfEq1WLFRFfPFBsAN0km36xyV21wXL6gGuFoSFBR9s3yd-nTmEDKi8/s1600/Flowers+For+My+Daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-87wfddmyk72P0Opv3BQsXRS5SvyXe7rzoEeXeDRawwFad9JHadZZmoRF5jndwu6ztEaaJKCZdJJD6-qWEAgmVfEq1WLFRFfPFBsAN0km36xyV21wXL6gGuFoSFBR9s3yd-nTmEDKi8/s400/Flowers+For+My+Daughter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: magenta;">~:~</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bismillahirrahmanirraheem</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's been a year since. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have kept the short entry above in the blog's memory box. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don't know why. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But today. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Something triggers my visit here.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Maybe despite the sad start ... It's the right moment to say Salam to everyone. Again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Assalamu'alaikum</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dear All</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">May Sparkling Tranquillity reign in our heart.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAuRlBQCcn-d0kYp69lx3_UruRkzJRrkTOrlatrOpqFb_UxsjTWFPMnjG0rg7iHUk0jhFHqs6GTeLnwtKDSBnnIG32hRqbTz2xmcizhpfBSDlsE4gV-IsbFmdR1sMraQuwdnWXZwNPvM/s1600/heart+sparkling.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAuRlBQCcn-d0kYp69lx3_UruRkzJRrkTOrlatrOpqFb_UxsjTWFPMnjG0rg7iHUk0jhFHqs6GTeLnwtKDSBnnIG32hRqbTz2xmcizhpfBSDlsE4gV-IsbFmdR1sMraQuwdnWXZwNPvM/s200/heart+sparkling.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-23433381241103728232016-11-15T15:45:00.001+08:002016-11-15T15:45:39.676+08:00Emak dan Adik<div style="text-align: center;">
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Light and Easy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sabtu lepas kami berkumpul bersama Emak. Makan
tengahari, bentang tikar duduk ramai-ramai. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Juadahnya simple je. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gulai
ayam masak lemak cili padi NS style, sayur dan ulam tanaman Emak. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sambil
berbual-bual.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ipar A: Dulu kecik-kecik gulai ayam sebulan sekali je. Tunggu Abah dapat gaji.</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Emak: Sini nak gulai ayam kena kejar ayam keliling kampung dulu.<br />
<br />
Adik M: Ipar cerita dia menangis kena tipu Emaknya. Tanya Emak gulai
apa. Emak kata gulai ayam. Bila nak makan tengok gulai Bayam.<br />
Meraung
dia.<br />
<br />
Seterusnya Adik M buat cerita. Terpegun pula saya sebab tak
pernah dengar cerita tu.<br />
Saya share ye. Kalau pernah dengar, pura-pura
lah tak tahu ye.<br />
<br />
Adik M: Di sebuah ladang. Ayam mengadu sedih
pada lembu. Dia tak pernah dapat jadi emak. Sebab semua telurnya manusia
ambil. Lembu pula jawab kamu okay lagi tu. Saya lagi sedih. Tiap-tiap
hari manusia ambil susu saya. Tetapi tak seorang pun panggil saya emak.<br />
<br />
Saya: Okay next time you jumpa lembu jangan lupa panggil mak.<br />
<br />
Aduhai.<br />
Suka sangat melihat Emak ketawa besar. Alhamdulillah.<br />
<br />
Thank you. For small moments that make life big.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11pfI8o6yr3kQ6COpd_GaqYunHFFMsZeReHkYraSUxUCOIipO_ZsTk0095qzh4fmmIKG0VECeVlnJqZWOzL6lxh1mCfncyfzerk3wZfk9CiVgx83Cs4IGaXIX5at96Plb1e5ySob3EEI/s1600/Gulai+Ayam+NS+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11pfI8o6yr3kQ6COpd_GaqYunHFFMsZeReHkYraSUxUCOIipO_ZsTk0095qzh4fmmIKG0VECeVlnJqZWOzL6lxh1mCfncyfzerk3wZfk9CiVgx83Cs4IGaXIX5at96Plb1e5ySob3EEI/s400/Gulai+Ayam+NS+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Gulai Ayam Masak Lemak N. Sembilan<br />
(Image dari Google: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=gulai+ayam+negeri+sembilan&client=firefox-b&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiZ16WvoKrQAhUIRY8KHcbnCiUQ_AUICCgB&biw=1958&bih=956&dpr=0.7#imgrc=cmZ5-b9Fr04alM%3A">Here</a>)<br />
<br />
</div>
Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-39834191479796303572016-09-20T15:01:00.000+08:002016-09-20T15:01:14.171+08:00Abah<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bismillahirrahmaanirraheem</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_4b" style="text-align: center;">
Abah
kami belajar setakat darjah 4.<br />
Tetapi harapannya untuk anak-anak sangat
tinggi. Kami tinggal di Kampong Ulu. Walau pun anak-anak kampung semua
belajar di sekolah yang terletak di kampung sebelah, pergi sekolah berjalan kaki
ramai-ramai, Abah pula hantar anak lelaki sulungnya ke sekolah orang
putih di pekan Kuala Pilah, Tuanku Munawir Primary School. Yang lain termasuk saya
tidak; cuma itu yang Abah mampu.<br />
<br />
That was the past. Now back to the present.<br />
<br />
16 September 2016, 14 Zulhijjah 1437 Hijriah, Jum'ah Sayyidul Ayyam,
10:10 am, Abah yang sangat kami kasihi kembali ke RahmatuLLah.
Allahummaghfirlahu warhamhu wa' fu 'anhu. Allahumma Ya Allah, ampunkanlah, kasihani dan maafkanlah Abah kami dan mohon tempatkanlah
ruh Abah kami di syurga Mu yang tertinggi Jannatul Firdaus.<br />
Ameen Ya
Allah thumma ameen.<br />
<br />
Al Fatihah <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMc1SPiSXTaVRivMHxASKafZZ7Qsz1nRID7G81kEeC4WMMatLc9bBoiDAW7a7dhDg2yelxbOMDcKpbYHFXQI3Pp1E5cm772098XFJK7rfV5rrWvdZI8arBhAcAPgzWMYtn1EQkfjgR_v0/s1600/1+surah_al_fatihah_by_roseintel-d34j1ir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMc1SPiSXTaVRivMHxASKafZZ7Qsz1nRID7G81kEeC4WMMatLc9bBoiDAW7a7dhDg2yelxbOMDcKpbYHFXQI3Pp1E5cm772098XFJK7rfV5rrWvdZI8arBhAcAPgzWMYtn1EQkfjgR_v0/s320/1+surah_al_fatihah_by_roseintel-d34j1ir.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
<br />
Rabbighfir warham wa'fu 'anni; La haw la wala quwwata illa billahil 'aliyil azhim.<br />
Terimalah doa kami Ya Allah buat Abah kami.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-46766041901113185002014-12-10T15:41:00.000+08:002015-01-20T10:01:56.741+08:00Anak-anak saya ... Jakun, Jah Hut, Semai, Temuan<div style="text-align: center;">
Assalamualaikum warahmatuLLAH wabarakatuh :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ye mereka ini anak-anak saya ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yang menyumbang kepada kajian saya ... dalam susah dan cabaran ... pendidikan tetap diteruskan ... dengan cemerlang!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEZv0jyjoUz1_mJs7N_52BzGDw78W6Fyxs1Irz1Ar4Kma1M6SayuXnkrhYHIxRGOY62Zz0Nd2pPeij0V9i7WyQL2tIJboTAWLDH-Tz197tnAMHStDUiStxzf77sZYZASWgaUGYrbzpPg/s1600/Anak+Anak-220913-+Photo0109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEZv0jyjoUz1_mJs7N_52BzGDw78W6Fyxs1Irz1Ar4Kma1M6SayuXnkrhYHIxRGOY62Zz0Nd2pPeij0V9i7WyQL2tIJboTAWLDH-Tz197tnAMHStDUiStxzf77sZYZASWgaUGYrbzpPg/s1600/Anak+Anak-220913-+Photo0109.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last year they went to the UK for their Masters in various fields ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Marine Science (Semai Daughter), Education (Jakun Daughter and Temuan Son), Islamic Finance (Semai Daughter).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AlhamduLillah ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They completed their respective Masters and have returned this last November.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bachelor in Estate Management is still in-progress in the UK (Temuan Son)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
meanwhile ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been meeting more around the country ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
among them ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkFYi5amgYU18qPPioKywtotT1ImZTPO9i9mVhkccSMMG-6dsZT3THnHIHMf1YXbnK_GtW2OEh1AcsZqBYoPsO_hxDyn2GyjmogDZlMDNwJs_SmCDiA2lM8Rss8JhDHHo9xpkqI_agf8/s1600/HMR-Abang+Adik-CH+281014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkFYi5amgYU18qPPioKywtotT1ImZTPO9i9mVhkccSMMG-6dsZT3THnHIHMf1YXbnK_GtW2OEh1AcsZqBYoPsO_hxDyn2GyjmogDZlMDNwJs_SmCDiA2lM8Rss8JhDHHo9xpkqI_agf8/s1600/HMR-Abang+Adik-CH+281014.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abang dan Adik ... Cameron Highlands ... Abang is a School Prefect </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and still others ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in programmes at various IPTAs ... let me list a few ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Microbiology UKM (Jah Hut Daughter) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Quantity Surveying UM (Jakun Son)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Malay Linguistics UM (Jakun Daughter)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Education IPG (Jah Hut Son)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
History UM (Jah Hut Daughter)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Estate Management UiTM (Jah Hut Sons)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Retail Management UiTM (Semai Daughter) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AlhamduLillah ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For these indigenous daughters and sons ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Jakuns ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jah Huts ... Semais ... Temuan</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... who are quietly ... but surely moving forward! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a beautiful moment ... in Cameron Highlands </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"See you tomorrow"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a semai child called out to me as she closed the door ... 'malu' as usual to show herself ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but a voice so strong that I knew her shyness was just a defense ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Siapa kata Bahasa Inggeris anak-anak kita semakin merudum? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
:) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-71071802502854890072014-11-08T08:59:00.001+08:002014-11-08T08:59:50.683+08:00Berita Gembira Buat Lelaki dan Wanita ... <div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjRsUFgu-2iEHrSlgh7PN4ARRV5o5judhejj4lgoN6i712k6LIvyD5tg-U9cDjs6aFIwp8YWgc2aolDBSxQ3eCMa93iy8ROselwWACTZ79e5iRJ29Sbp1LCrEPMp1ilNBshLs06c2fNk/s1600/Bismillahirrahmanirrahim+-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjRsUFgu-2iEHrSlgh7PN4ARRV5o5judhejj4lgoN6i712k6LIvyD5tg-U9cDjs6aFIwp8YWgc2aolDBSxQ3eCMa93iy8ROselwWACTZ79e5iRJ29Sbp1LCrEPMp1ilNBshLs06c2fNk/s1600/Bismillahirrahmanirrahim+-2.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_XRuluRUAHMGNPUScbUtJvUR7pztKu6TVDEJu5TaOSLWgAiRjLsiHQheaga_XSWndmvUVoXWuz1mHKkrwAzpkEavgd5cqRGfqpaG7pF6hXPS3yhtD4wtoQEdaxZrHYa9IOkz-rP8lx4/s1600/Surah+Al-Ahzaab+33+Ayat+35.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_XRuluRUAHMGNPUScbUtJvUR7pztKu6TVDEJu5TaOSLWgAiRjLsiHQheaga_XSWndmvUVoXWuz1mHKkrwAzpkEavgd5cqRGfqpaG7pF6hXPS3yhtD4wtoQEdaxZrHYa9IOkz-rP8lx4/s1600/Surah+Al-Ahzaab+33+Ayat+35.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="bacaan_div"><span id="ayat_all_span"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Sesungguhnya
orang-orang lelaki yang Islam serta orang-orang perempuan yang Islam,
dan orang-orang lelaki yang beriman serta orang-orang perempuan yang
beriman, dan orang-orang lelaki yang taat serta orang-orang perempuan
yang taat, dan orang-orang lelaki yang benar serta orang-orang perempuan
yang benar, dan orang-orang lelaki yang sabar serta orang-orang
perempuan yang sabar, dan orang-orang lelaki yang merendah diri (kepada
Allah) serta orang-orang perempuan yang merendah diri (kepada Allah),
dan orang-orang lelaki yang bersedekah serta orang-orang perempuan yang
bersedekah, dan orang-orang lelaki yang berpuasa serta orang-orang
perempuan yang berpuasa, dan orang-orang lelaki yang memelihara
kehormatannya serta orang-orang perempuan yang memelihara kehormatannya,
dan orang-orang lelaki yang menyebut nama Allah banyak-banyak serta
orang-orang perempuan yang menyebut nama Allah banyak-banyak, Allah
telah menyediakan bagi mereka semuanya keampunan dan pahala yang besar."</div>
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Terjemahan <a href="http://www.surah.my/33"><span style="color: blue;">Al-Quran Kareem Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35)</span></a></div>
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<span id="bacaan_div"><span id="ayat_all_span">~<br />
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Ye janji Allah 'Azza wa Jal ... </span></span></div>
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<br /><span id="bacaan_div"><span id="ayat_all_span">itulah berita gembira buat lelaki dan wanita ...<br />
di pagi sunyi hujan rintik sejuk nyaman hati dan badan :)</span></span></div>
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<br /><span id="bacaan_div"><span id="ayat_all_span">~</span></span></div>
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<br /><span id="bacaan_div"><span id="ayat_all_span">Jika ada ...<br />
buat yang merindu ...<br />
salam kasih sayang kerana Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala ...<br />
<br />
AlhamduLillah ... kerja mana yang patut ... umpama gunung sedikit demi sedikit didaki dan terokai ... jalan berhenti ... jalan berhenti ... semakin tinggi perjalanan ... oksijen menipis mengah tentulah pasti ... namun ... dari aras ini melihat jauh kebelakang ... sakit luka perjalanan semakin tipis dari ingatan ... hati sebak berbisik memujuk diri ... tak jauh lagi ... tak jauh lagi ...</span></span></div>
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<span id="bacaan_div"><span id="ayat_all_span">InsyaAllah :)</span></span></div>
<br /><span id="bacaan_div"><span id="ayat_all_span"></span></span><span id="bacaan_div"><span id="ayat_all_span"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj922GHNcDJVn_pCGeJmetbgLJqgFaKN35CpEH2f5WKRcOQ-bPtVQr0rep7H0PjCoqDPxmwCuNe8CkqDSncWxi_fGs3LwQC6Dyxi9V5e0rpCzKi8qNzSnGA9Xud8rApFQ9B4_DW6uCkEAE/s1600/Photo0338-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj922GHNcDJVn_pCGeJmetbgLJqgFaKN35CpEH2f5WKRcOQ-bPtVQr0rep7H0PjCoqDPxmwCuNe8CkqDSncWxi_fGs3LwQC6Dyxi9V5e0rpCzKi8qNzSnGA9Xud8rApFQ9B4_DW6uCkEAE/s1600/Photo0338-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Off the main road ... found nestled among the Banjaran Titiwangsa ... an Orang Asli Village in Cameron Highland</div>
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(Image: Real Life)</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span id="ayat_all_span"></span></span></div>
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<small>
</small>Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162609658520023670.post-40367658663997771032014-08-07T14:14:00.000+08:002014-09-13T09:04:30.164+08:00Light upon Light ...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span id="bacaan_div"><img alt="Bismillah" src="http://www.surah.my/assets/bismillah-7233150a93d46e44581427dcf8d3decb.png" /></span></div>
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<span id="ayat_all_span"><img alt="A035" src="http://www.surah.my/assets/s024/a035-f03e60f5f60cdf1a08fbd2095e305a10.png" /></span> </div>
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Allah is
the Light of the heavens and the earth. The Parable of His Light is as
if there were a Niche and within it a Lamp: the Lamp enclosed in Glass:
the glass as it were a brilliant star: Lit from a blessed Tree, an
Olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is well-nigh
luminous, though fire scarce touched it: Light upon Light! Allah doth
guide whom He will to His Light: Allah doth set forth Parables for men:
and Allah doth know all things.</div>
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<a href="http://www.theonlyquran.com/quran/An-Nur/English_Abdullah_Yusuf_Ali/?pagesize=0"><span style="color: blue;">Al-Quran: Surah An-Nuur (24:35)</span></a><br />
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/di-tc_4mi5M/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/di-tc_4mi5M&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/di-tc_4mi5M&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di-tc_4mi5M"><span style="color: blue;">Nouman Ali Khan <br /><span class="st">نعمان علی خان </span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">~ </span></span></div>
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It has been a long while ... and MasyaAllah Ustaz Nu'man's syarah on this beautiful verse is most apt to awaken me from the slumber of darkness into the shining light of the brilliant star ...</div>
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... Nurun 'ala nur ...</div>
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AlhamduLillah ... please take some moments to listen ...</div>
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... what's the point of a lamp if it does not light up its surrounding ...</div>
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~ </div>
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Thank you for coming by :) </div>
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Real Life in Malaysiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08886777799907838418noreply@blogger.com4