Friday, November 20, 2015
Allah sends help when it is most needed
Suffering and Hardship is Purification
Purification of our soul is a Mercy from The Creator. How else can we prepare ourselves for our journey back to Him, to the place where our Prophet Adam once lived? Allah always want the best for us but His tests may be severe and harsh if we look at them from the surface. He assures us that man will never be burdened by more than we can bear. If we lose our lives during these trials that was already written for us. We all have to return to Him. Let us always pray for a good ending, always as a believer.
Only believers have the right to enter Paradise/Jannah. For those who do not know Islam Allah will give them a final opportunity on Judgement Day. He would test them and in the end it will be their own choice to believe or not. If people know about Islam, they need to submit and accept Islam or disbelieve. Those who want Paradise will submit and believe in the Oneness of Allah. They will believe in the Prophets and that Prophet Muhammad is the last and final Prophet.
Allah forgives all who repent and do not commit shirk. Believe in only Allah and no other. There is no diety worthy of worship except Allah and Prophet Muhammad saw is His Messenger. Do not let anything become more important than Allah. It can be our wealth, our children, our property and even our beloved hobbies and friends. All these can become a hindrance or punishment to us on the Day of Judgement.
Indeed the help of Allah is always near
Some may say why some people suffered and some even lost their lives if we always say the help of Allah is always near? We need to learn to love and trust in Allah's judgement and decree. What is fair may not always be good for us. What is foul may indeed be fair if we know the reason and the result of our hardship.
We are often reminded that Allah tests us with trials of hardship and difficulty. We may not like to be tested. No one does. Yet it is through tests and trials that we are forced to go forward, to face the challenges. To bear hardship with patience and quiet dignity. To continue to strive though everything seems bleak.
All of us face hardship at different times of our lives. Despite the worry, heartache, anger, grief and fear we must remain steadfast. Hardship cannot go on forever. After hardship comes ease. To some, death may be the ease because Allah takes them away from their suffering. When we are steadfast and keep repenting and improving ourselves, we are in process of purification. To keep our faith and to be patient in times of adversity brings great rewards though we cannot feel or see them. Do you know how many people a martyr can choose to enter Paradise with him?
No one can help or harm us anymore. The angels have recorded all our good as well as evil deeds.Those who were steadfast and faithful look forward to meeting with Allah.
All Believers will face tests.
I too had many tests since returning from Haj. On Mt Arafah all pilgrims cried and pleaded with Allah SWT to forgive our many sins and to help us become better Muslims. To be better worshippers who served only Him alone. Our trials of purification began the time we made the intention to go for Haj or umrah. The test is even more upon our return. This is one sure way to become cloer to Allah. Depend only on Him for our survival. for our very existence. Be patient. Try to submit and be humble.
When life is really hard and we are feeling crushed, Allah sends help! We will find friends who are willing to sacrifice what they love in order to help alleviate our own difficulty. They are willing to give us part of their earnings and even motivate us to carry on. Even strangers come forward to offer help and friendship. Sometimes we are treated much better than we actually deserve. They all did it for the sake of Allah. They love Allah and are willing to go the extra mile to seek His pleasure.
Indeed the help of Allah is always near.
Major Changes
Fast Forward
Its already November 2015!
Major Changes
Alhamdulillah! Many interesting events took place the past 2 years. One major decision was to change my focus from clothes to books. Yes I decided to take a break from designing and selling clothes. Most of the time I was selling clothes which was quite interesting and challenging. However I was not of much help when it came to typing and counting and stock taking. It was still a good experience.
I still love writing, drawing and designing. I love to encourage people to dress modestly and ethnically. We can maintain our our identity. We changed our religion, not our race. There is no conflict.
I have not given it up. Just taking a long break to sort out my own priorities. I want to travel a bit when my son completes his studies. He can continue with his Masters degree later. I prefer to travel with mahram.
Amaed and Muslim Apparel
I had spent over two years as Head of Biro Agama in AMAED. It is a very interesting ngo consisting of Muslima apparel designers who are very talented and hardworking. They design, market, run around for meetings and purchasing of fabrics as well as arrange for the stitching of their products. It is most challenging as the clothes have to meet shariah compliance. Our designers take part in international fashion shows to promote their clothes and educate the public.
Challenges
It is not all fun and glamour. It is very challenging to ensure all designers not only understand the concept of fully shariah compliant designs. They have to respect laws laid down by Allah SWT and not be afraid to lose out to those who service the non Muslim sector. Of course sleek figure hugging clothes are exciting and attractive. They will sell more easily and many fall for the sound of the cash register ringing.
People forget all Allah SWT is the one who gives rezq, our wealth. If we want to be rich and famous we may become so. If we do it by going against His rules, we may get rich but probably without baraka or blessings from Him.
There is always a price to pay. Some designers will purposely break the rules and put indecent and immodest clothes on the catwalk. How many times can they be excused? Every action is recorded by the 2 malaikat/angels upon our shoulders. Who are the end losers?
Letting go and gaining much more
So I let go 3 major things in my life in 2015. I stopped being active in 2 ngos and gave up my job. I love the beautiful clothes but not the job. Paperwork and stock checking does not suit me. I made a hijrah and decided to sell off much of my antique and furniture. I love beautiful things but they are just worldly things. They can come and go. It earned enough for me to take a break for a couple of months without having to seek another job.
Books and Back to Studies
Alhamdulillah! I enrolled into Arees Institute together with some of my sisters. It was a good decision.. I finally made the effort to complete my Diploma in Islamic Studies and continued with the Advanced Diploma. We are now taking part Masters program with History of Islam, Hadith and Tafsir, interpretation of Al Quran. I managed to attend more classes regularly and has chance to do more reading.
Focusing on Writing
I was invited to contribute 2 stories of Love and Compassion, a lovely book that talks about human endeavour, compassion, love and learning. This book can be found in some of the national libraries in the country. We hope people will benefit from the wonderful stories within.
These books were also sold to raise fund for the Rohingya refugees and to help the Kelantan flood victims.
2 more stories for another new book
Just completed 2 new stories for the next book which is due to be launched early 2016. Our stories are for our children. Sharing bits of our lives and glimpses of life of our parents. There is much to learn from the struggles and challenges of the early generations. They were tough and determined, brave and full of love for their children. We can learn so much from them.
Our book 'Stories for Our Children' will be launched at the Victoria Ballroom, Holiday Villa on 30 January, 2016. It is in conjunction with an Islamic Charity fashion show for women only. It is organised by Yayasan Rosni Noor.
Reprinting my first book, The Beauty of Covering Up
I had to rewrite a new prologue and make some adjustments to prepare for my 2nd printing of my book.
It took some time and I had been sitting on the final editing before it goes for final checking by the editor. It can be costly to reprint but much cheaper than the first time.
So much for catching up. There is so much to share. Its really late now. Have to go.
Its already November 2015!
Major Changes
Alhamdulillah! Many interesting events took place the past 2 years. One major decision was to change my focus from clothes to books. Yes I decided to take a break from designing and selling clothes. Most of the time I was selling clothes which was quite interesting and challenging. However I was not of much help when it came to typing and counting and stock taking. It was still a good experience.
I still love writing, drawing and designing. I love to encourage people to dress modestly and ethnically. We can maintain our our identity. We changed our religion, not our race. There is no conflict.
I have not given it up. Just taking a long break to sort out my own priorities. I want to travel a bit when my son completes his studies. He can continue with his Masters degree later. I prefer to travel with mahram.
Amaed and Muslim Apparel
I had spent over two years as Head of Biro Agama in AMAED. It is a very interesting ngo consisting of Muslima apparel designers who are very talented and hardworking. They design, market, run around for meetings and purchasing of fabrics as well as arrange for the stitching of their products. It is most challenging as the clothes have to meet shariah compliance. Our designers take part in international fashion shows to promote their clothes and educate the public.
Challenges
It is not all fun and glamour. It is very challenging to ensure all designers not only understand the concept of fully shariah compliant designs. They have to respect laws laid down by Allah SWT and not be afraid to lose out to those who service the non Muslim sector. Of course sleek figure hugging clothes are exciting and attractive. They will sell more easily and many fall for the sound of the cash register ringing.
People forget all Allah SWT is the one who gives rezq, our wealth. If we want to be rich and famous we may become so. If we do it by going against His rules, we may get rich but probably without baraka or blessings from Him.
There is always a price to pay. Some designers will purposely break the rules and put indecent and immodest clothes on the catwalk. How many times can they be excused? Every action is recorded by the 2 malaikat/angels upon our shoulders. Who are the end losers?
Letting go and gaining much more
So I let go 3 major things in my life in 2015. I stopped being active in 2 ngos and gave up my job. I love the beautiful clothes but not the job. Paperwork and stock checking does not suit me. I made a hijrah and decided to sell off much of my antique and furniture. I love beautiful things but they are just worldly things. They can come and go. It earned enough for me to take a break for a couple of months without having to seek another job.
Books and Back to Studies
Alhamdulillah! I enrolled into Arees Institute together with some of my sisters. It was a good decision.. I finally made the effort to complete my Diploma in Islamic Studies and continued with the Advanced Diploma. We are now taking part Masters program with History of Islam, Hadith and Tafsir, interpretation of Al Quran. I managed to attend more classes regularly and has chance to do more reading.
Focusing on Writing
I was invited to contribute 2 stories of Love and Compassion, a lovely book that talks about human endeavour, compassion, love and learning. This book can be found in some of the national libraries in the country. We hope people will benefit from the wonderful stories within.
These books were also sold to raise fund for the Rohingya refugees and to help the Kelantan flood victims.
2 more stories for another new book
Just completed 2 new stories for the next book which is due to be launched early 2016. Our stories are for our children. Sharing bits of our lives and glimpses of life of our parents. There is much to learn from the struggles and challenges of the early generations. They were tough and determined, brave and full of love for their children. We can learn so much from them.
Our book 'Stories for Our Children' will be launched at the Victoria Ballroom, Holiday Villa on 30 January, 2016. It is in conjunction with an Islamic Charity fashion show for women only. It is organised by Yayasan Rosni Noor.
Reprinting my first book, The Beauty of Covering Up
I had to rewrite a new prologue and make some adjustments to prepare for my 2nd printing of my book.
It took some time and I had been sitting on the final editing before it goes for final checking by the editor. It can be costly to reprint but much cheaper than the first time.
So much for catching up. There is so much to share. Its really late now. Have to go.
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