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.