Why am I involved?
I do this with mixed feelings. Sometimes, in order to go to step 2, we have to start from step 1. Just as the Islamic Fashion Festival has its challenges, it had soldiered on, creating more awareness about what is modesty in Islam. Designers are constantly reminded on the proper Islamic dressing requirements. Some consistently disregard these rules showing either ignorance or disrespect.
It is our intention to have a fully Islamic fashion and lifestyle platform through Amaed. Only members can make it happen.
Amaed is in its infant stage
Teething problems may take years to outgrow. The main thing is we must carry on, making small improvements here and there, every step of the way. Many members join the organisation to improve their business and networking. That is fine. But they need to join the greater mission, to encourage all to embrace the act of worship of covering modestly.
How do men dress in the past?
Not just women but the men should cover too. Sure they need only cover modestly between the navel to the knees. But we have to look at the situation. Men in the past had to do manual labour, carrying timber, stones and grains. They sweat and some could not afford to soil or damage their clothes daily.
Men who lead normal lives do not walk around wearing only pants or loin cloth. That is common sense. Even in the ancient days, they wore long robes and shorts and dressed modestly. Similarly we encourage men of today to dress modestly too.
Men can dress well too
It would be great if men wore long loose shirts and pants. Those with unsightly bulging bellies should cover themselves modestly instead of tucking in their tight shirts into their equally tight trousers. We are not criticising people or commenting about their figures, but encouraging them to dress a bit more smartly and decently. Women do not like to have to see men dressed in tight clothes just as believing men do not like to see women dressed immodestly.
Some people do not care or are they unaware?
As for guys with great figures, tall and athletic, cover up please. Mr Universe and our swimming champs and footballers who wear tiny underwear in public need to dress a bit more decently.
Parents protect your daughters
Actually it is surreal to see Muslim girls wearing revealing leotards and swimsuits during sports competitions. And the parents are so proud of their daughters appearing in the international media wearing skimpy little costumes. So what if they are world champions? Will the malaikat record how many gold medals they won? Or note down in their book of records what they did. Allah knows best. Just caring for our young sisters, that's all.
Respect Divine Rules
We cannot say we believe in Islam and yet not respect the rules. These are rules from our Creator, not man made. Because these are divine laws, Muslims have to submit to them eventually. Sometimes they disobey when they use their own nafs (vain desires) to decide the way they dress and behave.
If we do not want to cover modestly whilst we are alive, we will still be covered from head to toe in our burial shroud. Do we wait to be covered only when our bodies lie cold and lifeless? May Allah SWT have mercy on us.
Pay the Price
People have the freedom and choice to obey or disobey. However they all know they must pay the price some day, one way or another.
Perhaps they think they will one day change their lives, to begin to live with dignity as Muslims, humble slaves of Allah. But they do not want that one day to be today, or tomorrow, or the next. Not yet anyway.
Shirk to change Allah's laws
Actually these people who disobey are not that bad compared to those who change Allah SWT's laws. When Allah says something is haram or forbidden, these people are quick to claim that it is halal or permissible for Muslims. They will say black is white and white is black.
Who are these people? They are the ignorant or worse, arrogant ones. They do not fear or respect Allah. Disobeying Allah is very different from rejecting Allah's laws. Those who reject openly commit shirk.
Some claim to love Allah but they take their dressing too casually. Friends may give a small hint or reminder. If they are the types who do not take kindly to sisterly advice, no one will dare to remind them any more.
Yet these very people too may fast during the month of Ramadhan and even pray the night prayer with thousands of other devout Muslims. They may pay their zakat and do a lot of charity. Sometimes these acts of faith ends with the month of Ramadhan, Some may revert to their former selves and wait for the next Ramadhan to come the following year.
What Kind of Muslim are We?
So we realise there are so many types and levels of Muslims. Which kind of Muslim are we? We know we are not perfect, I know I am far from it and am still struggling to improve my faith/iman and my will power to obey Allah.
We get what we want
I may not fulfill every form of ibadah but I know I want to improve. Allah knows what is in our hearts and He knows our intention. When we do something that is not for the sake of Allah we may succeed but there may be no blessing in that action.
We get what we asked for, if its dunya we want, that's what we will get. What if we do not get anything for our akhirah? There may even be curses directed at us.
How Nice if its All Women Event Only
Coming back to the fashion show, how I wish it would be a fully Muslimah event. All males will be barred from the dressing room, makeup room and the stage. The helpers, dressers, choreographer, waiters, technicians and managers including security will be female only.
Even the audience should be female. When it becomes a show by women specially for women, much of the fitnah is removed. And no men looking at our models on the catwalk, which I feel increasingly uncomfortable. No men to watch other women who are sharing their tables and no women will have to serve male patrons in the hotel or hall.
A Fashion Show is not just about fashion, glamour and sales
It may not happen overnight but every sincere Muslim would not object to all women events for fashion shows. It is not just merely showing the beauty of Islam through decent Muslim attire. Amaed is the right platform to educate the public and members likewise. Some members know but continue to design tight little dresses as they may sell faster. Some may feel it is not that serious so we can only hope knowledge can help them be strong.
Change Perception
It is also very much about encouraging Muslims to change their perception. Muslims must be aware of their great responsibility to show Islam in a good light. Each and every Muslim has the sacred duty to share the ''beauty and duty " to cover up.
Be Proactive
Let us be proactive. We have a great Amaed Team and they have put in so much time, money and effort to put things together. We hope one day in the near future Amaed will represent true Muslim attire and convey the beauty of covering up modestly on a higher level.
Showing posts with label Values. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Values. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Assalamu alaikum dear friends, I'm back again!
Good to be back!
Been away for a really long time - since Ramadhan. And its already Eidul Adha already! With all the extra work and commitments in Ramadhan I decided to cool it and stayed away from my blog. Sometimes when we are too busy, the creative part of us become frozen in time.
Stale and Stilted Thoughts
Writer's block some may call it. We can still write but it will take more effort and time. And ideas may become stale and not spontaneous. I do not write with drafts and re drafts. Sometimes when the mood hits, my fingers just fly over the keyboard and words begin to form, as fast as the brain can muster the thoughts and feelings.
Feeling good about writing again
Its kind of coming back right now. I did not plan to write anything, just to check whether I needed to respond to any comments from my dear friends and readers. I love you for taking the time to read my thoughts. Thank you.
I need to improve my vocabulary
I do not like to stop when I am on a roll. That of course means I do not use words that I cannot remember how to spell anymore, due to long disuse. And also vague words from memory that I am no longer sure of what they mean exactly. Where's that old dictionary of mine?
I do envy (in a good and loving way) , my dear sister Hajar who writes so delicately and yet so effectively. I love the way she pens her thoughts.
Some of her little phrases inspire and make me want to put in more effort than just churning out my thoughts in a primitive manner.
Looking forward to more writing... soon! I promise.
Been away for a really long time - since Ramadhan. And its already Eidul Adha already! With all the extra work and commitments in Ramadhan I decided to cool it and stayed away from my blog. Sometimes when we are too busy, the creative part of us become frozen in time.
Stale and Stilted Thoughts
Writer's block some may call it. We can still write but it will take more effort and time. And ideas may become stale and not spontaneous. I do not write with drafts and re drafts. Sometimes when the mood hits, my fingers just fly over the keyboard and words begin to form, as fast as the brain can muster the thoughts and feelings.
Feeling good about writing again
Its kind of coming back right now. I did not plan to write anything, just to check whether I needed to respond to any comments from my dear friends and readers. I love you for taking the time to read my thoughts. Thank you.
I need to improve my vocabulary
I do not like to stop when I am on a roll. That of course means I do not use words that I cannot remember how to spell anymore, due to long disuse. And also vague words from memory that I am no longer sure of what they mean exactly. Where's that old dictionary of mine?
I do envy (in a good and loving way) , my dear sister Hajar who writes so delicately and yet so effectively. I love the way she pens her thoughts.
Some of her little phrases inspire and make me want to put in more effort than just churning out my thoughts in a primitive manner.
Looking forward to more writing... soon! I promise.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Finding time to cook in Ramadhan
These days I do not seem to have the mood to spend time in the kitchen. Some of the vegetables have to be thrown away periodically. Its such a shame!
Eat more vegetables!
I bought some beautiful fresh mushrooms the other day but I got ambitious so I also bought pumpkin, baby tomatoes. fruits, capsicum and cheese. Managed to make a quick pumpkin soup - low fat and vegetarian. Insha'Allah I will - I have to use up all my mushrooms before they turn yellow and dry.
Fresh Mushroom Soup and Buttered Mushroom with garlic - yummy and quick
Perhaps a clear mushroom soup if I am too tired or a creamy one if I have time. The balance will be stir fried in some butter or olive oil. Just a smashed pip of garlic or sliced onions. Some left over frozen french bread.
Tasty Salad
Easy to make a fresh capsicum, onion and tomato salad in apple vinegar and little olive oil and salt and pepper. use any crispy lettuce available - just tear it up. That's going to be really quick.
I discovered I did not have to add any honey if I used apple vinegar. It is sweet and just the right flavour. Maybe I will whizz up some hummus (blended garbanzo beans), tahina (sesame paste), fresh lemon juice and a spalsh of olive oil, pepper, garlic.
I did give an offer to have a cooking session before Ramadan but so far the timing may not be right. Suddenly there is a committee meeting on 23rd July so that means only 24 afternoon is available. Ipoh visit on 30th though I am not sure if I can make it.
Fancy Pumpkin Seafood Soup
I saw a cooking show from Taiwan in someone's house (no, I do not subscribe to Astro as it really takes up too much of time) that suggested the addition of fresh fish fillet, mussels, mushrooms and silken tofu to the pumpkin soup. The chef also made a roux (white sauce and added some cream), Looked interesting but a bit too rich and fancy for my simple taste buds.
Maybe for a fancy dinner and possibly just a small dish of soup each, not the larger helpings in the case of a more rustic and basic pumpkin soup.
Tonight's dinner
We had pumpkin soup tonight. With the fresh salad and steamed brown rice. I also served store bought prawn sambal petai and some fried tahu cooked in coconut milk. Dinner was unexpectedly pleasant and I threw in the extra cheese and baby tomatoes over the steaming rice. Cooked rice in 2 small shallow dishes in layered electric steamer.
Easy steamboat or hotpot
Actually its rather nice to cook a pot of chicken stock with some bones and drumsticks etc. Add a few tomyam cubes or paste or leave it plain and naturally sweet. If you add stock cubes there will be a lot of msg in it, whether we like it or not.
Just add your favourite vegetables, prawns, chicken and fish fillet. Fresh squid and mushrooms are great too. Throw in some lemon grass, limau purut leaves, chili padi, onions and galanggal or lengkuas for tomyam soup. This can be made more extravagant when you have special guests or just have it simple with some quality prawns, fishballs and yong tow foo.
So much time and preparation for a meal
Marketing, cleaning, preparation, cooking, cleaning, serving, clearing up, cleaning, storing etc etc. That's a lot of work for just one meal. But the satisfaction is definitely greater when we share a nice meal at home. Especially when our family sees their favourite foods on the table. Mothers know all about that, waking up and cooking for sahur - I really salute them.
Microwave - thing of the past
I was only adept at reheating food in the microwave. Can't do that anymore as I stopped using microwave many years ago for health reasons.
Super simple sahur
Good thing my son really likes cereal and fresh milk. Alhamdulillah! Even when he was primary school aged, he would set the alarm clock and prepared his favourite sahur. When I was really tired and sleepy I would only wake up for dates and water. So long I had sahur. following the sunnah.
Train children from young
Do not let our children demand or tell us what to do or what to cook, especially for sahur. If they requested very nicely, any mother would not be able to turn down their appeals. If kids simply expect to be served or must have freshly cooked meals for sahur, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
Why be slaves to unappreciative little people? You may end up doing that for the rest of your lives. Not a very exciting thought.
Less I eat, the less hungry I become
I find the more I eat for sahur, the faster I would become hungry. Maybe the gastri juices would be overworking and demanding for more food. A piece of toast or a egg or cereal is more practical for me.
Iftar is not for stuffing ourselves after fasting all day
Iftar should be moderate and best to avoid sweets too often. The temptation may be great especially if we attend a lot of iftar with friends. They really try to feed us too well. If people actually put on weight in Ramadhan, something is wrong somewhere!
Go easy on the extras
Better take some dates and drink and complete solat maghrib before commencing dinner. Sometimes I do eat my dinner right away. In a way it is good as I do not have time to eat too much and do not have time for any appetizers or dessert. Just a simple main meal and perhaps some light snack or morey after tarawih, eating with friends before we part.
Best of Ramadhan
The best part of Ramadhan is when we break our fast from not merely eating and drinking but abstaining from evil thoughts, bad deeds and poor etiquette. And a supercharge of energy and faith when we stand together in worship of Allah SWT. SubhanAllah!
Eat more vegetables!
I bought some beautiful fresh mushrooms the other day but I got ambitious so I also bought pumpkin, baby tomatoes. fruits, capsicum and cheese. Managed to make a quick pumpkin soup - low fat and vegetarian. Insha'Allah I will - I have to use up all my mushrooms before they turn yellow and dry.
Fresh Mushroom Soup and Buttered Mushroom with garlic - yummy and quick
Perhaps a clear mushroom soup if I am too tired or a creamy one if I have time. The balance will be stir fried in some butter or olive oil. Just a smashed pip of garlic or sliced onions. Some left over frozen french bread.
Tasty Salad
Easy to make a fresh capsicum, onion and tomato salad in apple vinegar and little olive oil and salt and pepper. use any crispy lettuce available - just tear it up. That's going to be really quick.
I discovered I did not have to add any honey if I used apple vinegar. It is sweet and just the right flavour. Maybe I will whizz up some hummus (blended garbanzo beans), tahina (sesame paste), fresh lemon juice and a spalsh of olive oil, pepper, garlic.
I did give an offer to have a cooking session before Ramadan but so far the timing may not be right. Suddenly there is a committee meeting on 23rd July so that means only 24 afternoon is available. Ipoh visit on 30th though I am not sure if I can make it.
Fancy Pumpkin Seafood Soup
I saw a cooking show from Taiwan in someone's house (no, I do not subscribe to Astro as it really takes up too much of time) that suggested the addition of fresh fish fillet, mussels, mushrooms and silken tofu to the pumpkin soup. The chef also made a roux (white sauce and added some cream), Looked interesting but a bit too rich and fancy for my simple taste buds.
Maybe for a fancy dinner and possibly just a small dish of soup each, not the larger helpings in the case of a more rustic and basic pumpkin soup.
Tonight's dinner
We had pumpkin soup tonight. With the fresh salad and steamed brown rice. I also served store bought prawn sambal petai and some fried tahu cooked in coconut milk. Dinner was unexpectedly pleasant and I threw in the extra cheese and baby tomatoes over the steaming rice. Cooked rice in 2 small shallow dishes in layered electric steamer.
Easy steamboat or hotpot
Actually its rather nice to cook a pot of chicken stock with some bones and drumsticks etc. Add a few tomyam cubes or paste or leave it plain and naturally sweet. If you add stock cubes there will be a lot of msg in it, whether we like it or not.
Just add your favourite vegetables, prawns, chicken and fish fillet. Fresh squid and mushrooms are great too. Throw in some lemon grass, limau purut leaves, chili padi, onions and galanggal or lengkuas for tomyam soup. This can be made more extravagant when you have special guests or just have it simple with some quality prawns, fishballs and yong tow foo.
So much time and preparation for a meal
Marketing, cleaning, preparation, cooking, cleaning, serving, clearing up, cleaning, storing etc etc. That's a lot of work for just one meal. But the satisfaction is definitely greater when we share a nice meal at home. Especially when our family sees their favourite foods on the table. Mothers know all about that, waking up and cooking for sahur - I really salute them.
Microwave - thing of the past
I was only adept at reheating food in the microwave. Can't do that anymore as I stopped using microwave many years ago for health reasons.
Super simple sahur
Good thing my son really likes cereal and fresh milk. Alhamdulillah! Even when he was primary school aged, he would set the alarm clock and prepared his favourite sahur. When I was really tired and sleepy I would only wake up for dates and water. So long I had sahur. following the sunnah.
Train children from young
Do not let our children demand or tell us what to do or what to cook, especially for sahur. If they requested very nicely, any mother would not be able to turn down their appeals. If kids simply expect to be served or must have freshly cooked meals for sahur, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
Why be slaves to unappreciative little people? You may end up doing that for the rest of your lives. Not a very exciting thought.
Less I eat, the less hungry I become
I find the more I eat for sahur, the faster I would become hungry. Maybe the gastri juices would be overworking and demanding for more food. A piece of toast or a egg or cereal is more practical for me.
Iftar is not for stuffing ourselves after fasting all day
Iftar should be moderate and best to avoid sweets too often. The temptation may be great especially if we attend a lot of iftar with friends. They really try to feed us too well. If people actually put on weight in Ramadhan, something is wrong somewhere!
Go easy on the extras
Better take some dates and drink and complete solat maghrib before commencing dinner. Sometimes I do eat my dinner right away. In a way it is good as I do not have time to eat too much and do not have time for any appetizers or dessert. Just a simple main meal and perhaps some light snack or morey after tarawih, eating with friends before we part.
Best of Ramadhan
The best part of Ramadhan is when we break our fast from not merely eating and drinking but abstaining from evil thoughts, bad deeds and poor etiquette. And a supercharge of energy and faith when we stand together in worship of Allah SWT. SubhanAllah!
Friday, June 17, 2011
A house is not a home, True or False?
Make your own home
Yes, a house is not a home unless we make it "our own" by giving it an identity and love. It does not mean having to buy a house physically. Sounds vague? But you know what I mean.
Just an object
If we just throw in all the furniture and use the house as an object, it will remain an object, devoid of warmth and security. All the padlocks and bolts cannot keep us safe as only Allah SWT can protect us from any harm.
Home Sweet Home
We can make our home secure in the sense that our home can provide emotional security for us, especially after a long and hard day's work, driving home and diving into our favourite chair and finally relaxing every muscle in our bodies. Well, maybe not as dramatic as that ,but it sure feels good to be home. Nowhere can be better than home. Right or wrong?
So I decided to move all my worldly belongings to a new and strange place, and planning to call it home. MMmmmm... Working hard at it as just a few days ago it was an empty space, full of dust and what have you... unmentionables in case your are having your lunch in front of the PC. Smile...I really dislike lizards! We can actually kill them off but I feel sorry for these cold blooded things - they too want to survive.
Moving is no fun
Sent a lorry load of important stuff like cupboards and beds and my pots and pans. Had been to and fro by car daily, carrying fragile items like glassware, porcelain, clothes. The movers forgot some of the shelves so now almost everything is on the floor, and I thought I had it so well planned. Forgot that human beings do not always co operate or listen to instructions though they all want to get paid. Allah is the best planner.
Casa Cafe
Discovered the Casa Cafe was open only last month. What a shame! The lady cooks delicious food and I only knew 2 weeks before I have to leave. Maybe I will be back more often to enjoy food by the poolside. I used to see people walk round and round the condo and the nice walkway next to the stream but I never had the interest to join them. Not too social sometimes as I like peace and quiet.
I never touched the swimming pool and gym throughout my stay here. No privacy and no fun exercising alone. In fact my friend has a gym and I never even exercised there except once.
Lost weight without going to the gym
Anyway, I already lost over 8 lbs in a 6 weeks (not that much , as my weight control program is aimed at turning fat into muscle which can be heavy too). A friend of mine who started a week before me lost much more as she was very serious and determined to be healthy again. She looks much smaller these days. All my new clothes are loose and I am wearing back all my old favourites which I had almost given away.
Losing weight for the right reasons
Lose weight to gain health. Lose for the right reasons. Vanity and the wish to regain lost figures may be a strong 2nd factor. Who does not want to feel lighter and healthier? Who would seriously claim its great to have a thick neck, bulging tummy and flabby arms? No one, I am quite sure.
When I was young I took my slim figure for granted. I ate anything I wished and never had any problems with weight. With childbirth the body may change. Anyway, the ounces and pounds would just creep up upon us. Suddenly we we were 10 pounds heavier! Some people gained 20 pounds in 10 years , its gradual so we may not notice. Others can tell you how hard it is to lose just 2 pounds. Time to eat well and eat correctly. Its a reminder for myself too.
I feel good. Some of my friends tell me
they want to be healthier too
Today I really feel good about this and feel much healthier. Its not a strict regiment and I get to have my usual breakfast (half boiled eggs and toast etc) and just a lighter lunch with less rice or carbohydrates. As much of protein and vegetables and fruits as I like though we have to be reasonable and not use it as an excuse to keep on eating.
Low fat nutri shake is healthy alternative for a change
Only a trimshake at night though I do not follow too strictly as I do eat out a lot. Just be more selective and take the special herbal supplements. Easy and no heavy exercise to burn fat. Just burning it naturally and scientifically. High tech diet that gives results.
Alhamdulillah! I never dreamt changing my eating habits and lifestyle for 3 months could be so pleasant and effective. Naturally we should eat sensibly even after the 3 month cycle is completed. No binging and nasi lemak, oily goreng pisang and keropok lekor and fried koey teow daily.
I forgot the new me!
Really amazed and sometimes I forgot I am much slimmer now. :) Miracles do happen! Hee Hee. I mean I was only 140 lbs before I started this program but in less than 2 months everything is falling into place. Maybe the feeling of achievement and getting the results. SubhanAllah! It used to take me a whole year to reduce 5 lbs and that was only possible during Ramadhan. Only to gain it back slowly ;( .
In fact it could have been worse. It helps when we make sure we complete all our replacement and the special 6 day optional fasting in Shawal itself . Its a way to discipline ourselves so we do not get carried away with all the multiple open house invitations. It certainly defeats the purpose of fasting in Ramadhan when we can just lose control and overeat at every occasion.
Healthy Heart
So now I am really happy as I can wear a smaller size and feel fitter than ever. My health was not too bad though I had a few small joint problems. I know sometimes putting on a few pounds can lead to more if we are careless. Sometimes we cannot resist some favourite foods and often the worst offenders are the most delicious!
Keep trim in order to have a healthy heart, insha' Allah. In the end it is Allah who decides how and when we will go. However we have the responsibility to make the effort so we do not blame anyone for our illness and suffering. At least we tried.
Lose Some, Gain Some
Some people want to lose weight and others want to gain weight. Gaining weight with protein and healthy fats would be better than eating only desserts.
Some oils are better than others.
Olive oil, flaxseed oil, santan (not coconut oil as that does not make us fat) and eating high calories fruits and perhaps grain bread, meat and some protein shake may help us gain weight. Make hummus with virgin olive oil, tahina and lemon. We can cook with olive oil and santan may help too.
Delicious creamy ice cream and cream puffs?Egg tarts and fruit tarts? Tiramisu and carrot cake with cream cheese topping? Wow! Those who want to gain weight sure have a lot of fun following the doctor's orders!
Yes, a house is not a home unless we make it "our own" by giving it an identity and love. It does not mean having to buy a house physically. Sounds vague? But you know what I mean.
Just an object
If we just throw in all the furniture and use the house as an object, it will remain an object, devoid of warmth and security. All the padlocks and bolts cannot keep us safe as only Allah SWT can protect us from any harm.
Home Sweet Home
We can make our home secure in the sense that our home can provide emotional security for us, especially after a long and hard day's work, driving home and diving into our favourite chair and finally relaxing every muscle in our bodies. Well, maybe not as dramatic as that ,but it sure feels good to be home. Nowhere can be better than home. Right or wrong?
So I decided to move all my worldly belongings to a new and strange place, and planning to call it home. MMmmmm... Working hard at it as just a few days ago it was an empty space, full of dust and what have you... unmentionables in case your are having your lunch in front of the PC. Smile...I really dislike lizards! We can actually kill them off but I feel sorry for these cold blooded things - they too want to survive.
Moving is no fun
Sent a lorry load of important stuff like cupboards and beds and my pots and pans. Had been to and fro by car daily, carrying fragile items like glassware, porcelain, clothes. The movers forgot some of the shelves so now almost everything is on the floor, and I thought I had it so well planned. Forgot that human beings do not always co operate or listen to instructions though they all want to get paid. Allah is the best planner.
Casa Cafe
Discovered the Casa Cafe was open only last month. What a shame! The lady cooks delicious food and I only knew 2 weeks before I have to leave. Maybe I will be back more often to enjoy food by the poolside. I used to see people walk round and round the condo and the nice walkway next to the stream but I never had the interest to join them. Not too social sometimes as I like peace and quiet.
I never touched the swimming pool and gym throughout my stay here. No privacy and no fun exercising alone. In fact my friend has a gym and I never even exercised there except once.
Lost weight without going to the gym
Anyway, I already lost over 8 lbs in a 6 weeks (not that much , as my weight control program is aimed at turning fat into muscle which can be heavy too). A friend of mine who started a week before me lost much more as she was very serious and determined to be healthy again. She looks much smaller these days. All my new clothes are loose and I am wearing back all my old favourites which I had almost given away.
Losing weight for the right reasons
Lose weight to gain health. Lose for the right reasons. Vanity and the wish to regain lost figures may be a strong 2nd factor. Who does not want to feel lighter and healthier? Who would seriously claim its great to have a thick neck, bulging tummy and flabby arms? No one, I am quite sure.
When I was young I took my slim figure for granted. I ate anything I wished and never had any problems with weight. With childbirth the body may change. Anyway, the ounces and pounds would just creep up upon us. Suddenly we we were 10 pounds heavier! Some people gained 20 pounds in 10 years , its gradual so we may not notice. Others can tell you how hard it is to lose just 2 pounds. Time to eat well and eat correctly. Its a reminder for myself too.
I feel good. Some of my friends tell me
they want to be healthier too
Today I really feel good about this and feel much healthier. Its not a strict regiment and I get to have my usual breakfast (half boiled eggs and toast etc) and just a lighter lunch with less rice or carbohydrates. As much of protein and vegetables and fruits as I like though we have to be reasonable and not use it as an excuse to keep on eating.
Low fat nutri shake is healthy alternative for a change
Only a trimshake at night though I do not follow too strictly as I do eat out a lot. Just be more selective and take the special herbal supplements. Easy and no heavy exercise to burn fat. Just burning it naturally and scientifically. High tech diet that gives results.
Alhamdulillah! I never dreamt changing my eating habits and lifestyle for 3 months could be so pleasant and effective. Naturally we should eat sensibly even after the 3 month cycle is completed. No binging and nasi lemak, oily goreng pisang and keropok lekor and fried koey teow daily.
I forgot the new me!
Really amazed and sometimes I forgot I am much slimmer now. :) Miracles do happen! Hee Hee. I mean I was only 140 lbs before I started this program but in less than 2 months everything is falling into place. Maybe the feeling of achievement and getting the results. SubhanAllah! It used to take me a whole year to reduce 5 lbs and that was only possible during Ramadhan. Only to gain it back slowly ;( .
In fact it could have been worse. It helps when we make sure we complete all our replacement and the special 6 day optional fasting in Shawal itself . Its a way to discipline ourselves so we do not get carried away with all the multiple open house invitations. It certainly defeats the purpose of fasting in Ramadhan when we can just lose control and overeat at every occasion.
Healthy Heart
So now I am really happy as I can wear a smaller size and feel fitter than ever. My health was not too bad though I had a few small joint problems. I know sometimes putting on a few pounds can lead to more if we are careless. Sometimes we cannot resist some favourite foods and often the worst offenders are the most delicious!
Keep trim in order to have a healthy heart, insha' Allah. In the end it is Allah who decides how and when we will go. However we have the responsibility to make the effort so we do not blame anyone for our illness and suffering. At least we tried.
Lose Some, Gain Some
Some people want to lose weight and others want to gain weight. Gaining weight with protein and healthy fats would be better than eating only desserts.
Some oils are better than others.
Olive oil, flaxseed oil, santan (not coconut oil as that does not make us fat) and eating high calories fruits and perhaps grain bread, meat and some protein shake may help us gain weight. Make hummus with virgin olive oil, tahina and lemon. We can cook with olive oil and santan may help too.
Delicious creamy ice cream and cream puffs?Egg tarts and fruit tarts? Tiramisu and carrot cake with cream cheese topping? Wow! Those who want to gain weight sure have a lot of fun following the doctor's orders!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Time to Move On & Dates for Sale in Ramadhan
Shall I go or shall I stay?
I try to block my mind to the fact that I shall be moving out of my lovely sanctuary before the end of this month. How I will miss the rain and the rising streamlet. The beautiful flight of the large birds and the sweet songs every morning. The lightning blue kingfisher and ripples in the water. Mr Biawak and junior biawak - large monitors. I did hesitate about giving my notice to the landlord but I know I must move on.
Detached, perhaps to prepare myself to leave
Strangely enough, I do not feel much attachment to the apartment itself though I really appreciate the fresh air, so cool that I sometimes need to use a light blanket at night. And the air con is not even on! I used to switch on the air conditioner from 7pm right up to morning because of the hot weather in Subang. At Tropicana, its really COOL. I think I must have used the air conditioner maximum 7 times for the whole year.
What happens when trees are felled?
It really shows that when we cut down all trees and leave everything covered in concrete we will experience local weather change. If we cut down a whole hill, what do we expect?
Why am I saying goodbye?
So why am I saying goodbye to all this? Not much choice, really. I have to be practical as moving on means we save a lot of time on the road and that means saving a great deal on petrol, toll, wear and tear of the vehicles and also less stress insha'Allah.
It certainly is nicer to drive 15 minutes to class instead of spending 45 minutes minimum each trip. I do not even have to drive, I can just walk to work. In the end, the most important thing I will save is TIME. It is invaluable and cannot be captured ever again.
Boxes, boxes everywhere
Coming back to moving house, I am getting used to the ever growing number of boxes in every room of the apartment. This time I am going to move in stages. Monday one lorry load and the following week, another lorry will send the rest of the items.
Somethings gotta go...
This way I will not fill the house with too many boxes and furniture all at once. I find it difficult to part with my collection of books. To make up for that I gave away a few bags of clothes, bed linens, cooking utensils and equipment etc. Somethings have to go....
Blank Upstairs
My mind is quite blank and I have not decided where to position the furniture or where to store the kitchen stuff. I am not the kind who enjoys housekeeping. Moving house is very challenging. Stressed for weeks and after moving stressed for even more, as it takes forever to put things in order again.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Dates for Ramadhan
I got my new order for a carton of Lyna fresh dates from Tunisia today. In July there will be more orders. Some dates will be sent to customer's relatives overseas. I sell dates every Ramadhan as it gives me a chance to earn a little extra income and my customers get their dates at a reasonable price instead of paying more at the shops.
Is it fun? Mmmm ...Not exactly
Its actually hard work and I have to carry the heavy cartons everywhere. Whenever I collect, when I remove them from the car to store in a cool place in the house, then some have to be in the fridge. Finally I have to place them all again into the car for delivery. And that means carrying the heavy cartons from the car which may be far away, to the customer's home. Sometimes they are not in and I have to visit them again to collect what they owe. Phew!!! Does that sound fun? Certainly not. Every year I tell myself that's the last time I would ever sell the dates. Yet each year I end up doing it again.
Why do I want to sell dates again?
Why? I really appreciate my friends who make effort to order the dates from me. They can buy them from anywhere they like, maybe at a cheaper price. Of course seldom the same quality. I keep my prices fairly low to keep my customers satisfied. They never ask for discount but I know people spend a lot on everything in Ramadhan. Its good to give a reasonable price so they can do more ibadah.
Customer Satisfaction
And I feel happy when I see they are pleased with the products. That is job satisfaction - when my customers thank me and express their appreciation. When I manage to deliver the items on time though many of them order at the last minute. That means making so many calls.fighting for the last carton, making extra trips and getting caught in traffic jams because the timing is unexpected.
Flying Dates
Sometimes they suddenly need to order extra to send to their relatives abroad. That means extra business for me. :D The dates are flying everywhere!
No wonder my friends are so enthusiastic about selling dates!
Actually some friends are selling the same items at RM2 more per box and that means extra profit of RM24 per carton. I sell Lyna fresh dates with stalks at only RM14 but my friends are selling them by the hundreds of boxes, between RM15 to RM16 per box. Some shops sell exactly the same dates at RM18. I still sell them at RM 14 this year.
Other varieties - everyone has different taste
It also gets a little complicated as I also sell several other qualities like Mariami, Bam, Ajwa and Medjool. Sometimes I need to weigh and repack them into smaller bags for distribution to the end source, usually orphans and needy. This activity is quite relaxing and rewarding though I need to sacrifice my time.
Not right to make too much profit for dates
I just feel its not right to make too much profit for such an essential item in Ramadhan. Making it affordable means more people can get their rewards from Allah when they buy and distribute their dates to friends and strangers alike. Yes, we all want to share in order to obtain some of their rewards too. Allah is so Generous, we can benefit from other people's efforts so easily. Alhamdulillah!
How to resist a win win situation?
I consider it an ibadah to provide customers with quality affordable dates. I also get to donate a lot of dates for breaking of fast because I get them at a discount. That is fringe benefit. Win Win situation that is hard to resist.
I try to block my mind to the fact that I shall be moving out of my lovely sanctuary before the end of this month. How I will miss the rain and the rising streamlet. The beautiful flight of the large birds and the sweet songs every morning. The lightning blue kingfisher and ripples in the water. Mr Biawak and junior biawak - large monitors. I did hesitate about giving my notice to the landlord but I know I must move on.
Detached, perhaps to prepare myself to leave
Strangely enough, I do not feel much attachment to the apartment itself though I really appreciate the fresh air, so cool that I sometimes need to use a light blanket at night. And the air con is not even on! I used to switch on the air conditioner from 7pm right up to morning because of the hot weather in Subang. At Tropicana, its really COOL. I think I must have used the air conditioner maximum 7 times for the whole year.
What happens when trees are felled?
It really shows that when we cut down all trees and leave everything covered in concrete we will experience local weather change. If we cut down a whole hill, what do we expect?
Why am I saying goodbye?
So why am I saying goodbye to all this? Not much choice, really. I have to be practical as moving on means we save a lot of time on the road and that means saving a great deal on petrol, toll, wear and tear of the vehicles and also less stress insha'Allah.
It certainly is nicer to drive 15 minutes to class instead of spending 45 minutes minimum each trip. I do not even have to drive, I can just walk to work. In the end, the most important thing I will save is TIME. It is invaluable and cannot be captured ever again.
Boxes, boxes everywhere
Coming back to moving house, I am getting used to the ever growing number of boxes in every room of the apartment. This time I am going to move in stages. Monday one lorry load and the following week, another lorry will send the rest of the items.
Somethings gotta go...
This way I will not fill the house with too many boxes and furniture all at once. I find it difficult to part with my collection of books. To make up for that I gave away a few bags of clothes, bed linens, cooking utensils and equipment etc. Somethings have to go....
Blank Upstairs
My mind is quite blank and I have not decided where to position the furniture or where to store the kitchen stuff. I am not the kind who enjoys housekeeping. Moving house is very challenging. Stressed for weeks and after moving stressed for even more, as it takes forever to put things in order again.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Dates for Ramadhan
I got my new order for a carton of Lyna fresh dates from Tunisia today. In July there will be more orders. Some dates will be sent to customer's relatives overseas. I sell dates every Ramadhan as it gives me a chance to earn a little extra income and my customers get their dates at a reasonable price instead of paying more at the shops.
Is it fun? Mmmm ...Not exactly
Its actually hard work and I have to carry the heavy cartons everywhere. Whenever I collect, when I remove them from the car to store in a cool place in the house, then some have to be in the fridge. Finally I have to place them all again into the car for delivery. And that means carrying the heavy cartons from the car which may be far away, to the customer's home. Sometimes they are not in and I have to visit them again to collect what they owe. Phew!!! Does that sound fun? Certainly not. Every year I tell myself that's the last time I would ever sell the dates. Yet each year I end up doing it again.
Why do I want to sell dates again?
Why? I really appreciate my friends who make effort to order the dates from me. They can buy them from anywhere they like, maybe at a cheaper price. Of course seldom the same quality. I keep my prices fairly low to keep my customers satisfied. They never ask for discount but I know people spend a lot on everything in Ramadhan. Its good to give a reasonable price so they can do more ibadah.
Customer Satisfaction
And I feel happy when I see they are pleased with the products. That is job satisfaction - when my customers thank me and express their appreciation. When I manage to deliver the items on time though many of them order at the last minute. That means making so many calls.fighting for the last carton, making extra trips and getting caught in traffic jams because the timing is unexpected.
Flying Dates
Sometimes they suddenly need to order extra to send to their relatives abroad. That means extra business for me. :D The dates are flying everywhere!
No wonder my friends are so enthusiastic about selling dates!
Actually some friends are selling the same items at RM2 more per box and that means extra profit of RM24 per carton. I sell Lyna fresh dates with stalks at only RM14 but my friends are selling them by the hundreds of boxes, between RM15 to RM16 per box. Some shops sell exactly the same dates at RM18. I still sell them at RM 14 this year.
Other varieties - everyone has different taste
It also gets a little complicated as I also sell several other qualities like Mariami, Bam, Ajwa and Medjool. Sometimes I need to weigh and repack them into smaller bags for distribution to the end source, usually orphans and needy. This activity is quite relaxing and rewarding though I need to sacrifice my time.
Not right to make too much profit for dates
I just feel its not right to make too much profit for such an essential item in Ramadhan. Making it affordable means more people can get their rewards from Allah when they buy and distribute their dates to friends and strangers alike. Yes, we all want to share in order to obtain some of their rewards too. Allah is so Generous, we can benefit from other people's efforts so easily. Alhamdulillah!
How to resist a win win situation?
I consider it an ibadah to provide customers with quality affordable dates. I also get to donate a lot of dates for breaking of fast because I get them at a discount. That is fringe benefit. Win Win situation that is hard to resist.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
When we lose someone we love
Why do people leave?
Good question. sometimes there is no answer. People leave when they change; when they cannot manage a relationship or when they themselves behaved so badly that they cannot repair the damage.
They do not know how to mend a broken heart, out of desperation they give up and run away. They leave behind people who love them. Sometimes there is no other way, for staying on would cause more sorrow later on.
Happiness and hardship are tests for us
Others may love, betray and turn away because their hearts are weak and filled with shaitan's whisperings. Many such experiences are simply tests for us. How do we react to such situations?
What do we do when someone leaves?
Do we face it with patience and determination to go into damage control? Do we try to pick up the pieces and try to mend the broken heart together? Or do some people just love us, break our hearts and leave us to carry on alone, leaving responsibilities and a trail of broken promises?
Have we ever hurt someone before?
Sometimes we were the ones who had broken someone's heart. If we try to remember our past, perhaps sometime in our life we had done the same thing , to someone we have long forgotten. Someone who deserved better treatment and respect from us.
Maybe we were too young to understand the impact of our careless action or we did not know what to do so we just block it out of our minds.
Different people react differently
There was once a girl who liked someone of a different race and religion during our schooldays. Her parents were very unhappy with this friendship. She told me he was a very nice person and he treated her very well.
One day she told me she had broken off with him. How did she do it? Being only 17, she had no idea about handling the matter with maturity. She was scared her heart would soften.
She told me she purposely treated him badly and threw his present into the garbage bin in his presence, just to make him angry with her. She did all sorts of terrible things to turn him away from her.
In actual fact she still liked him and she did it because of pressure from her parents. The poor guy must have hurt a lot and perhaps his self esteem destroyed at that moment.
Its ironic because some years later she went abroad to further studies, met someone just like him and decided to marry this person. I think the parents were not too pleased by that but she decided to follow her heart. Her parents soon warmed up with the arrival of grandchildren. Life is like that.
Accept what is fated and get on with life
Sometimes we are not fated to be with someone for too long. Its better to appreciate the good times and be thankful to Allah for the happy memories. Isn't that better than to keep thinking of the grief and 'loss'? Everything will just be focused on negative energy and that would really drain us thoroughly. Surely we have better things to do that to live in the past. Wake Up!
The clock will keep ticking
People come and people go for various reasons. Sometimes its very hard to accept that though we try to understand. Many times it may not have anything to do with us personally but the other party had changed and we cannot turn back the clock.
Put our trust in Allah
The pure for the pure and the impure for the impure. Allah SWT wants to protect us and help us to stay on the straight path. Some things we feel is bad for is actually the best. We cannot see it at the very moment and this is when we have to learn to put our trust in Allah. Very often we still cling on to things and to people who are no longer good for us. Allah knows best.
Sometimes toxic relationships need a good shake up. If it still doesn't work, it may be time to move on. Nobody belongs to us and we belong to no one. Only Allah SWT has that right over us.
Know our priorities
What matters most is we remain faithful to Allah and He is always close to those who make effort to be close to Him. He always gives us a fair deal but we sometimes prefer to grief over what does not belong to us and had never belonged to us.
We grieve even though some people revealed their actual true and evil colours. Why do we even want them back if they cannot even behave as a true Muslim? We can be forgiving but we must know when to reject such disrespect. Surely we deserve better than that. Learn to love and respect ourselves.
Yet we do not grief when we or our children do not follow the sunnah or fulfil our solat, fasting and zakat. On the last day we will shall be alone and to Him we will return. Nothing else would matter.
Keep the right perspective
Lets keep the right perspective and strive to be steadfast in the face of adversity. These days I remind myself that we own nothing in reality and we will take nothing with us when we leave this worldly life.
Remember the purpose of our life -to worship and serve Allah,
not dwell on things we that we never actually had
We pray for the good of this world and good of the hereafter. Yet we must try to live this life as a traveller and keep our focus on our final destination. That way we can strive to serve Allah SWT well to make ourselves worthy of all the beautiful rewards of paradise.
Good question. sometimes there is no answer. People leave when they change; when they cannot manage a relationship or when they themselves behaved so badly that they cannot repair the damage.
They do not know how to mend a broken heart, out of desperation they give up and run away. They leave behind people who love them. Sometimes there is no other way, for staying on would cause more sorrow later on.
Happiness and hardship are tests for us
Others may love, betray and turn away because their hearts are weak and filled with shaitan's whisperings. Many such experiences are simply tests for us. How do we react to such situations?
What do we do when someone leaves?
Do we face it with patience and determination to go into damage control? Do we try to pick up the pieces and try to mend the broken heart together? Or do some people just love us, break our hearts and leave us to carry on alone, leaving responsibilities and a trail of broken promises?
Have we ever hurt someone before?
Sometimes we were the ones who had broken someone's heart. If we try to remember our past, perhaps sometime in our life we had done the same thing , to someone we have long forgotten. Someone who deserved better treatment and respect from us.
Maybe we were too young to understand the impact of our careless action or we did not know what to do so we just block it out of our minds.
Different people react differently
There was once a girl who liked someone of a different race and religion during our schooldays. Her parents were very unhappy with this friendship. She told me he was a very nice person and he treated her very well.
One day she told me she had broken off with him. How did she do it? Being only 17, she had no idea about handling the matter with maturity. She was scared her heart would soften.
She told me she purposely treated him badly and threw his present into the garbage bin in his presence, just to make him angry with her. She did all sorts of terrible things to turn him away from her.
In actual fact she still liked him and she did it because of pressure from her parents. The poor guy must have hurt a lot and perhaps his self esteem destroyed at that moment.
Its ironic because some years later she went abroad to further studies, met someone just like him and decided to marry this person. I think the parents were not too pleased by that but she decided to follow her heart. Her parents soon warmed up with the arrival of grandchildren. Life is like that.
Accept what is fated and get on with life
Sometimes we are not fated to be with someone for too long. Its better to appreciate the good times and be thankful to Allah for the happy memories. Isn't that better than to keep thinking of the grief and 'loss'? Everything will just be focused on negative energy and that would really drain us thoroughly. Surely we have better things to do that to live in the past. Wake Up!
The clock will keep ticking
People come and people go for various reasons. Sometimes its very hard to accept that though we try to understand. Many times it may not have anything to do with us personally but the other party had changed and we cannot turn back the clock.
Put our trust in Allah
The pure for the pure and the impure for the impure. Allah SWT wants to protect us and help us to stay on the straight path. Some things we feel is bad for is actually the best. We cannot see it at the very moment and this is when we have to learn to put our trust in Allah. Very often we still cling on to things and to people who are no longer good for us. Allah knows best.
Sometimes toxic relationships need a good shake up. If it still doesn't work, it may be time to move on. Nobody belongs to us and we belong to no one. Only Allah SWT has that right over us.
Know our priorities
What matters most is we remain faithful to Allah and He is always close to those who make effort to be close to Him. He always gives us a fair deal but we sometimes prefer to grief over what does not belong to us and had never belonged to us.
We grieve even though some people revealed their actual true and evil colours. Why do we even want them back if they cannot even behave as a true Muslim? We can be forgiving but we must know when to reject such disrespect. Surely we deserve better than that. Learn to love and respect ourselves.
Yet we do not grief when we or our children do not follow the sunnah or fulfil our solat, fasting and zakat. On the last day we will shall be alone and to Him we will return. Nothing else would matter.
Keep the right perspective
Lets keep the right perspective and strive to be steadfast in the face of adversity. These days I remind myself that we own nothing in reality and we will take nothing with us when we leave this worldly life.
Remember the purpose of our life -to worship and serve Allah,
not dwell on things we that we never actually had
We pray for the good of this world and good of the hereafter. Yet we must try to live this life as a traveller and keep our focus on our final destination. That way we can strive to serve Allah SWT well to make ourselves worthy of all the beautiful rewards of paradise.
Monday, May 16, 2011
The Difference between Giving and Taking
Its Allright toTake , Better to Give
Through the years we had been benefitting from the generosity of others - parents, family, friends, peers, employers, managers, writers, leaders etc. Yes, we had been taking from many people through out our lives.
Giving Back
How about giving back? It doesn't mean only financial help or assistance. Some of us may not have that much to spare. However, we can't just say "Oh, I'm not that rich - I cannot help others improve their lives".
We Can! If We Want To!
Its best to give back on a daily basis, in whatever small way we can. Even helping your family is giving back. Giving should be a life long process, not just every now and then, when we feel like it.
It gets Easier with Time!
Give back by caring for others, sharing and giving some moral support. Give advice and your time. Help others to grow, especially in training others to become better at their careers and jobs. Nothing is too small.
Smile! Be Cheerful and Kind
That seems such an easy thing to do, isn't it? Well, not to everyone. Some are just shy and are not comfortable around strangers and people they do not know well. However there are some people do not know how to share. They are not interested to know how others, especially their subordinates feel. Let's not wait for Allah SWT to give us a lesson on manners!
Be Genuinely Concerned
Talk to people, show appreciation to all, including juniors and people who seem lowly to you. Everyone has some goodness and special qualities. They may be so called nobodies but they are a necessary part of the company and part of society.
Respect the Poor and Downtrodden
Its good to be humble. Do not forget the power of the duaa (supplications) of the weak and oppressed. When they ask Allah SWT for blessings for us, their chances of being answered are much higher, insha Allah.
Be Ready to Change
If we are lacking in some ways, its good to reflect on our own attitudes and past behaviour. Is it so hard to make some small changes? We are in constant change.
I remind myself to change even if I cannot make some people change. Yes, be an agent of change. The first step starts with ourselves. No one is perfect so its aright to admit our weaknesses. We are lying to ourselves if we think we do not need to improve. Always room for improvement.
Be Sincere and Natural
Do it naturally and sincerely. You will be amazed that others too will change when you change your attitude towards them.
Everyone is a leader so let us lead with a good intention and ask for Allah's help and guidance to improve ourselves and others. All for His sake.
Through the years we had been benefitting from the generosity of others - parents, family, friends, peers, employers, managers, writers, leaders etc. Yes, we had been taking from many people through out our lives.
Giving Back
How about giving back? It doesn't mean only financial help or assistance. Some of us may not have that much to spare. However, we can't just say "Oh, I'm not that rich - I cannot help others improve their lives".
We Can! If We Want To!
Its best to give back on a daily basis, in whatever small way we can. Even helping your family is giving back. Giving should be a life long process, not just every now and then, when we feel like it.
It gets Easier with Time!
Give back by caring for others, sharing and giving some moral support. Give advice and your time. Help others to grow, especially in training others to become better at their careers and jobs. Nothing is too small.
Smile! Be Cheerful and Kind
That seems such an easy thing to do, isn't it? Well, not to everyone. Some are just shy and are not comfortable around strangers and people they do not know well. However there are some people do not know how to share. They are not interested to know how others, especially their subordinates feel. Let's not wait for Allah SWT to give us a lesson on manners!
Be Genuinely Concerned
Talk to people, show appreciation to all, including juniors and people who seem lowly to you. Everyone has some goodness and special qualities. They may be so called nobodies but they are a necessary part of the company and part of society.
Respect the Poor and Downtrodden
Its good to be humble. Do not forget the power of the duaa (supplications) of the weak and oppressed. When they ask Allah SWT for blessings for us, their chances of being answered are much higher, insha Allah.
Be Ready to Change
If we are lacking in some ways, its good to reflect on our own attitudes and past behaviour. Is it so hard to make some small changes? We are in constant change.
I remind myself to change even if I cannot make some people change. Yes, be an agent of change. The first step starts with ourselves. No one is perfect so its aright to admit our weaknesses. We are lying to ourselves if we think we do not need to improve. Always room for improvement.
Be Sincere and Natural
Do it naturally and sincerely. You will be amazed that others too will change when you change your attitude towards them.
Everyone is a leader so let us lead with a good intention and ask for Allah's help and guidance to improve ourselves and others. All for His sake.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Nasi Lemak Kopi O TV9
Alhamdulillah! Many thanks to TV9 team for the great interview and air time. It was a very pleasant surprise to find so many people contacting me via FB after watching the program.
Thanks to TV9 Viewers
Thanks to all well wishers who wrote in to support my effort and offer words of encouragement.
I also received quite a number of book orders which I will despatch my by Pos Laju. Courier for overseas orders.
Helping Others to Earn a Little Extra Income
Some schools and invidividuals are also helping me distribute the books. I share a little profit with them. Since the introductory price of RM50 is not much I sometimes only take back my cost. They help me without expecting too much, with a good intention to share the beauty of
covering up with their friends. May Allah SWT accept their good deeds.
Friendly Helpers
Other friends have requested to help me sell my books and some even refused to accept any payment for their hard work of carrying the heavy books all over the place. From last October to May 2011 I had been selling the books at an introductory price of only RM50 excluding postage.
I am very touched by offers by people I hardly know - after reading the book they offer to help me sell my books, using their own time and energy. Another sister even personally approached several shops to sell my books. She managed to sell 30 books within 2 weeks. By helping me she helped me channel part of the takings to help another sister who needed some income.
May Allah SWT reward and bless all of them for their generosity and kindness. May they also obtain the extra rewards when readers change their lives to accept and respect the hijab.
Wonderful Feeling to Cover for Allah
Wearing a headcover and clothes that cover modestly is a wonderful feeling. It only comes when we decide to obey Allah SWT wholeheartedly in that matter.
Not Easy for Change Overnight
Its not easy to make a change but what matters is the sincere intention and the humble and continuous effort to fulfil our obligations. Everything we do eventually benefits us, if not in this life, then in the Hereafter.
Good Things do not come Easy
Good things do not come easy and there can be many distractions and temptations along the way. Somedays we win and some days we lose. When we fall, we must be strong to bounce up again, ready to try again and again.
Muslims must start to make time to write and share
It is my intention to keep on writing and documenting so the future generation can benefit from our effort. I urge Muslims to make time to write about things that matter, ideas and experiences that can help society. We learn so much from other communities. Why are we not giving back?
Thanks to TV9 Viewers
Thanks to all well wishers who wrote in to support my effort and offer words of encouragement.
I also received quite a number of book orders which I will despatch my by Pos Laju. Courier for overseas orders.
Helping Others to Earn a Little Extra Income
Some schools and invidividuals are also helping me distribute the books. I share a little profit with them. Since the introductory price of RM50 is not much I sometimes only take back my cost. They help me without expecting too much, with a good intention to share the beauty of
covering up with their friends. May Allah SWT accept their good deeds.
Friendly Helpers
Other friends have requested to help me sell my books and some even refused to accept any payment for their hard work of carrying the heavy books all over the place. From last October to May 2011 I had been selling the books at an introductory price of only RM50 excluding postage.
I am very touched by offers by people I hardly know - after reading the book they offer to help me sell my books, using their own time and energy. Another sister even personally approached several shops to sell my books. She managed to sell 30 books within 2 weeks. By helping me she helped me channel part of the takings to help another sister who needed some income.
May Allah SWT reward and bless all of them for their generosity and kindness. May they also obtain the extra rewards when readers change their lives to accept and respect the hijab.
Wonderful Feeling to Cover for Allah
Wearing a headcover and clothes that cover modestly is a wonderful feeling. It only comes when we decide to obey Allah SWT wholeheartedly in that matter.
Not Easy for Change Overnight
Its not easy to make a change but what matters is the sincere intention and the humble and continuous effort to fulfil our obligations. Everything we do eventually benefits us, if not in this life, then in the Hereafter.
Good Things do not come Easy
Good things do not come easy and there can be many distractions and temptations along the way. Somedays we win and some days we lose. When we fall, we must be strong to bounce up again, ready to try again and again.
Muslims must start to make time to write and share
It is my intention to keep on writing and documenting so the future generation can benefit from our effort. I urge Muslims to make time to write about things that matter, ideas and experiences that can help society. We learn so much from other communities. Why are we not giving back?
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Bringing work home
Should we bring our work home?
Don't bring your work home! Even I used to say that as we do need family time and rest when we get home. The journey back was already stressful enough, especially if it had been raining. Sometimes the rain was so heavy that I was just driving with my eyes wide open but could see only waterfall on the windshield.
Driving on a prayer
Driving on a prayer - making a dua and tawakkal to Allah SWT. There are some things we have to keep doing - like pressing the accelerator pedal. Even if we cannot see the road ahead. This is the time to realise Allah is watching over us. We cannot just stop the engine, there is no place to pull to the side so the only way is to go forward! Sometimes life is just like that...
So who wants to do some more office work when she gets home? Not me, I used to think.
Singing a different song
These days I am changing my tune. Everyone wants to work from home. I actually like working at home as I can take care of my family and yet fulfil my responsibilities. Its really nice to have a nice hot cup of tea and snack and make money at the same time. MMMmmm...
Set a target and reward yourself
Tonight I have to do some paperwork and send something by email. Set myself a target. Must complete part 1 by 10pm. I'm dying to read a few publications I just bought the other day.
The shop was closed again... wanted to buy eggs to make some chocolate cakes. The problem with condominium living is we cannot make too much noise to disturb the neighbours. So no blasting away the machines at 12 midnight. No one hears anything in a normal landed property.
Been driving all over today and came back just in time to avoid the awful jam. Enjoying a hot mug of Rooibus tea, compliments of sis Rayhana. Its really tasty and so packed with nutrients.
Okay, to work, to work :) happily and with a smile. Insha Allah the output will be positive too!
Don't bring your work home! Even I used to say that as we do need family time and rest when we get home. The journey back was already stressful enough, especially if it had been raining. Sometimes the rain was so heavy that I was just driving with my eyes wide open but could see only waterfall on the windshield.
Driving on a prayer
Driving on a prayer - making a dua and tawakkal to Allah SWT. There are some things we have to keep doing - like pressing the accelerator pedal. Even if we cannot see the road ahead. This is the time to realise Allah is watching over us. We cannot just stop the engine, there is no place to pull to the side so the only way is to go forward! Sometimes life is just like that...
So who wants to do some more office work when she gets home? Not me, I used to think.
Singing a different song
These days I am changing my tune. Everyone wants to work from home. I actually like working at home as I can take care of my family and yet fulfil my responsibilities. Its really nice to have a nice hot cup of tea and snack and make money at the same time. MMMmmm...
Set a target and reward yourself
Tonight I have to do some paperwork and send something by email. Set myself a target. Must complete part 1 by 10pm. I'm dying to read a few publications I just bought the other day.
The shop was closed again... wanted to buy eggs to make some chocolate cakes. The problem with condominium living is we cannot make too much noise to disturb the neighbours. So no blasting away the machines at 12 midnight. No one hears anything in a normal landed property.
Been driving all over today and came back just in time to avoid the awful jam. Enjoying a hot mug of Rooibus tea, compliments of sis Rayhana. Its really tasty and so packed with nutrients.
Okay, to work, to work :) happily and with a smile. Insha Allah the output will be positive too!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Let us pray for a safer world
The power of prayer and supplication
Do not underestimate the power of prayer and supplication! Allah SWT knows what is in our hearts. With so many calamities around us, we are going to pray a lot - for our own families and friends and for our neighbours . We have to not only pray hard but work hard to make this a better world.
Everyone and everything affected
A lot of work to be done, especially with the back to back disasters and loss of lives especially in Japan. Now the oceans, rivers and lakes, farms and parks are polluted badly. The fish, the seaweed, marine life and inhabitants are suffering. The seas are crying!
Be careful what you consume
Well, at least no more cruel and greedy hunting for the stubborn big time whalers. There will be no business for them for a long time. All food will have to go through radiation tests soon. Sushi anyone? Guess we have to use our discretion when it comes to certain food and products.
Power of Water
I feel sad to think of how people are suffering in the cold, some areas maybe be running out of supplies. It does not take an external enemy to disrupt a highly developed nation. Just power of water sent by the Almighty as a reminder and wake up call for us and the people of the world.
Help. Even in a small way
Life goes on and while we are busy living life and working as usual to fulfill our daily commitments. Let us get real and remember our fellowmen who are still reeling and suffering this tragedy. Let us find ways to help them, even if it is in a small way.
Food for thought
We may not have nuclear reactors but looks like the country may be heading that way. May Allah SWT protect us all. Even a developed and sophisticated nation like Japan cannot deal effectively in this situation. Are we absolutely sure we can do better? Decisions that affect life, health and safety are very tough. People who push for nuclear energy have to be absolutely honest with themselves and be sincere. Their decisions can literally kill - even their own families will be affected. Food for thought.
Make dawah to help others spiritually
Perhaps we can contact Muslim ngos which may have their own networks to reach out to those in need. It is a good time to let people know Muslims are kind and generous and are willing to share their wealth with people in difficulties. Make dawah by way of good deeds - that is sending spiritual help. May Allah SWT accept your good deeds and mine.
So very helpless, small and insignificant
I feel very helpless, small and insignificant in the face of these tests from Allah SWT. Some people will say natural disasters! Well, some disasters actually occurred as a result of our own doing. Did we learn anything?
Who holds up the mountains?
Let them think about it - who created the world and how are the mountains joined at the bottom of the sea? How are the clouds and sky held up like a canopy above us and how do birds fly? Allah SWT simply sent us a small sample of the day of reckoning but we do not know if people want to get the message.
Do not underestimate the power of prayer and supplication! Allah SWT knows what is in our hearts. With so many calamities around us, we are going to pray a lot - for our own families and friends and for our neighbours . We have to not only pray hard but work hard to make this a better world.
Everyone and everything affected
A lot of work to be done, especially with the back to back disasters and loss of lives especially in Japan. Now the oceans, rivers and lakes, farms and parks are polluted badly. The fish, the seaweed, marine life and inhabitants are suffering. The seas are crying!
Be careful what you consume
Well, at least no more cruel and greedy hunting for the stubborn big time whalers. There will be no business for them for a long time. All food will have to go through radiation tests soon. Sushi anyone? Guess we have to use our discretion when it comes to certain food and products.
Power of Water
I feel sad to think of how people are suffering in the cold, some areas maybe be running out of supplies. It does not take an external enemy to disrupt a highly developed nation. Just power of water sent by the Almighty as a reminder and wake up call for us and the people of the world.
Help. Even in a small way
Life goes on and while we are busy living life and working as usual to fulfill our daily commitments. Let us get real and remember our fellowmen who are still reeling and suffering this tragedy. Let us find ways to help them, even if it is in a small way.
Food for thought
We may not have nuclear reactors but looks like the country may be heading that way. May Allah SWT protect us all. Even a developed and sophisticated nation like Japan cannot deal effectively in this situation. Are we absolutely sure we can do better? Decisions that affect life, health and safety are very tough. People who push for nuclear energy have to be absolutely honest with themselves and be sincere. Their decisions can literally kill - even their own families will be affected. Food for thought.
Make dawah to help others spiritually
Perhaps we can contact Muslim ngos which may have their own networks to reach out to those in need. It is a good time to let people know Muslims are kind and generous and are willing to share their wealth with people in difficulties. Make dawah by way of good deeds - that is sending spiritual help. May Allah SWT accept your good deeds and mine.
So very helpless, small and insignificant
I feel very helpless, small and insignificant in the face of these tests from Allah SWT. Some people will say natural disasters! Well, some disasters actually occurred as a result of our own doing. Did we learn anything?
Who holds up the mountains?
Let them think about it - who created the world and how are the mountains joined at the bottom of the sea? How are the clouds and sky held up like a canopy above us and how do birds fly? Allah SWT simply sent us a small sample of the day of reckoning but we do not know if people want to get the message.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Why Japan?
My heart goes out to the people of Japan
My heart goes out to the people of Japan. The earthquake and tsunami that hit so many regions of the country is a very catastrophic disaster. My deepest condolences to the families and people who were directly and indirectly affected by this very sad and terrifying event. May this event help them discover the power and supremacy of our Creator.
Words cannot express how many of us felt when we witnessed the onslaught of the tidal waves that engulfed so many buildings and land . Something we vaguely know may happen but did not really think it could sweep inwards with such unrelenting ferocity and power.
Where is the source of this unseen power?
Where is the source of this unseen power? What is that all about? Some unbelievers and even people who are termed as Muslims may attribute it to mother nature.
Who is this so called 'mother nature'? Does she exist?
Why was such a term coined when there is no evidence whatsoever about this so called force? Can anyone come up with some real hard evidence?I think not.
Deliberate Attempt to Influence Others by Choice of Words
Is it an attempt hundreds of years ago, when the English vocabulary was evolved to introduce certain words to influence people? Who influenced the language and for what purpose? Who decided what to feed the minds of the masses? Who were these people?
Term coined by people who did not believe
in the existence of the Supreme Creator
Obviously people who did not believe in the existence of the Supreme Creator. Allah SWT's name was indeed known to people since the time of our earliest prophets. If they did not believe in Allah SWT, who or what did they worship?
Planned Influence and Distortion
This very common term of mother nature was created and carefully nutured to influence all later generations until today. People were told interesting stories about fairies, elves and goblins. This was pagan worship. When believing Muslims use it, perhaps they too could not see that everything is from Allah and cannot be separated. Or they did not understand the severity of their words.
We can lose our aqidah
We can lose our aqidah when we do not acknowledge the power of creation to Allah. If man evolved from the apes, who created the apes? Allah SWT created millions of different species and there are probably millions more that modern man has not even discovered yet. We actually know so little. We cannot even cure the common cold.
Debunking the theory of evolution
These people talked about the theory of evolution, where there is no mention of the Supreme Creator but that people, animals, fish and even mountains changed and evolved through time to become different species. To understand this further, just look up The Theory of Evolution by brother Harun Yahya. He wrote in detail to debunk such deliberate fallacies.
Ring of Fire
Coming back to Japan, we were all so shocked by what happened. Yet we all know that Japan is an earthquake prone area. Ring of Fire - sounds so ominous.
Why not Japan?
Why not Japan? It can be any place, any time. Allah SWT tells us he will test us with loss of wealth, property and loved ones. All that is in existence from the sky and the sea and all that is in between belongs to Allah SWT - the universes, the galaxies, the sun, the moon and the stars.
What did we learn?
So what do we learn from this very devastating event? Mother nature did this? Does she even exist? Where does she fit in? No Where! We all come from Allah SWT and to Him we all must return. He created everything and yet ungrateful human beings attribute even creation of lifeforms to other entities.
Brainwashed when we were young
It took me a while when I first learnt about Islam to adjust my thinking. We were taught in schools and in story books and even in history that mother nature makes things happen. Now we know the truth - Allah SWT is Creator. To Allah we must all return.
When Acheh and lesser known areas were hit by tsunami, how did people react? Oh, these places were affected because they are islands and exposed to the waves and sea.
Many of us just could not believe our eyes! We did not want to believe it was happening.
But what about Japan? People kept looking at videos of the surging water again and again. It was an unbelieving scene - perhaps we did not want to believe it was really happening. Some of us watched the advancing force repeatedly. It was as if we needed to make the whole picture sink and etch into our minds, to remind ourselves that Allah can do anything.
I had to see the whole scene to let it sink in
I needed to do that - I want to see for myself the Power and Force of the Almighty. He told us many times in Al Quran about His attributes but some of us just could not visualise that Power.
He only sent us a bit of water and that really threw us off. The world economy is already affected. What we saw was just a small bit of the bigger picture.
Many people worship other that Allah
People these days worship science and technology. They worship physical beauty and youth. They worship power. They worship wealth. They have the technology to even build nuclear reactors in the belief that that could harness energy and save their country.Its done the opposite now. Is Allah warning us about something? Are we not seeing or listening?
What Lessons ?
What lessons did we learn from the damaged nuclear reactors in Japan? Doesn't that make us think? What did we learn from this massive destruction? Perhaps its a small reminder from Allah - that many people are becoming arrogant and unheedful. We place people, techonology and worldly gains above worship of Allah SWT.
Allah only has to say 'Be!" and it is!
What can people do at all, when Allah says 'Be!' and it is!. By a single command, Allah can make things happen - that does not take millions of years to do it. Perhaps it is to tell us even the highest technology and stringent standards cannot prevent what is destined to occur.
No one can run or hide from Allah. Where do we think we can run to? Ends of the earth? Well the world is round so we will end up in exactly the same place. He is the Irresistable, the Conqueror.
Mountains will fall like cards
The mountains will fall like cards and everything will be broken up. When they collapse, the continents will be affected as everything is connected at its very base. Japan is just a very small example of what to expect when the world ends, and the souls of all His servants will have to return to Him, whether we go willingly or fight and resist. Even the mightest rulers will have to submit in the end. Allahu Akbar!
Even the highest technology cannot save us
Perhaps Japan is chosen to tell us we cannot run from His decisions and our fate and destiny. Though it is so advanced, high tech and disciplined, the whole country and its people cannot even save themselves when the earth quakes. Nothing is in our hands and every second of our lives depend on Allah. How small we are and yet man walks arrogantly on this earth.
Be Humble and Grateful
Even in calamity and hardship we have to acknowledge and thank Allah with a humble and grateful heart. We need to know what has happened to other people and countries can and may happen to us anytime.
How can we show our gratitude?
Let us take heed and be appreciate of all the goodness and benefits that Allah had given us all these years. How do we show our gratitude? What can we do?
Be a responsible citizen of the world and the universe
Sincerely seek true knowledge of Al Quran and the sunnah of the Prophet saw. Try to obey as much as possible and share beneficial knowledge with people around you. Be good, do good and help others to do good. Take care of our environment and do not tamper with the good and clean earth. Be a caring and responsible citizen of the world and the universe.
My heart goes out to the people of Japan. The earthquake and tsunami that hit so many regions of the country is a very catastrophic disaster. My deepest condolences to the families and people who were directly and indirectly affected by this very sad and terrifying event. May this event help them discover the power and supremacy of our Creator.
Words cannot express how many of us felt when we witnessed the onslaught of the tidal waves that engulfed so many buildings and land . Something we vaguely know may happen but did not really think it could sweep inwards with such unrelenting ferocity and power.
Where is the source of this unseen power?
Where is the source of this unseen power? What is that all about? Some unbelievers and even people who are termed as Muslims may attribute it to mother nature.
Who is this so called 'mother nature'? Does she exist?
Why was such a term coined when there is no evidence whatsoever about this so called force? Can anyone come up with some real hard evidence?I think not.
Deliberate Attempt to Influence Others by Choice of Words
Is it an attempt hundreds of years ago, when the English vocabulary was evolved to introduce certain words to influence people? Who influenced the language and for what purpose? Who decided what to feed the minds of the masses? Who were these people?
Term coined by people who did not believe
in the existence of the Supreme Creator
Obviously people who did not believe in the existence of the Supreme Creator. Allah SWT's name was indeed known to people since the time of our earliest prophets. If they did not believe in Allah SWT, who or what did they worship?
Planned Influence and Distortion
This very common term of mother nature was created and carefully nutured to influence all later generations until today. People were told interesting stories about fairies, elves and goblins. This was pagan worship. When believing Muslims use it, perhaps they too could not see that everything is from Allah and cannot be separated. Or they did not understand the severity of their words.
We can lose our aqidah
We can lose our aqidah when we do not acknowledge the power of creation to Allah. If man evolved from the apes, who created the apes? Allah SWT created millions of different species and there are probably millions more that modern man has not even discovered yet. We actually know so little. We cannot even cure the common cold.
Debunking the theory of evolution
These people talked about the theory of evolution, where there is no mention of the Supreme Creator but that people, animals, fish and even mountains changed and evolved through time to become different species. To understand this further, just look up The Theory of Evolution by brother Harun Yahya. He wrote in detail to debunk such deliberate fallacies.
Ring of Fire
Coming back to Japan, we were all so shocked by what happened. Yet we all know that Japan is an earthquake prone area. Ring of Fire - sounds so ominous.
Why not Japan?
Why not Japan? It can be any place, any time. Allah SWT tells us he will test us with loss of wealth, property and loved ones. All that is in existence from the sky and the sea and all that is in between belongs to Allah SWT - the universes, the galaxies, the sun, the moon and the stars.
What did we learn?
So what do we learn from this very devastating event? Mother nature did this? Does she even exist? Where does she fit in? No Where! We all come from Allah SWT and to Him we all must return. He created everything and yet ungrateful human beings attribute even creation of lifeforms to other entities.
Brainwashed when we were young
It took me a while when I first learnt about Islam to adjust my thinking. We were taught in schools and in story books and even in history that mother nature makes things happen. Now we know the truth - Allah SWT is Creator. To Allah we must all return.
When Acheh and lesser known areas were hit by tsunami, how did people react? Oh, these places were affected because they are islands and exposed to the waves and sea.
Many of us just could not believe our eyes! We did not want to believe it was happening.
But what about Japan? People kept looking at videos of the surging water again and again. It was an unbelieving scene - perhaps we did not want to believe it was really happening. Some of us watched the advancing force repeatedly. It was as if we needed to make the whole picture sink and etch into our minds, to remind ourselves that Allah can do anything.
I had to see the whole scene to let it sink in
I needed to do that - I want to see for myself the Power and Force of the Almighty. He told us many times in Al Quran about His attributes but some of us just could not visualise that Power.
He only sent us a bit of water and that really threw us off. The world economy is already affected. What we saw was just a small bit of the bigger picture.
Many people worship other that Allah
People these days worship science and technology. They worship physical beauty and youth. They worship power. They worship wealth. They have the technology to even build nuclear reactors in the belief that that could harness energy and save their country.Its done the opposite now. Is Allah warning us about something? Are we not seeing or listening?
What Lessons ?
What lessons did we learn from the damaged nuclear reactors in Japan? Doesn't that make us think? What did we learn from this massive destruction? Perhaps its a small reminder from Allah - that many people are becoming arrogant and unheedful. We place people, techonology and worldly gains above worship of Allah SWT.
Allah only has to say 'Be!" and it is!
What can people do at all, when Allah says 'Be!' and it is!. By a single command, Allah can make things happen - that does not take millions of years to do it. Perhaps it is to tell us even the highest technology and stringent standards cannot prevent what is destined to occur.
No one can run or hide from Allah. Where do we think we can run to? Ends of the earth? Well the world is round so we will end up in exactly the same place. He is the Irresistable, the Conqueror.
Mountains will fall like cards
The mountains will fall like cards and everything will be broken up. When they collapse, the continents will be affected as everything is connected at its very base. Japan is just a very small example of what to expect when the world ends, and the souls of all His servants will have to return to Him, whether we go willingly or fight and resist. Even the mightest rulers will have to submit in the end. Allahu Akbar!
Even the highest technology cannot save us
Perhaps Japan is chosen to tell us we cannot run from His decisions and our fate and destiny. Though it is so advanced, high tech and disciplined, the whole country and its people cannot even save themselves when the earth quakes. Nothing is in our hands and every second of our lives depend on Allah. How small we are and yet man walks arrogantly on this earth.
Be Humble and Grateful
Even in calamity and hardship we have to acknowledge and thank Allah with a humble and grateful heart. We need to know what has happened to other people and countries can and may happen to us anytime.
How can we show our gratitude?
Let us take heed and be appreciate of all the goodness and benefits that Allah had given us all these years. How do we show our gratitude? What can we do?
Be a responsible citizen of the world and the universe
Sincerely seek true knowledge of Al Quran and the sunnah of the Prophet saw. Try to obey as much as possible and share beneficial knowledge with people around you. Be good, do good and help others to do good. Take care of our environment and do not tamper with the good and clean earth. Be a caring and responsible citizen of the world and the universe.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Responsibility and Pride as a Designer
Being rich and successful does not mean true success
Being a rich or successful garment designer does not mean achieving true success. Sure, that's the common indicator of one's success in his or her work. It means much more. Being famous does not mean a Muslim is producing work that pleases Allah.
Beautiful ways to cover revealing clothes
Did we design some beautiful coveralls and capes, scarves to help our clients dress modestly? Do we care only for their money and not help them be beautiful modest women?
Responsibility and Influence
If we do something haram (forbidden) to please the people and in the end help them to displease Allah, where do we stand? Will our profits be blessed or will money become our god? Designers have great responsibility and they can influence people in a good or bad way.
Some Muslim designers do not relate religion to their work
Some Muslim designers separate religion from their work. They forget religion means a complete way of life. It cannot be separated. Some of them add lots of dazzling embellishment, shape the body, plunge the neckline and raise the opening at the back of the skirt. Life is not a fashion show.
Use your wisdom
Many designers think their clothes have to be attractive and trend setting. They sometimes forget to ask themselves whether such trends are Islamic or not.
Their guidelines are from Milan, Paris, New York not from Al Quran and sunnah of the Prophet saw. Nothing wrong with following trends but be wise and be knowledgeable - help our clients dress well according to our religion and not someone else's.
Be proud to be Muslim
Be proud to be Muslim. Be proud to create your own identity and help our clients and friends become ambassadors of Islam. Do not give the impression that we do not respect or love our own religion. Unity is strength and we need to work together to create a new platform to promote proper Islamic dressing.
Encourage and support each other
Let us encourage each other to be sincere and courageous to be the ones to initiate change in our society. Many people just follow, be careful where we lead them.
Do we have our own values?
We have to ask ourselves - do we have our own values or do we design and create clothes that imitate others? What are our own values? Are we afraid that we cannot compete with the rest of the world if we design real Islamic wear? Do we agree that majority of Muslim designers have little interest to design or sell clothes that observe Islamic guidelines faithfully?
Do not be apologetic - take pride in your work
So where are we going ? Muslim designerss have to change their mindset and be confident to maintain their Muslim identity. We can design beautiful clothes and if they are revealing, we need to advise our clients how to dress to cover appropriately in public. Instill pride and do not be apologetic.
Let us work together and make a community
Let us work together and pool our resources. Help each other, the young and the old, the new and the experienced. Work together with everyone , whether Muslim or not. Follow true Islamic spirit of sharing and helping. Together we can inject new ideas and new life into the industry.
Do not be jealous or envious
Allah SWT decides our portion of rezeki
There is no need to be jealous or envious when others are more successful. It is a motivation to try to do better work, to strive harder and to challenge ourselves. Allah decides our portion of rezeki so there is no need to be unhappy when others are more successful and wealthy. Be proud and happy for them and carry on to do your best.
Some designers who are not yet Muslim are already very successful in designing true Islamic wear. Isn't it a shame? To be left behind? If they can make the effort to come up with beautiful and quality creations, they deserve the success and recognition.
Be a leader, not a follower
Be trend setters, not followers. Do not wait for ideas to come from Indonesia or Milan. All designers, insha Allah can produce great work with the correct intention (niyyah) and attitude.
Being a rich or successful garment designer does not mean achieving true success. Sure, that's the common indicator of one's success in his or her work. It means much more. Being famous does not mean a Muslim is producing work that pleases Allah.
Beautiful ways to cover revealing clothes
Did we design some beautiful coveralls and capes, scarves to help our clients dress modestly? Do we care only for their money and not help them be beautiful modest women?
Responsibility and Influence
If we do something haram (forbidden) to please the people and in the end help them to displease Allah, where do we stand? Will our profits be blessed or will money become our god? Designers have great responsibility and they can influence people in a good or bad way.
Some Muslim designers do not relate religion to their work
Some Muslim designers separate religion from their work. They forget religion means a complete way of life. It cannot be separated. Some of them add lots of dazzling embellishment, shape the body, plunge the neckline and raise the opening at the back of the skirt. Life is not a fashion show.
Use your wisdom
Many designers think their clothes have to be attractive and trend setting. They sometimes forget to ask themselves whether such trends are Islamic or not.
Their guidelines are from Milan, Paris, New York not from Al Quran and sunnah of the Prophet saw. Nothing wrong with following trends but be wise and be knowledgeable - help our clients dress well according to our religion and not someone else's.
Be proud to be Muslim
Be proud to be Muslim. Be proud to create your own identity and help our clients and friends become ambassadors of Islam. Do not give the impression that we do not respect or love our own religion. Unity is strength and we need to work together to create a new platform to promote proper Islamic dressing.
Encourage and support each other
Let us encourage each other to be sincere and courageous to be the ones to initiate change in our society. Many people just follow, be careful where we lead them.
Do we have our own values?
We have to ask ourselves - do we have our own values or do we design and create clothes that imitate others? What are our own values? Are we afraid that we cannot compete with the rest of the world if we design real Islamic wear? Do we agree that majority of Muslim designers have little interest to design or sell clothes that observe Islamic guidelines faithfully?
Do not be apologetic - take pride in your work
So where are we going ? Muslim designerss have to change their mindset and be confident to maintain their Muslim identity. We can design beautiful clothes and if they are revealing, we need to advise our clients how to dress to cover appropriately in public. Instill pride and do not be apologetic.
Let us work together and make a community
Let us work together and pool our resources. Help each other, the young and the old, the new and the experienced. Work together with everyone , whether Muslim or not. Follow true Islamic spirit of sharing and helping. Together we can inject new ideas and new life into the industry.
Do not be jealous or envious
Allah SWT decides our portion of rezeki
There is no need to be jealous or envious when others are more successful. It is a motivation to try to do better work, to strive harder and to challenge ourselves. Allah decides our portion of rezeki so there is no need to be unhappy when others are more successful and wealthy. Be proud and happy for them and carry on to do your best.
Some designers who are not yet Muslim are already very successful in designing true Islamic wear. Isn't it a shame? To be left behind? If they can make the effort to come up with beautiful and quality creations, they deserve the success and recognition.
Be a leader, not a follower
Be trend setters, not followers. Do not wait for ideas to come from Indonesia or Milan. All designers, insha Allah can produce great work with the correct intention (niyyah) and attitude.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Ties of Kinship
Yesterday we decided to drive all the way to Taman Murni, on the way to Kajang. Its like going to he other side of the world, so to speak. It does seem far if we do not use that route often. As usual we rushed off without any breakfast so we decided to stop at a row of small stalls to check the place out.
Cheap and Tasty Fare
Alhamdulillah! This stall right in front where we stopped was bursting all over with every kind of delicious looking food. My brother went straight for the Malay friend bihun (rice vermicelli)fried with some chili and I took a banana leaf wrapped nasi lemak (fragrant coconut cream rice with some friend peanuts, cucumber and a sweet and slightly hot chili sambal. Could not resist the hot crispy flour and veggie fritters so we had that too. Iced coffee as went down really well - have to admit that it was not a very healthy breakfast but there was not not much choice (excuses excuses).
Actually I also bought some lontong (pressed rice and vegetables in coconut gravy) for my dad (his favourite food lately) and my brother tried a fried otak otak popia and I also tried some beef bihun soup laced with hot chili padi sauce. This is already brunch, not breakfast.
Visiting Ah Kum
She is my late mother's best friend and sister in law. They were each other's confidantes when we were just little children. She is now 82 and we visit her every few months (should be more frequent) but we really need a few hours just to get there and back.
Maintaining Ties of Kinship
We go there to maintain ties of kinship and to continue the warm relationship my mother had with her. Ah Kum is a very cheery and positive person, full of kindness and though she did not have much money (uncle was sick for a long time and she had to raise the kids herself) she is a very rich and warm person. All her poor relatives from villages would use her house as stopover and she had to find money to buy food to feed them. She could never refuse anyone of them.
She used to tell my mom "I may not have money to help the needy but I use my time, skills and energy to contribute". I feel sad she is not Muslim yet. Sometimes the behaviour and attitude of such people are much better than those who claim to be Muslim. Allah knows best.
This lady has self dignity and never announced her need for help. She would share her problems and joys with mother and be there for each other.
Dignity in Poverty
Yesterday we had a long conversation. Reminiscing old times. She remembered my mom and shared this with me, about her poverty and how she felt sometimes :
"One day your mother asked me to visit her as she needed my assistance. I had to walk from Kampung Baru all the way to Bukit Bintang where she stayed. I was too shy to tell her I needed money to travel there. Walked with my eldest child in my hand, just kept walking until we reached there. Do you know how far it is from my house?" Yes it is really far.
"My daughter was really tired and kept asking me to travel in a trishaw (rickshaw with a bicycle at the side). I told her I could not as I had only 5 cents in my purse. I figure that may mean around 5 dollars (ringgit) these days. I told my May that we could not afford that ride."
"Just then a plan flew overhead. May then said why don't we ride in that plane if we cannot ride in the trishaw? I felt so sad and overwhelmed that tears just poured out from my heart. "
Those were her exact words.
Tears Just Poured Out from my Heart
I am touched by her phrase that tears come from heart and not from the eyes. People with all the comforts of this worldly life will not know the pain and suffering of the needy. Yes my Ah Kum was dignified even in poverty. She kept repeating that only my mother shared her food and clothing with her. Others just took everything for granted.
She said an aunt was even angry with her for accepting my mother's help. I never knew that - how can people be so mean. If they think its wrong then they should make effort to help instead of criticizing.
So Hard to Break the News
Now my mother has passed on I do try to maintain ties of silatul rahim with her friends and there is another favourite aunt in Singapore who has to be informed of my mother's passing I dread calling her as she would be very sad to hear this. When I finally called Ah Kum, about 2 months after my mother passed away, she burst out crying over the phone. She kept asking why I did not tell her my mother was seriously ill.
How can I tell her?
How can I tell her that? She herself is already elderly and would need her family to take her to the hospital. If they had no time she would be even more upset. She would have to walk a great distance to reach the ward. And they do not lend their wheelchairs to anyone other than patients. I did not want to trouble or alarm her.
Its Taqdir - Allah is Most Merciful
to take her away from worldly suffering
I had been rushing to the hospital daily and then the hospital transferred her to another place, which turned out to be a disaster. She had a stroke there and they did not even realise it. Its such a shame. I accept its taqdir (fated) but it tells us about the quality of service and attitude towards patients, especially the elderly.
I never expected my mother to go just like that, hardly 3 weeks after her heart treatment. I know we can go anytime but we always have hope....
Are the Elderly worth less than the Young?
What gives them the right to judge?
Are the elderly not worthy of better care and treatment? All the old folks have a rich history and had many achievements which may be forgotten through the years. They raised their families and made many sacrifices. Some were heroes and heroines in their own way. Now people just call them old people. They do not have much time or respect for the frail and aged. Do not forget that one day, we will be considered as plain old people too.
Did Anyone Really Listen?
Everything seemed fine and organised at the hospital but being a training hospital, every doctor who wanted to speak to me did not have any idea at all about their new patient. They asked the same old questions and were not really listening to me about her special needs. Even after I had written a lengthy report to explain her particular condition and background. Wonder if anyone read it at all.
Do People Go to Hospitals to Live or to Die?
Just hope they do not continue to treat others in this way. I accept what has happened but do not deprive others a fair chance of surviving though the date of our departure in this world is predetermined by Allah SWT. People do not go to hospital to die - they go because they want to live. At least let them live well until its time to go. That's all I ask.
Cheap and Tasty Fare
Alhamdulillah! This stall right in front where we stopped was bursting all over with every kind of delicious looking food. My brother went straight for the Malay friend bihun (rice vermicelli)fried with some chili and I took a banana leaf wrapped nasi lemak (fragrant coconut cream rice with some friend peanuts, cucumber and a sweet and slightly hot chili sambal. Could not resist the hot crispy flour and veggie fritters so we had that too. Iced coffee as went down really well - have to admit that it was not a very healthy breakfast but there was not not much choice (excuses excuses).
Actually I also bought some lontong (pressed rice and vegetables in coconut gravy) for my dad (his favourite food lately) and my brother tried a fried otak otak popia and I also tried some beef bihun soup laced with hot chili padi sauce. This is already brunch, not breakfast.
Visiting Ah Kum
She is my late mother's best friend and sister in law. They were each other's confidantes when we were just little children. She is now 82 and we visit her every few months (should be more frequent) but we really need a few hours just to get there and back.
Maintaining Ties of Kinship
We go there to maintain ties of kinship and to continue the warm relationship my mother had with her. Ah Kum is a very cheery and positive person, full of kindness and though she did not have much money (uncle was sick for a long time and she had to raise the kids herself) she is a very rich and warm person. All her poor relatives from villages would use her house as stopover and she had to find money to buy food to feed them. She could never refuse anyone of them.
She used to tell my mom "I may not have money to help the needy but I use my time, skills and energy to contribute". I feel sad she is not Muslim yet. Sometimes the behaviour and attitude of such people are much better than those who claim to be Muslim. Allah knows best.
This lady has self dignity and never announced her need for help. She would share her problems and joys with mother and be there for each other.
Dignity in Poverty
Yesterday we had a long conversation. Reminiscing old times. She remembered my mom and shared this with me, about her poverty and how she felt sometimes :
"One day your mother asked me to visit her as she needed my assistance. I had to walk from Kampung Baru all the way to Bukit Bintang where she stayed. I was too shy to tell her I needed money to travel there. Walked with my eldest child in my hand, just kept walking until we reached there. Do you know how far it is from my house?" Yes it is really far.
"My daughter was really tired and kept asking me to travel in a trishaw (rickshaw with a bicycle at the side). I told her I could not as I had only 5 cents in my purse. I figure that may mean around 5 dollars (ringgit) these days. I told my May that we could not afford that ride."
"Just then a plan flew overhead. May then said why don't we ride in that plane if we cannot ride in the trishaw? I felt so sad and overwhelmed that tears just poured out from my heart. "
Those were her exact words.
Tears Just Poured Out from my Heart
I am touched by her phrase that tears come from heart and not from the eyes. People with all the comforts of this worldly life will not know the pain and suffering of the needy. Yes my Ah Kum was dignified even in poverty. She kept repeating that only my mother shared her food and clothing with her. Others just took everything for granted.
She said an aunt was even angry with her for accepting my mother's help. I never knew that - how can people be so mean. If they think its wrong then they should make effort to help instead of criticizing.
So Hard to Break the News
Now my mother has passed on I do try to maintain ties of silatul rahim with her friends and there is another favourite aunt in Singapore who has to be informed of my mother's passing I dread calling her as she would be very sad to hear this. When I finally called Ah Kum, about 2 months after my mother passed away, she burst out crying over the phone. She kept asking why I did not tell her my mother was seriously ill.
How can I tell her?
How can I tell her that? She herself is already elderly and would need her family to take her to the hospital. If they had no time she would be even more upset. She would have to walk a great distance to reach the ward. And they do not lend their wheelchairs to anyone other than patients. I did not want to trouble or alarm her.
Its Taqdir - Allah is Most Merciful
to take her away from worldly suffering
I had been rushing to the hospital daily and then the hospital transferred her to another place, which turned out to be a disaster. She had a stroke there and they did not even realise it. Its such a shame. I accept its taqdir (fated) but it tells us about the quality of service and attitude towards patients, especially the elderly.
I never expected my mother to go just like that, hardly 3 weeks after her heart treatment. I know we can go anytime but we always have hope....
Are the Elderly worth less than the Young?
What gives them the right to judge?
Are the elderly not worthy of better care and treatment? All the old folks have a rich history and had many achievements which may be forgotten through the years. They raised their families and made many sacrifices. Some were heroes and heroines in their own way. Now people just call them old people. They do not have much time or respect for the frail and aged. Do not forget that one day, we will be considered as plain old people too.
Did Anyone Really Listen?
Everything seemed fine and organised at the hospital but being a training hospital, every doctor who wanted to speak to me did not have any idea at all about their new patient. They asked the same old questions and were not really listening to me about her special needs. Even after I had written a lengthy report to explain her particular condition and background. Wonder if anyone read it at all.
Do People Go to Hospitals to Live or to Die?
Just hope they do not continue to treat others in this way. I accept what has happened but do not deprive others a fair chance of surviving though the date of our departure in this world is predetermined by Allah SWT. People do not go to hospital to die - they go because they want to live. At least let them live well until its time to go. That's all I ask.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Do Not Presume We Know All The Answers
Assuming We Know
I'm not talking about some big issue - just about our amazing ability to presume many things casually. More than twice I saw a nice Malay kopitiam close its doors early, around 5 pm. I thought, "Poor thing, can business be that bad? They let the staff close shop though the complex closes at 10 pm?." " Shouldn't they try to sell as much as they can instead of giving up?."
Usually the shop did look kind of empty whenever I passed by it. Maybe it was off peak hours, I didn't notice.
Anyway, we decided to have a late lunch there, around 4pm. The food was really nice and prices reasonable. By 5pm they were beginning to close the doors. I was really surprised as there were at least 7 people eating at that time. I was curious and asked the waiter why were they closing.
"Kami ada katering" came the reply. Oh! That's a pleasant surprise. I was happy to hear that they were actually closing because they had too much business to handle, not the other way round.
Common Sense
It just needs some common sense to promote proper public relations. All they need to do is put out a sign that says they are closed because of catering orders. Or take a part time staff to serve customers. Nobody likes to go all the way to a restaurant only to find it closed - AGAIN!
Simple Solution
Sometimes it only needs a simple action to improve the image of a company. A glass can look half empty or half full. We should present a positive and honest image to the public. That is the Islamic spirit. Insha Allah to conduct business in an honourable way, at a reasonable price with good service and quality.
I'm not talking about some big issue - just about our amazing ability to presume many things casually. More than twice I saw a nice Malay kopitiam close its doors early, around 5 pm. I thought, "Poor thing, can business be that bad? They let the staff close shop though the complex closes at 10 pm?." " Shouldn't they try to sell as much as they can instead of giving up?."
Usually the shop did look kind of empty whenever I passed by it. Maybe it was off peak hours, I didn't notice.
Anyway, we decided to have a late lunch there, around 4pm. The food was really nice and prices reasonable. By 5pm they were beginning to close the doors. I was really surprised as there were at least 7 people eating at that time. I was curious and asked the waiter why were they closing.
"Kami ada katering" came the reply. Oh! That's a pleasant surprise. I was happy to hear that they were actually closing because they had too much business to handle, not the other way round.
Common Sense
It just needs some common sense to promote proper public relations. All they need to do is put out a sign that says they are closed because of catering orders. Or take a part time staff to serve customers. Nobody likes to go all the way to a restaurant only to find it closed - AGAIN!
Simple Solution
Sometimes it only needs a simple action to improve the image of a company. A glass can look half empty or half full. We should present a positive and honest image to the public. That is the Islamic spirit. Insha Allah to conduct business in an honourable way, at a reasonable price with good service and quality.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Enjoy Your Life
Enjoy Your Life
I decided to go back to my original blog name 'Enjoy Your Life'. It is really relevant to the topics I write about and though the contents of 'The Beauty of Covering' is close to my heart, it is but only a small part of the whole.
'The Beauty of Covering Up'
The title 'The Beauty of Covering Up' is indeed beautiful and readers have come back to tell me how close they feel to the title and how affected some of them are. It is really heartening to hear this. I have also received lots of positive feedback concerning the layout, presentation and design and the wonderful colours which strike an emotional chord within me, everytime I see it.
Thank You for Kind Suppport
Thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement and support, my dear brothers and sisters. The first brother who bought my book (as a gesture of support) was Dato' Mustapha Ma, the President of MACMA, the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association.
I feel Honoured
I feel honoured that sisters who are famous and respected academicians also bought my book, in support for the important topic of covering and behaving modestly, not only meant for a Muslim woman. This is a message for women of other religions who seek the truth and desire to return to their own religious roots, emulating honorable women of the past.
Mariam, mother of Nabi Isa
Can anyone ever imagine the respected and beloved mother of Nabi Isa (virgin Mary) uncovered and exposed for all to see? Never! Never! Never! For she was a chaste woman guided and protected by God, Allah SWT. Do you know that Mariam (her real name) is one of the most honoured women in Islam? And her son, Nabi Isa, a beloved prophet of Allah SWT?
Muslims Loves all our Prophets
Every Muslim knows that but ,sad to say, people who claim to be of his faith do not know that Muslims too share and love our early prophets, Abraham, Moses, David, Jacob, Joseph....until the seal of the prophets, Muhammad saw. We love all of them and we do not worship any man as he is creation. We worship only the mighty Creator, Allah SWT.
Mariam our Role Model
If we claim we love Mary, and we know that God Almighty had blessed and honoured Mary, why do people not take her as a role model? I remember a time when women used to cover their heads with beautiful hats or shawls when they attended church. As years went by, the hats shrank, the shawls and scarves seem to have disappeared. Now almost anything goes. what happened to these values? Who planned the erosion of values? What is the intention of such groups of people? Who do they serve? Obviously not Allah SWT.
I decided to go back to my original blog name 'Enjoy Your Life'. It is really relevant to the topics I write about and though the contents of 'The Beauty of Covering' is close to my heart, it is but only a small part of the whole.
'The Beauty of Covering Up'
The title 'The Beauty of Covering Up' is indeed beautiful and readers have come back to tell me how close they feel to the title and how affected some of them are. It is really heartening to hear this. I have also received lots of positive feedback concerning the layout, presentation and design and the wonderful colours which strike an emotional chord within me, everytime I see it.
Thank You for Kind Suppport
Thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement and support, my dear brothers and sisters. The first brother who bought my book (as a gesture of support) was Dato' Mustapha Ma, the President of MACMA, the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association.
I feel Honoured
I feel honoured that sisters who are famous and respected academicians also bought my book, in support for the important topic of covering and behaving modestly, not only meant for a Muslim woman. This is a message for women of other religions who seek the truth and desire to return to their own religious roots, emulating honorable women of the past.
Mariam, mother of Nabi Isa
Can anyone ever imagine the respected and beloved mother of Nabi Isa (virgin Mary) uncovered and exposed for all to see? Never! Never! Never! For she was a chaste woman guided and protected by God, Allah SWT. Do you know that Mariam (her real name) is one of the most honoured women in Islam? And her son, Nabi Isa, a beloved prophet of Allah SWT?
Muslims Loves all our Prophets
Every Muslim knows that but ,sad to say, people who claim to be of his faith do not know that Muslims too share and love our early prophets, Abraham, Moses, David, Jacob, Joseph....until the seal of the prophets, Muhammad saw. We love all of them and we do not worship any man as he is creation. We worship only the mighty Creator, Allah SWT.
Mariam our Role Model
If we claim we love Mary, and we know that God Almighty had blessed and honoured Mary, why do people not take her as a role model? I remember a time when women used to cover their heads with beautiful hats or shawls when they attended church. As years went by, the hats shrank, the shawls and scarves seem to have disappeared. Now almost anything goes. what happened to these values? Who planned the erosion of values? What is the intention of such groups of people? Who do they serve? Obviously not Allah SWT.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Simple Life
Everyone has a different idea about what 'simple life' is all about. Some may think of a simpleton but these days the simple life is very sought after! Too much work pressure, chasing after worldly gains, trying to please everyone except oneself, fear of giving up our wealth and perks.... Too much of everything may make our blood pressure go up and we end up depending on all sorts of drugs and medication to cope with the kind of lifestyle we are accustomed to.
Just what is Simple Life?
Simple life means exactly that .. slowing down, know our priorities, get rid of all unnecessary details from our daily routine. Do not accept every trivial request or invitation unless you are certain you can fulfil the ones you have committed yourself to.
Not necessary ot say Yes to Everyone and Everything!
If its some ibadah, make sure you can fulfil it or else do not accept so eagerly. We will only end up disappointing someone or create some problems for others because we are unable to keep our word.
Its difficult to say no and we sometimes actually want to be involved in some new project or idea. We may feel we are selfish if we do not agree to participate. Maybe we can compromise by finding a 'partner' to help us work it out.
Find a 'Partner'
If we cannot attend a meeting etc we have to find a representative - not just anyone but someone who actually can do the job and wants to do it. He or she may also be like you, busy and cannot commit long term but if and when possible, he or she will be there to serve.
Do not Waste Each Other's Time
People who call for meetings should not waste too much time going round the bush and please spare all the flowery speeches and praises. Most people do not turn up to hear about themselves.
Necessary to be Decisive and Firm
The facilitator or chairperson has to be decisive and firm. He or she has to be confident enough to control the meeting and talk time. Some people go into too much details when they talk and in the end the lose the attention of the listeners.
Suggestion:
Find a partner soon and brief him or her (unless its confidential) on progress of the project regularly. When necessary, your partner will be able to fit into the project smoothly insha Allah. If there is a less experienced person who is keen to learn, be a mentor and guide him or her. Encourage and inspire her to achieve greater heights, through knowledge and service.
Most of us started this way - we know that support and acknowledgement of our efforts go a long way. It serves as a guide and builds confidence. In time to come, we too will share our knowledge and skills with others who will carry on this amal jariah (continuous good deeds accepted by Allah SWT).
Just what is Simple Life?
Simple life means exactly that .. slowing down, know our priorities, get rid of all unnecessary details from our daily routine. Do not accept every trivial request or invitation unless you are certain you can fulfil the ones you have committed yourself to.
Not necessary ot say Yes to Everyone and Everything!
If its some ibadah, make sure you can fulfil it or else do not accept so eagerly. We will only end up disappointing someone or create some problems for others because we are unable to keep our word.
Its difficult to say no and we sometimes actually want to be involved in some new project or idea. We may feel we are selfish if we do not agree to participate. Maybe we can compromise by finding a 'partner' to help us work it out.
Find a 'Partner'
If we cannot attend a meeting etc we have to find a representative - not just anyone but someone who actually can do the job and wants to do it. He or she may also be like you, busy and cannot commit long term but if and when possible, he or she will be there to serve.
Do not Waste Each Other's Time
People who call for meetings should not waste too much time going round the bush and please spare all the flowery speeches and praises. Most people do not turn up to hear about themselves.
Necessary to be Decisive and Firm
The facilitator or chairperson has to be decisive and firm. He or she has to be confident enough to control the meeting and talk time. Some people go into too much details when they talk and in the end the lose the attention of the listeners.
Suggestion:
Find a partner soon and brief him or her (unless its confidential) on progress of the project regularly. When necessary, your partner will be able to fit into the project smoothly insha Allah. If there is a less experienced person who is keen to learn, be a mentor and guide him or her. Encourage and inspire her to achieve greater heights, through knowledge and service.
Most of us started this way - we know that support and acknowledgement of our efforts go a long way. It serves as a guide and builds confidence. In time to come, we too will share our knowledge and skills with others who will carry on this amal jariah (continuous good deeds accepted by Allah SWT).
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Friendship and Keeping in Touch
Seems like just only yesterday! True, the human mind can retain pieces of information and retrieve it instantly much of the time. In fact its common to forget current events and yet retain important information that happened even 30 to 40 years ago!
Lost and Found!
Yesterday I got in touch with a very dear and long lost friend and sister in Iman. We reconnected instantly, just like we only left each other yesterday! I can still remember her laughter, her kindness, motivation and of course her cooking! Mmmm... I still remember how to make her delicious bread pudding! The way it puffed up, piping hot from the oven. Best eaten when it fresh and hot!
Straight from the Heart
I always seem to eat more when I'm having a meal at a friend's home. Home cooking is always best and most wholesome - why? Because it straight from the heart - right to our tummies! :)
In fact my cooking improved a lot as I would try out the dishes at home so my family could enjoy them too!
Things to do :
If you are too busy to send a real card, send your friend a virtual card to tell you you miss her and appreciate her.
Or just sms her to say hello.
I remember her in my prayers and make duaa (supplication) for her and her family.
We sometimes need to be more spontaneous as we tend to procrastinate when we want to do it 'properly' and then it never gets done...
Love your Friends for Allah SWT's Sake
Tell your dear friends you love them for the Allah SWT's sake. That's the best kind of love as we will insha Allah be reminded and motivated to be sincere, caring and humble in our relationship.
I feel so Blessed!
I feel so blessed to have known so many wonderful dear friends. Always in each other's hearts, insha Allah. May Allah SWT bless them and their loved ones and keep them safe and in His path.
Lost and Found!
Yesterday I got in touch with a very dear and long lost friend and sister in Iman. We reconnected instantly, just like we only left each other yesterday! I can still remember her laughter, her kindness, motivation and of course her cooking! Mmmm... I still remember how to make her delicious bread pudding! The way it puffed up, piping hot from the oven. Best eaten when it fresh and hot!
Straight from the Heart
I always seem to eat more when I'm having a meal at a friend's home. Home cooking is always best and most wholesome - why? Because it straight from the heart - right to our tummies! :)
In fact my cooking improved a lot as I would try out the dishes at home so my family could enjoy them too!
Things to do :
If you are too busy to send a real card, send your friend a virtual card to tell you you miss her and appreciate her.
Or just sms her to say hello.
I remember her in my prayers and make duaa (supplication) for her and her family.
We sometimes need to be more spontaneous as we tend to procrastinate when we want to do it 'properly' and then it never gets done...
Love your Friends for Allah SWT's Sake
Tell your dear friends you love them for the Allah SWT's sake. That's the best kind of love as we will insha Allah be reminded and motivated to be sincere, caring and humble in our relationship.
I feel so Blessed!
I feel so blessed to have known so many wonderful dear friends. Always in each other's hearts, insha Allah. May Allah SWT bless them and their loved ones and keep them safe and in His path.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Black is Beautiful
Many people still mistakenly imagine Muslim women in shapeless black tents, uneducated, conservative, oppressed and forever in ignorance.
What an Awful Misconception!
Sure, there are still women like that in some parts of the world. Some are victims of unislamic culture, where women are not given their rightful place of honour in society.
Maybe they are poverty stricken due to war and natural disasters. They may not have educational opportunities and they may not have a voice of their own.
Ignorant and chauvinistic men may try to perpetuate their power over the women in their societies. These men are actually backward and ignorant of the wisdom, fairness and beauty of Islam.
Double Standards
When someone wears a black, tight and revealing outfit, people say its cool, elegant and fabulous. When a Muslima wears a black abaya (long overcoat or gown), even some fellow Muslims say wearing black is backward, depressing and conservative. That is a little unkind.
Too Much Bling Bling blinds Us
Though it is fashionable these days for some Muslima to wear black abayas, it was mainly a cultural practice in certain parts of Arabia. Some garments these days are actually extremely expensive.(Think bling bling from Dubai) Actually all that excessive glitter and bling would make these garments a little unsuitable for Muslima to wear outside the home. Simply too flashy for the public eye, my dears! All eyes will be riveted in your direction. Is that what you really want?
Ready for Abaya!
No one forced anyone to buy black. No one said its more holy to wear black. No one said we must only wear abaya! It took me a very long time to grow to love and accept the black abaya. I did not understand the rationale behind wearing a black abaya. Actually white or light coloured abayas are really nice but they are not so practical.
Now I realise its such a versatile garment- modest, easy fit, conceals all the curves of the body and it covers our beautiful attractive clothes which we use in privacy. Only dark fabrics are opaque. White may be a little transparent.
Quality abayas are now available in many beautiful textures,in dark and neutral shades and even combined with beautiful brocades and silks. They are tastefully styled and well made. That revolution took many years! I'm ready for abaya now!
Help Each Other to Please Allah SWT
People who wear clothes that reveal their figures and skin have actually disobeyed the Islamic dress code. However, it takes time for people to understand and to have the courage to change their lifestyle. Share knowledge and encourage. Many of us were like them too - so ignorant and wasted so much valuable time, with no real direction.
When we want to help someone, be gentle and be patient. Do not judge. And some men should remember they have daughters and grandchildren who may grow up to be even worse that the ones they criticize. It would be wiser for some critics to go home to guide their own families first. That is better for them.
Who are the Women in Black?
They are from diverse backgrounds. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, businesswomen, wives and mothers. They too love attractive clothes and bright colours but they make constant effort to check themselves for the sake of Allah SWT.
What is their Yardstick?
Their yardstick is to ask themselves whether their actions would please Allah SWT. They ask themselves whether their behaviour is according to the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad saw.
These are truly beautiful women who carry themselves well, enjoying a moderate lifestyle.
What an Awful Misconception!
Sure, there are still women like that in some parts of the world. Some are victims of unislamic culture, where women are not given their rightful place of honour in society.
Maybe they are poverty stricken due to war and natural disasters. They may not have educational opportunities and they may not have a voice of their own.
Ignorant and chauvinistic men may try to perpetuate their power over the women in their societies. These men are actually backward and ignorant of the wisdom, fairness and beauty of Islam.
Double Standards
When someone wears a black, tight and revealing outfit, people say its cool, elegant and fabulous. When a Muslima wears a black abaya (long overcoat or gown), even some fellow Muslims say wearing black is backward, depressing and conservative. That is a little unkind.
Too Much Bling Bling blinds Us
Though it is fashionable these days for some Muslima to wear black abayas, it was mainly a cultural practice in certain parts of Arabia. Some garments these days are actually extremely expensive.(Think bling bling from Dubai) Actually all that excessive glitter and bling would make these garments a little unsuitable for Muslima to wear outside the home. Simply too flashy for the public eye, my dears! All eyes will be riveted in your direction. Is that what you really want?
Ready for Abaya!
No one forced anyone to buy black. No one said its more holy to wear black. No one said we must only wear abaya! It took me a very long time to grow to love and accept the black abaya. I did not understand the rationale behind wearing a black abaya. Actually white or light coloured abayas are really nice but they are not so practical.
Now I realise its such a versatile garment- modest, easy fit, conceals all the curves of the body and it covers our beautiful attractive clothes which we use in privacy. Only dark fabrics are opaque. White may be a little transparent.
Quality abayas are now available in many beautiful textures,in dark and neutral shades and even combined with beautiful brocades and silks. They are tastefully styled and well made. That revolution took many years! I'm ready for abaya now!
Help Each Other to Please Allah SWT
People who wear clothes that reveal their figures and skin have actually disobeyed the Islamic dress code. However, it takes time for people to understand and to have the courage to change their lifestyle. Share knowledge and encourage. Many of us were like them too - so ignorant and wasted so much valuable time, with no real direction.
When we want to help someone, be gentle and be patient. Do not judge. And some men should remember they have daughters and grandchildren who may grow up to be even worse that the ones they criticize. It would be wiser for some critics to go home to guide their own families first. That is better for them.
Who are the Women in Black?
They are from diverse backgrounds. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, businesswomen, wives and mothers. They too love attractive clothes and bright colours but they make constant effort to check themselves for the sake of Allah SWT.
What is their Yardstick?
Their yardstick is to ask themselves whether their actions would please Allah SWT. They ask themselves whether their behaviour is according to the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad saw.
These are truly beautiful women who carry themselves well, enjoying a moderate lifestyle.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Constantly Faced with New Challenges
Its really quite challenging to serve in an ngo (non governmental organization). First, we usually do not have much funds. Whatever we have would be spent on water, electricity, rent, maintenance, car repair, petrol, convert welfare, emergencies, Eid gathering, Iftar (breaking of fast together), classes and projects.
Need to be Creative and Resourceful
Create a Win Win Situation
Sometimes the allocation is just average. How to do uncommon things which we are only given common support? Well, we just have to be creative ,keep to our budget and to fund raise whenever possible. Sacrifices are expected and the norm. Those who can afford often dip into their own pockets to help out.
A Great Race Every Day of our Lives!
Anyway, Allah asked us in Al Quran to race with each other in doing good deeds so striving hard can be a win-win situation.
Large Organization supported by only handful of volunteers
Where is Everybody?
Secondly, many organizations may be fairly large but only a handful of people run them. They are not interested in doing everything themselves but the lack of suitable and sincere volunteers force the same people to wear different hats. That can actually cause quite a headache, literally!
Remember your Intention
Thirdly,some people are afraid of voluntary work. Some are not willing to sacrifice some time to help others and themselves. Maybe they had bad experiences or had personality differences with others in the organization. Do not give up so easily, What is our niyyah (intention) when we joined initially? To learn, to share and to serve? Or just to be served?
Who is Our Greatest Enemy?
I was reminded yesterday that Shaitan is our greatest enemy and he is always on the lookout to disrupt our brotherhood and sisterhood. We always have to ensure our good relations are not damaged due to a passing incident. Being overly sensitive, selfish, childish or self righteous may cause is to become just a little bit arrogant without realising it.
Shaitan is very clever and very subtle. He weaves all kinds of doubts and bad feelings, exeggerates the situation and makes us break bonds of brotherhood. Being overly angry is also an attribute of shaitan if the matter is something that can be rectified or if the other party indicates willingness to make peace.
Love Shall Overcome!
Our fellow Muslims have rights over us just as we have rights over them. Maintain our fellowship and be united in worship of Allah by serving all mankind. Love shall overcome!
Be Sincere, Repent and Move On....
Its so easy to fall into this trap without even knowing. I beg Allah SWT to forgive me for my past mistakes and I sincerely apologise to all my brothers and sisters for any hurt and unhappiness I may have caused them.
There are times when we did not like a certain action but we should not stop caring for that person for the sake of Allah SWT. Sometimes our response is too quick and our words too sharp. We cannot take back our words.
Yes, I have mellowed a little through the years but there is still a lot of room for improvement.... SORREEE!
Do Not be Afraid of Change
Things are not that bad all the time, people can change. Guess we have to learn to change ourselves first before expecting others to do likewise. Or just try to be patient, give and take. That takes true humility and effort.
Forgiving is Sometimes Very Hard to Do
Yes, you can try forgiving him or her. Sometimes we feel it is alright to be so hard on someone but we want Allah SWT to be lenient to us. Do we want Allah SWT to forgive us and shower His Mercy upon us?
I want to share something - forgiving frees us from all sorts of negative vibes and allows us to focus on the positive, the present moment. It allows us to enjoy our lives!
Need to be Creative and Resourceful
Create a Win Win Situation
Sometimes the allocation is just average. How to do uncommon things which we are only given common support? Well, we just have to be creative ,keep to our budget and to fund raise whenever possible. Sacrifices are expected and the norm. Those who can afford often dip into their own pockets to help out.
A Great Race Every Day of our Lives!
Anyway, Allah asked us in Al Quran to race with each other in doing good deeds so striving hard can be a win-win situation.
Large Organization supported by only handful of volunteers
Where is Everybody?
Secondly, many organizations may be fairly large but only a handful of people run them. They are not interested in doing everything themselves but the lack of suitable and sincere volunteers force the same people to wear different hats. That can actually cause quite a headache, literally!
Remember your Intention
Thirdly,some people are afraid of voluntary work. Some are not willing to sacrifice some time to help others and themselves. Maybe they had bad experiences or had personality differences with others in the organization. Do not give up so easily, What is our niyyah (intention) when we joined initially? To learn, to share and to serve? Or just to be served?
Who is Our Greatest Enemy?
I was reminded yesterday that Shaitan is our greatest enemy and he is always on the lookout to disrupt our brotherhood and sisterhood. We always have to ensure our good relations are not damaged due to a passing incident. Being overly sensitive, selfish, childish or self righteous may cause is to become just a little bit arrogant without realising it.
Shaitan is very clever and very subtle. He weaves all kinds of doubts and bad feelings, exeggerates the situation and makes us break bonds of brotherhood. Being overly angry is also an attribute of shaitan if the matter is something that can be rectified or if the other party indicates willingness to make peace.
Love Shall Overcome!
Our fellow Muslims have rights over us just as we have rights over them. Maintain our fellowship and be united in worship of Allah by serving all mankind. Love shall overcome!
Be Sincere, Repent and Move On....
Its so easy to fall into this trap without even knowing. I beg Allah SWT to forgive me for my past mistakes and I sincerely apologise to all my brothers and sisters for any hurt and unhappiness I may have caused them.
There are times when we did not like a certain action but we should not stop caring for that person for the sake of Allah SWT. Sometimes our response is too quick and our words too sharp. We cannot take back our words.
Yes, I have mellowed a little through the years but there is still a lot of room for improvement.... SORREEE!
Do Not be Afraid of Change
Things are not that bad all the time, people can change. Guess we have to learn to change ourselves first before expecting others to do likewise. Or just try to be patient, give and take. That takes true humility and effort.
Forgiving is Sometimes Very Hard to Do
Yes, you can try forgiving him or her. Sometimes we feel it is alright to be so hard on someone but we want Allah SWT to be lenient to us. Do we want Allah SWT to forgive us and shower His Mercy upon us?
I want to share something - forgiving frees us from all sorts of negative vibes and allows us to focus on the positive, the present moment. It allows us to enjoy our lives!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Enjoy Your Life
How to Enjoy Your Life
How to enjoy one's life? There are plenty of ways to achieve joy. One simple way is by being ready to appreciate all of Allah SWT's blessings that come your way. In a way even a routine lifestyle is still a blessing for we may not be able to deal with an upheaveal in our lives.
Or perhaps life had been so comfortable and secure that even good things have become just a predictable routine and even a routine is no longer appreciated.
Looking Out of Your Window
Ever looked out your window and suddenly catch the glorious sunset? Or the flight of birds at dawn?
Despite life's occasional toils and troubles we have been blessed with lots of beautiful memories of joy which may have faded due to our preoccupation with chasing worldly pleasures.
Blessings from our Creator
We simply cannot equate wealth and worldly prestige with life's simple joys and pleasures. Such joys are usually related to experiences that touch our hearts and minds. Our inner consciousness will always relate and respond to blessings from our Creator.
Pleasure in the Simplest Things
Thats why we find great pleasure in enjoying fresh morning air, the purifying rain and beautiful flowers in bloom.
We Must Slow Down to Enjoy Life
When we are too busy, we just go through the motions of eat, work, stress, sleep, eat, work..... have we really been living? What is life all about? We care for the body - with good nutrients, spas, flashy cars, luxury homes.... do we make time to nourish our own soul?
Sura 55 Ar-Rahman (The Most Gracious)
Which of the Blessings of your Lord will you deny?
Everyday Mercies from Allah SWT
We find peace and joy when our soul is in harmony with our thoughts and emotions. There is so much joy in life's simplest pleasure like the flutter of fireflies, walking on the beach and enjoying all sorts of fruits and herbs from the earth.
What Do We Value More?
What do we truly treasure? Something sophisticated and high tech? Or the abundant gifts that come free of charge from Allah Almighty? That actually means His mercies are truly priceless!
Reflect, Reflect, Reflect
If we reflect about all the blessings we already have, we may realise we had been happy but did not even recognise it. Does that make sense?It does to me now.
How to enjoy one's life? There are plenty of ways to achieve joy. One simple way is by being ready to appreciate all of Allah SWT's blessings that come your way. In a way even a routine lifestyle is still a blessing for we may not be able to deal with an upheaveal in our lives.
Or perhaps life had been so comfortable and secure that even good things have become just a predictable routine and even a routine is no longer appreciated.
Looking Out of Your Window
Ever looked out your window and suddenly catch the glorious sunset? Or the flight of birds at dawn?
Despite life's occasional toils and troubles we have been blessed with lots of beautiful memories of joy which may have faded due to our preoccupation with chasing worldly pleasures.
Blessings from our Creator
We simply cannot equate wealth and worldly prestige with life's simple joys and pleasures. Such joys are usually related to experiences that touch our hearts and minds. Our inner consciousness will always relate and respond to blessings from our Creator.
Pleasure in the Simplest Things
Thats why we find great pleasure in enjoying fresh morning air, the purifying rain and beautiful flowers in bloom.
We Must Slow Down to Enjoy Life
When we are too busy, we just go through the motions of eat, work, stress, sleep, eat, work..... have we really been living? What is life all about? We care for the body - with good nutrients, spas, flashy cars, luxury homes.... do we make time to nourish our own soul?
Sura 55 Ar-Rahman (The Most Gracious)
Which of the Blessings of your Lord will you deny?
Everyday Mercies from Allah SWT
We find peace and joy when our soul is in harmony with our thoughts and emotions. There is so much joy in life's simplest pleasure like the flutter of fireflies, walking on the beach and enjoying all sorts of fruits and herbs from the earth.
What Do We Value More?
What do we truly treasure? Something sophisticated and high tech? Or the abundant gifts that come free of charge from Allah Almighty? That actually means His mercies are truly priceless!
Reflect, Reflect, Reflect
If we reflect about all the blessings we already have, we may realise we had been happy but did not even recognise it. Does that make sense?It does to me now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)