Everyone knows we need to take care of our health. The problem is we are sometimes so caught up in our work, striving real hard to get the coveted project, promotion or just trying to hit the target in our sales performance!
Late lunches, missed dinners until we get home or suppers instead of proper dinners. Sometimes we even forgot our breakfast due to work and hectic schedules.
What happens to our bodies?
What happens to our bodies when we keep pushing the limits? What happens when we have no time to have a wholesome meal. Most of us are guilty - having a hasty meal at a restaurant or stall normally means some rice or noodles with insufficient protein like meat and fish. The portion of vegetables may be just 2 thin slices of cucumber or some overcooked veggies at the nasi campur [mixed rice] counter.
Missing salad and fruits
We usually miss out on fruits or salads. Eating them freshly prepared gives us optimum antioxidants. Sometimes I think I have sacrificed too much. The extra oils and fats that may come with such foods upset our bodies. Cheap oils and microwaved food.
Many restaurants use the microwave to heat up soups and curries, gravies and even rice. Sometimes I suspect they gave us really 'dated' food that's been kept cold in the fridge.
Hard to avoid microwaved food
I have stopped using a microwave for years but I suspect I am still being served food warmed by the microwave from the back kitchen of a fancy restaurant. Why do we spend extra money to eat at a proper restaurant? To eat proper food - real food. But I do not think I had been getting that in many places.
Hidden Fats can be fatal
Eating out really add the extra kilos of fat we do not need in our bodies. Fat can accumulate in the veins. Thin people may suffer from excess fat though they look thin. Fat can be hidden. As such even thin people may be subjected to strokes and high cholesterol.
I am trying to change my diet and change my life. Everyone should do that unless they think they are really fit and do not need to worry about their health.
The young take health for granted
The young take health for granted. However with the amount of pollution, radiation and additives in our environment and food, we have to actually think about the health of our children.
Young people get older each year and before they know it they are already in their mid twenties. With accumulated intake of unhealthy food and sugary foods, their bodies too may suffer cell degeneration.
Do not be happy if we weigh lighter
Do not be happy if we lost some weight. It may be just water and muscle loss. What we are looking for is fat loss. Over exercising is not good for us, be moderate and breathe deeply for more oxygen intake.
Taking responsibility for ourselves
There are many people with chronic diseases all around us. Let us take responsibility for ourselves and be healthy for as long as possible.
Have a meaningful life
We cannot change the date that we are fated to leave this worldly life. At least we can make our life a meaningful one, seeking knowledge, doing our ibadah (worship of Allah), helping others and taking care of our health.
We forgot about ourselves!
We all know that but sometimes we do not give priority to our own lives. We plan for others but may fail to carry out the plan for ourselves.
Accept fate but try our best anyway
When we fall ill despite all our efforts at least we know we tried our best. If we neglected ourselves and become ill and helpless there will be a lot of regrets. We can only help our loved ones when we are vibrant and healthy. We do not want to end up being a burden to them because we had been too busy to care for ourselves.
Shall we all make a change from now?
Shall we all make a change from now? Let us see if there is any positive changes after a month.
Only you will know the true difference and only you will benefit most from that effort.
Not an impossible dream...
I am writing this spontaneously after meeting a friend who had been taking great care of her health. There is so much difference in her attitude. Her confidence, her vitality and her joy.
If we want what she has, it is not an impossible dream. We just need to make the first step...
Productive life
May Allah SWT guide us and help us lead a health and productive life. Let us be able to help others and not depend on others to help us. Muslims are proactive and positive.
Wishing you good health and great energy!!!!!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
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!
Monday, March 21, 2011
The wind is blowing gently...
Alhamdulillah, thank you Allah
I see dark red and pink frangipannies, red hibiscus and purple bougainvillea. The lush green and the everchanging stream. When it rains it would rapidly swell up and rise to cover all the banks and almost to the edge of the golf course. Birds singing, flying, sitting quietly and suddenly catching a fish in their beaks. 2 days back I saw a pelican walking by itself in front of my ground floor low rise apartment. Biawak was there too - rather large, even from a distance. I am so grateful to Allah SWT to be given a chance to experience all his wonders, packed in a tiny little home in the middle of the city.
Peace and quiet in the morning
Sun is getting a little brighter, its chilly in the morning and I do not need to depend on the air conditioner. As I sit here facing the greens I forgot to switch on the fan and its still cool. Hah! a squirrel just ran across my open glass door just around 4 feet away from my table.
City folks - stop and smell the roses!
All you city folks, remember to stop and smell the roses! We are so busy rushing from assignment to assignment, place to place we have no time to experience and appreciate the goodness around us.
All good things must end someday...
I have decided to move away when my lease is over and will not take the option of another year. Its been great living here but this service apartment has not much service at all. There is a fairly good gym, beauty salon, dry cleaner, meeting room etc. They have all the facilities that I am not interested in and do not have what I require.
No jemaah
No cafe or restaurant, library or social and health activities that bring the residents together. No jemaah and no friends to do some amal around here. I do see some nice people around but we are so busy , just waving and saying hello before we disappear into our apartments and vehicles. Perhaps I shall make an effort before I leave. Everything I do seems to be on an individual basis. My son helps me to send food to the guards occasionally. They know us now. They too need love and care though we do not know them well.
Ramadhan is a time for even more sharing and caring
I did try to be a little neighbourly when I first moved in. During Ramadhan I distributed food and dates regularly to the guards and workers, even to the residents whom I happened to meet.
We focused on the guards as they could not join other Muslims for tarawih prayers nor could they break fast (iftar) with others in the masjid or at home with their families. Some may be foreigners. Ramadhan is a time when we should make more effort to make them feel appreciated.
Really efficient service and good security
Service is great and everything is good here except that the privacy became an obstacle towards knowing our neighbours. I love privacy but Muslims have some responsibilities towards their neighbours. I do not have much opportunities to help or assist people here. Everyone is self sufficient and busy busy busy.
Even walkers are in a hurry
Even the young and old who walk briskly round and round the whole compound seem like in a hurry. They walk with a glassy blur in their eyes. Guess I may end up like them one day if I'm not careful. They just needed to finish that exercise! Really sad to see this... I do understand brisk walking but even walkers are in a real hurry. Guess its not much fun to struggle round and round the block. They have to rush home to fulfil other responsibilities.
I just need some necessities
I need to buy some daily necessities like bread,butter, egg and milk often. A small mini market would be great so I do not need to dress up and drive all the way to the supermarket just to get a few small but necessary items. I need a place where I can order a cold mocktail or some hot English tea while I relax by the pool. There is a nice eating and working area there but the cafe had been closed for over half a year. What service?
Drizzling now... stream is rising again
Its drizzling now ... so softly the rain falls - I look forward to seeing the larger birds. They love to fly over during a light drizzle. I have to say goodbye to all these little luxuries that money cannot buy. Can hear the various sounds of the different birds.
Best things are free
Yes, all the good and best things in life are free of charge. Allah SWT provides the air that we breath, the trees, the flowers - the rich flora and fauna that is necessary for life.
How do we give thanks?
I see dark red and pink frangipannies, red hibiscus and purple bougainvillea. The lush green and the everchanging stream. When it rains it would rapidly swell up and rise to cover all the banks and almost to the edge of the golf course. Birds singing, flying, sitting quietly and suddenly catching a fish in their beaks. 2 days back I saw a pelican walking by itself in front of my ground floor low rise apartment. Biawak was there too - rather large, even from a distance. I am so grateful to Allah SWT to be given a chance to experience all his wonders, packed in a tiny little home in the middle of the city.
Peace and quiet in the morning
Sun is getting a little brighter, its chilly in the morning and I do not need to depend on the air conditioner. As I sit here facing the greens I forgot to switch on the fan and its still cool. Hah! a squirrel just ran across my open glass door just around 4 feet away from my table.
City folks - stop and smell the roses!
All you city folks, remember to stop and smell the roses! We are so busy rushing from assignment to assignment, place to place we have no time to experience and appreciate the goodness around us.
All good things must end someday...
I have decided to move away when my lease is over and will not take the option of another year. Its been great living here but this service apartment has not much service at all. There is a fairly good gym, beauty salon, dry cleaner, meeting room etc. They have all the facilities that I am not interested in and do not have what I require.
No jemaah
No cafe or restaurant, library or social and health activities that bring the residents together. No jemaah and no friends to do some amal around here. I do see some nice people around but we are so busy , just waving and saying hello before we disappear into our apartments and vehicles. Perhaps I shall make an effort before I leave. Everything I do seems to be on an individual basis. My son helps me to send food to the guards occasionally. They know us now. They too need love and care though we do not know them well.
Ramadhan is a time for even more sharing and caring
I did try to be a little neighbourly when I first moved in. During Ramadhan I distributed food and dates regularly to the guards and workers, even to the residents whom I happened to meet.
We focused on the guards as they could not join other Muslims for tarawih prayers nor could they break fast (iftar) with others in the masjid or at home with their families. Some may be foreigners. Ramadhan is a time when we should make more effort to make them feel appreciated.
Really efficient service and good security
Service is great and everything is good here except that the privacy became an obstacle towards knowing our neighbours. I love privacy but Muslims have some responsibilities towards their neighbours. I do not have much opportunities to help or assist people here. Everyone is self sufficient and busy busy busy.
Even walkers are in a hurry
Even the young and old who walk briskly round and round the whole compound seem like in a hurry. They walk with a glassy blur in their eyes. Guess I may end up like them one day if I'm not careful. They just needed to finish that exercise! Really sad to see this... I do understand brisk walking but even walkers are in a real hurry. Guess its not much fun to struggle round and round the block. They have to rush home to fulfil other responsibilities.
I just need some necessities
I need to buy some daily necessities like bread,butter, egg and milk often. A small mini market would be great so I do not need to dress up and drive all the way to the supermarket just to get a few small but necessary items. I need a place where I can order a cold mocktail or some hot English tea while I relax by the pool. There is a nice eating and working area there but the cafe had been closed for over half a year. What service?
Drizzling now... stream is rising again
Its drizzling now ... so softly the rain falls - I look forward to seeing the larger birds. They love to fly over during a light drizzle. I have to say goodbye to all these little luxuries that money cannot buy. Can hear the various sounds of the different birds.
Best things are free
Yes, all the good and best things in life are free of charge. Allah SWT provides the air that we breath, the trees, the flowers - the rich flora and fauna that is necessary for life.
How do we give thanks?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Last minute cooking - just use your senses
Maximise time - use your senses
No time to shop for food so I rummaged through the freezer and found a small tray of shoulder lamb. That would be nice for a change. My fridge is almost empty of veggies. Did a quick sweep and ended up with 1 tomato, 2 carrots, 1 green capsicum. Threw in 2 large onions and little garlic and I got enough to make a quick lamb stew.
Healthy and tasty ingredients
Potatoes would be nice and I usually like a colourful mixture of yellow, green and red peppers. I also like pumpkin, parsnip, turnip and even green chillies for a little aroma. We should always have colour on our plates to get optimum benefit from the different foods Allah SWT has provided for us to maintain good health.
Have a colourful meal
This is sometimes neglected as its not cheap to buy a wide variety of colourful food. Carrots, green leafy vegetables, purple eggplant, tomatoes, oranges, lemons and beetroot and strawberries come to mind.
Zuhirah and international cuisine
This is not any particular Arab dish - just easy home cooking using readily available ingredients in the kitchen. My dear friend Zuhirah from Bermuda once served us a chicken dish similar to this - I think she also added coriander powder. And I still make her tasty bread pudding which is so delicious, hot and puffed, fresh from the oven.
That was over ten years ago but I remember good food experiences. If we are adventurous we can try to experiment to reproduce that special dish for our loved ones. We learn along the way and share with others who are interested. I am always impressed by the many people who generously share their ideas and recipes with strangers across the world. May Allah SWT bless you and keep you healthy and happy.
Really easy!
Its something one can do when we are short of time . So this was what I did :
Lamb Stew
Fry some finely chopped onions in olive oil in a heavy based pan. When it begins to brown and soften, add the 2 pieces of lamb and brown both sides. Add about half to one cup of water and throw in the veggies after 10 minutes of cooking. Cover tightly.
Spices and seasonings
Now add around 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp fennel, 1/2 tsp chili powder. Amounts vary according to our mood. Add some whole red chillies if you want it to be a little spicy. I also can also throw in 3 to 4 prunes or apricots, a slice of lemon and a large handful of blanched almonds. Add about 1 to 1 + 1/2 tsp rock or sea salt to taste. Simmer for another 20 minutes or until lamb is tender.
Just leave it to the vegetable to thicken naturally
I do not thicken it with flour as I want to keep it natural. Floury potatoes and extra onions will thicken the stew adequately. I like the soupy gravy as it good for dunking the garlic bread. Mmmmm....
Dinner tonight
This is just quick simple cooking. This is quite nice but not the real thing. Anyway I am looking forward to dinner tonight as I plan to serve the dish with ful medamas dip, crusty french loaf and some hot soup. Maybe pumpkin or mushroom.
Not always cheaper cooking at home
When I calculate the price, I do not save a lot when I cook it at home - cost of veggies have gone up tremendously. It is cheaper to eat out unless we opt for basic meals like stir fried veggies and a meat and soup at home. Eating at home is no longer cheap especially if we do not have time or mood to cook after a busy day at work - the deteriorated vegetables end up in the trash can instead of the cooking pot!
Switch off to destress
I prefer to switch off and do something relaxing to heal my tired mind and body. Right now I'm enjoying my beautiful morning, typing and looking at the beautiful green trees and open field in front of my patio. The sunlight is filtering through gently and birds singing. Its so calm and healing. I'm also feeling a little guilty because others are suffering physically and emotionally in far away lands. Say a silent prayer for them.
No time to shop for food so I rummaged through the freezer and found a small tray of shoulder lamb. That would be nice for a change. My fridge is almost empty of veggies. Did a quick sweep and ended up with 1 tomato, 2 carrots, 1 green capsicum. Threw in 2 large onions and little garlic and I got enough to make a quick lamb stew.
Healthy and tasty ingredients
Potatoes would be nice and I usually like a colourful mixture of yellow, green and red peppers. I also like pumpkin, parsnip, turnip and even green chillies for a little aroma. We should always have colour on our plates to get optimum benefit from the different foods Allah SWT has provided for us to maintain good health.
Have a colourful meal
This is sometimes neglected as its not cheap to buy a wide variety of colourful food. Carrots, green leafy vegetables, purple eggplant, tomatoes, oranges, lemons and beetroot and strawberries come to mind.
Zuhirah and international cuisine
This is not any particular Arab dish - just easy home cooking using readily available ingredients in the kitchen. My dear friend Zuhirah from Bermuda once served us a chicken dish similar to this - I think she also added coriander powder. And I still make her tasty bread pudding which is so delicious, hot and puffed, fresh from the oven.
That was over ten years ago but I remember good food experiences. If we are adventurous we can try to experiment to reproduce that special dish for our loved ones. We learn along the way and share with others who are interested. I am always impressed by the many people who generously share their ideas and recipes with strangers across the world. May Allah SWT bless you and keep you healthy and happy.
Really easy!
Its something one can do when we are short of time . So this was what I did :
Lamb Stew
Fry some finely chopped onions in olive oil in a heavy based pan. When it begins to brown and soften, add the 2 pieces of lamb and brown both sides. Add about half to one cup of water and throw in the veggies after 10 minutes of cooking. Cover tightly.
Spices and seasonings
Now add around 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp fennel, 1/2 tsp chili powder. Amounts vary according to our mood. Add some whole red chillies if you want it to be a little spicy. I also can also throw in 3 to 4 prunes or apricots, a slice of lemon and a large handful of blanched almonds. Add about 1 to 1 + 1/2 tsp rock or sea salt to taste. Simmer for another 20 minutes or until lamb is tender.
Just leave it to the vegetable to thicken naturally
I do not thicken it with flour as I want to keep it natural. Floury potatoes and extra onions will thicken the stew adequately. I like the soupy gravy as it good for dunking the garlic bread. Mmmmm....
Dinner tonight
This is just quick simple cooking. This is quite nice but not the real thing. Anyway I am looking forward to dinner tonight as I plan to serve the dish with ful medamas dip, crusty french loaf and some hot soup. Maybe pumpkin or mushroom.
Not always cheaper cooking at home
When I calculate the price, I do not save a lot when I cook it at home - cost of veggies have gone up tremendously. It is cheaper to eat out unless we opt for basic meals like stir fried veggies and a meat and soup at home. Eating at home is no longer cheap especially if we do not have time or mood to cook after a busy day at work - the deteriorated vegetables end up in the trash can instead of the cooking pot!
Switch off to destress
I prefer to switch off and do something relaxing to heal my tired mind and body. Right now I'm enjoying my beautiful morning, typing and looking at the beautiful green trees and open field in front of my patio. The sunlight is filtering through gently and birds singing. Its so calm and healing. I'm also feeling a little guilty because others are suffering physically and emotionally in far away lands. Say a silent prayer for them.
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.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Is it good to be humble?
Arrogance is a major sin
To be humble does not mean to lower ourselves. To me it means we should not show off or think we are better than others. Being arrogant is actually a major sin in Islam. We know our own abilities and achievements. When we are humble we also know there are many others who are better than us. We have to keep on learning and improving ourselves. And we have to share our knowledge to help others.
What does humility mean to me
When I was first introduced to Islam I did not understand what it means to be humble. "Oh if we are behave humbly, wouldn't others look down on us and think Muslims are inferior to them? Would people think we do not mind if people try to trample on us or do not give us due respect?".
Strength and discipline needed to be humble
Now I realise it takes a strong and disciplined person to be humble. Allah SWT wants us to be humble sevants so that we will not be selfish or proud. It doesn't mean we think others are better but we are always thankful for His favours and be willing to help others who are less privileged.
Be confident
Being humble means having confidence in oneself and not needing to make great effort to impress others. Just be ourselves and be well mannered. Learn to be respectful and considerate and you will find others reciprocating them. Similar things attract each other. Be good and you will find others being good to us too.
Be humble and sincere
Be humble and sincere. You will find you have many friends of all seasons. Not friends who love you only when you are doing well and look down on you when times are a little difficult. Everyone goes through the cycle of life and like they say, every dog has its day. That is the will of Allah SWT.
With every hardship comes relief
These cycles teach us to be patient and humble but with every hardship comes relief. Allah SWT is always close by, watching us, guiding us if we ask for His help.
We learn something important when we are tested
We learn a lot when Allah humbles us. We may then fully appreciate His Kindness and Generosity and Compassion. When we have something all our lives we take that for granted. When we lose that for a while then we realise we did not fully appreciate His Blessings. Insha Allah it will make us more compassionate and caring people.
Difficulties bring us closer to Allah SWT
Even the hardship He gives us is but a test. We need to make every effort to overcome that hurdle in life. Ask for His help through constant prayers and supplications. Prostrate and supplicate earnestly during solat. That is the best position - man at his most humble position, having a heart to heart conversation with his Lord.
Insha Allah you will find Him opening many doors for you in dunia (this worldly life) and akhirat (the Hereafter).
To be humble does not mean to lower ourselves. To me it means we should not show off or think we are better than others. Being arrogant is actually a major sin in Islam. We know our own abilities and achievements. When we are humble we also know there are many others who are better than us. We have to keep on learning and improving ourselves. And we have to share our knowledge to help others.
What does humility mean to me
When I was first introduced to Islam I did not understand what it means to be humble. "Oh if we are behave humbly, wouldn't others look down on us and think Muslims are inferior to them? Would people think we do not mind if people try to trample on us or do not give us due respect?".
Strength and discipline needed to be humble
Now I realise it takes a strong and disciplined person to be humble. Allah SWT wants us to be humble sevants so that we will not be selfish or proud. It doesn't mean we think others are better but we are always thankful for His favours and be willing to help others who are less privileged.
Be confident
Being humble means having confidence in oneself and not needing to make great effort to impress others. Just be ourselves and be well mannered. Learn to be respectful and considerate and you will find others reciprocating them. Similar things attract each other. Be good and you will find others being good to us too.
Be humble and sincere
Be humble and sincere. You will find you have many friends of all seasons. Not friends who love you only when you are doing well and look down on you when times are a little difficult. Everyone goes through the cycle of life and like they say, every dog has its day. That is the will of Allah SWT.
With every hardship comes relief
These cycles teach us to be patient and humble but with every hardship comes relief. Allah SWT is always close by, watching us, guiding us if we ask for His help.
We learn something important when we are tested
We learn a lot when Allah humbles us. We may then fully appreciate His Kindness and Generosity and Compassion. When we have something all our lives we take that for granted. When we lose that for a while then we realise we did not fully appreciate His Blessings. Insha Allah it will make us more compassionate and caring people.
Difficulties bring us closer to Allah SWT
Even the hardship He gives us is but a test. We need to make every effort to overcome that hurdle in life. Ask for His help through constant prayers and supplications. Prostrate and supplicate earnestly during solat. That is the best position - man at his most humble position, having a heart to heart conversation with his Lord.
Insha Allah you will find Him opening many doors for you in dunia (this worldly life) and akhirat (the Hereafter).
Monday, March 14, 2011
Let us Stop for a Minute!
Let us slow down a litle and reflect upon our own deeds. How can we make this world a better place? How to make it safer for our children and future generations?
Who takes care of the environment? Do we just leave it to the authorities to clean the roads, rivers, streams and gardens? Have we planted any trees lately?
How to minimise side effects?
With the possible nuclear fallout, toxins and diseases may be spread across the continents. What precautions can we take to minimise the side effects? Will acid rain pollute our water, our earth and our bodies?
Stay away from the rain
Try not to get caught in the rain these few days especially - it may be highly toxic. Wear some protective clothing and cover adequately. (I suddenly thought of another benefit when Muslima cover themselves - it is good protection indeed ).
Cleanse yourselves
It is good to take a full shower, wash our hair and our clothes should the air reaches toxic levels. Acid rain may burn our skin or even cause cancer later on. Guess we should make that a habit since we do not know when the poisons will reach our part of the world.
Life cannot go on as usual
Life cannot go on as usual. How do we become proactive?What can we do as citizens of the world, to share ways to protect ourselves and our environment?
Try to get more knowledge before
making a plan
On my part I shall spend some time trying to do some research to learn more. Will every one of us do something positive? Are we willing to make the effort?
Work together to make a difference!
When we do it individually it is good. But when we do it together insha Allah we can make a big difference. Muslims especially have a great responsibility take care of our environment and the flora and fauna.
Who takes care of the environment? Do we just leave it to the authorities to clean the roads, rivers, streams and gardens? Have we planted any trees lately?
How to minimise side effects?
With the possible nuclear fallout, toxins and diseases may be spread across the continents. What precautions can we take to minimise the side effects? Will acid rain pollute our water, our earth and our bodies?
Stay away from the rain
Try not to get caught in the rain these few days especially - it may be highly toxic. Wear some protective clothing and cover adequately. (I suddenly thought of another benefit when Muslima cover themselves - it is good protection indeed ).
Cleanse yourselves
It is good to take a full shower, wash our hair and our clothes should the air reaches toxic levels. Acid rain may burn our skin or even cause cancer later on. Guess we should make that a habit since we do not know when the poisons will reach our part of the world.
Life cannot go on as usual
Life cannot go on as usual. How do we become proactive?What can we do as citizens of the world, to share ways to protect ourselves and our environment?
Try to get more knowledge before
making a plan
On my part I shall spend some time trying to do some research to learn more. Will every one of us do something positive? Are we willing to make the effort?
Work together to make a difference!
When we do it individually it is good. But when we do it together insha Allah we can make a big difference. Muslims especially have a great responsibility take care of our environment and the flora and fauna.
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