As the sun begins to yawn…

As the sun begins to yawn..

Bowing its head,

Yonder, over the horizon...
And Ramadhan is fast slipping away..
Everwhere …smiling faces,
Saying graces…

For those who are steadfast
In their good deeds and in their fasts,
‘Newborns’ will we be…
From past sins we will be set free,
With new hope we will be looking,
As our new life is unfolding…..

But then again,
In some hearts…a certain sadness,
A certain coyness…
May we still be able to see?
Oh! Ramadhan! We miss you already…
May God lengthen our span
Till next year, we get to meet again..
Amin….


~NeenaUmi~
29th Ramadhan 1429

------------

To dear readers…
Your forgiveness ….I do seek….
And wishing you…

Eid Mubarak!


(Images were taken atop the Gunung Matcincang, a mountain on the island of Langkawi, 700 meters above sea level, overlooking the horizon at the Thai border…seconds before the sun began to utter its silent ‘good night’….dated May the 2nd 2008).

A prosperous masjid, indeed!

“Where are you from?” a lady garbed in full hijab asked me. I thought she must come from one of the countries in Africa. In her hand, was a packet of food, given away by the masjid. Beside her stood a little girl, also all covered up in the Muslimah attire.

“From Malaysia. And you?” said I, trying to lead her to join me in finding a place to sit so we could enjoy our free meal, having just broken our fast. Just before that, we had performed our maghrib prayers, together with the rest of the congregation.

“I am from Sudan. Been here a few years already and trying to finish my Ph.D!” she said in reply.

“Is that so? Together with your family?” I asked, my fingers putting some food in my mouth.

“Yes, of course! This is Aishah, our only child. My husband is studying too!” she said, her loving gaze fell on the sweet face sitting together with us. A smile broke on the little face, a smile so sweet….

For two nights, my husband, my son and I were in Edinburgh, the medieval city up north, in Scotland. Coincidentally, it was the holy month of Ramadhan, (1428 Hijrah Year), i.e. last year. My husband was with me for the last two weeks of my sabbatical leave. We stayed at a very reasonably priced place in the middle of the city, its location, a short walk from the Edinburgh Castle. A hostel like environment, the bathroom was just outside, along the corridor. It was spick and span. And to me, that was the most important thing. That season, we were the only occupants on that particular floor. So we had the bathroom to ourselves. How nice!

For the two consecutive nights, we took the opportunity to break our fasts at the Masjid Al Malik Fahd, the Central Mosque, a very prosperous masjid indeed! Swarms of people, from various countries of origin and of different races, throng its doors to attend prayers in jamaah (collectively) led by the imam of the masjid. Free food was given away in tandem with the spirit of Ramadhan.

Outside the month of Ramadhan, the masjid is a bustling centrepoint, people coming to enjoy cheap, delicious food at the Kitchen Mosque. Very popular with non-Muslims especially. The proceeds from the business fuel the activities frequently held at the Islamic Centre, in the adjoining building. Also the free food for people breaking their fasts and performing their tarawih prayers during the holy month. I saw a program about this wonderful restaurant just recently, in the Asia Food Channel (AFC channel 703 on Astro) – the Woman who ate Scotland, where the host Nell Nelson, learnt how to recite “In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) in Arabic, before lending her hands in helping to prepare the food.

Most hours of our days there were spent on roaming about the entire city, which include the coveted place, the Edinburgh Castle. At the Royal Botanic Gardens, we saw huge varieties of chilly pepper plants, graded according to their different levels of hotness. I could not imagine how hot it would be, to place the one noted with the highest points (much like the ordinary thermometer) on one’s tongue. A good start to be able to jump up to the ceiling!

Such was a small portion of my Ramadhan last year…

Second book by Wanita JIM women writers is now out...

All Praises be to God, the Almighty…the second book produced on a collective effort by Womens’ Wing of Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) is now out. This book is entitled “Mengapa Saya Bekerja" or translated as - "Why I Am A Working/Not A Working Woman”.

This is the second book project by the Womens’ Section of JIM (WJIM) which took a span of 3 years to complete. Prior to this, the first book project enabled the first book to be published entitled “Bagaimana Akhirnya Saya Bertudung" or translated as "How I Finally Put on the Hijab”, first published in the year 2003 and have been reprinted 7 times. The latest edition being only just last year i.e. 2007. I have contributed 2 chapters in the first book, back then....

In this second new book, 26 women writers from all walks of life have penned their lines from across the nation, writing from their experiences and sharing their perception on Muslim women with or without careers. If they are, then how they feel about having to juggle the balls in their hands, to excel in their profession without having to jeopardize or sacrifice the stability of their marriage, home and their children.

The contributors (from the various states making up Malaysia) for this new book are as follows:

1. Associate Professor Dr. Umi Kalthum Ngah - WJIM Perak

2. Dr. Puteri Yusman - WJIM Penang
3. Rosliya Abbas - WJIM Kuala Lumpur
4. Faridah Maludin - WJIM Kuala Lumpur
5. Norzitah Abdul Karim - WJIM Kuala Lumpur
6. Fauzianiah Mohd Zain - WJIM Selangor
7. Associate Professor Dr. Melasutra Mohd Dali - WJIM Selangor
8. Marihah Suhaimi - WJIM Selangor
9. Ummi Noor Ahmad -WJIM Johor
10. Sazira Abdul Aziz - WJIM Johor
11.Fauziah Salam - WJIM Johor
12.Sumilah Marto - WJIM Johor
13.Noorlia Abdul Hamid - WJIM Johor
14. Siti Marhamah Abdul Wahid - WJIM Main Committee
15.Ir. Endok Sempo Mohd Tahir - WJIM Main Committee
16.Dr. Sabariah Baharun - WJIM Johor
17. Farah Noraniza- WJIM Johor
18. Maimunah Mohd Beon - WJIM Kedah
19.Nona Maryam - WJIM Selangor
20.Azmi Aminuddin- WJIM Terengganu
21.Rosnah Ahmad- WJIM Pahang
22. Norliza Shamsudin - WJIM Johor
23. Mahani Yusof - WJIM Perak
24. Umi Sarah - WJIM Johor
25. Ummu Zaid - WJIM Johor
26. Zarishah Zainol Rashid - WJIM Johor

(These books are published in the Malay Language – Bahasa Melayu by PTS Publications and Distributors (Malaysia) Bhd. For those who speak the language, you may order the books directly from the Executive Secretary of Wanita JIM (WJIM) Nazirah Idris tel. 03-4107 3379 or

Ir. Hajjah Endok Sempo Mohd. Tahir 012-2292604. Price RM 18.50)

Ramadhan…a blissful beginning..

“Look, Neena! Water!” said little Nuha, a look of wonder on her cute face.

“Yes! We will have a look at it on our way back, alright?” said I, grabbing hold of her tiny fingers.

Having parked our car at a convenient spot, our steps quickened; my other half and the children. This was our first Ramadhan as a complete family after four, long years. My youngest son has just returned from far away, after having completed his studies. All Praises be to God! Little Nuha wrenched free her fingers from mine and was having a whale of a time, running on the grassy patches in between paved walkways, here and there.

”Quick! We have to get to the masjid!” called out her mother.

Just then, her father swooped her up in his arms and in a few moments, we were on the doorsteps of Masjid Asy-Syakirin, KLCC, amid the melodious sound of the azan….

Little Nuha sat with her back on to the wall, sharing a colourful book with a new found friend, while her mum and I got ourselves ready for the isha’ prayer.

Then, it was time for the much coveted tarawikh prayers…the ladies, from different countries and nationalities reminded me of my student days in the seventies, back then in Sheffield…

All garbed in white, we stood in straight lines, when the call for the special prayer in this special month of the Muslim calendar, came on. My eyes caught hold of little Nuha, putting her finger onto her lips to her new friend and whispering, “Let us be quiet, okay?” The nodding head of her new friend, the look on little Nuha’s face, made me smile a little smile…

When the sweet recital of the holy Quranic verses filled the air, I was close to tears. For me, it was like time stood still. For, the magic voice that was reciting the verses totally captivated my heart and enraptured my soul…our prayers that night was led by Brother Abdullah Fahmi, winner of Academy Al Quran, the first season. After all, it is not very often that one’s ears have got the opportunity to listen to this enchanting recital.

Questions started to flip in my head. Will I get to see another night in this special month like this, the next year? The following year and the years to come? Only God knows...All Powerful and Almighty...

We are already halfway through this fasting season. That first night of Ramadhan 1429 was precious in my heart, a night to cherish and remember….

A life more meaningful...

A few months back, I was browsing by the shelves of an electronic shop, looking for something.

A familiar voice greeted me, “Assalamualaikum!”

I turned my head towards the well-wisher, returning the greetings and was I caught by surprise!

“Good to see you!” said he.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I have just been transferred to a school around here!” he smiled.

“How have you been doing?” I asked, curious

“Never been happier!” his face beaming with a smile.

“So, you are doing well! I can see that! And your wife?”

“She too, will be coming over soon! And the new school. It is just fabulous! In a remote village. The children, especially the boys? Naughty! But lovable! I am enjoying myself and simply love what I am doing right now!”

“Good for you! Send my salams to your wife!” I said.

“God willing! Have to go to school now. Outdoor activities. My boys are waiting for me. Make sure you give her a fair price! She was my teacher, you know!” he said, turning his cheery face to the young shopkeeper. With that, he bid me goodbye and made his way out of the shop.

“You know him?” I said to the shopkeeper.

“Yes! Very well! We grew up together around this area!” the shopkeeper said smilingly.

The thing I was searching for, was a real bargain, indeed!

In this age of materialistic greed, this ex-student of mine has restored in me the hope and faith that there are still selfless people out there who are willing to sacrifice in search of a more meaningful life…God knows best…

May we be blessed by Allah and may He accept all our good deeds and ibadah especially so in this holy month of Ramadhan…Amin…