Third book project by Wanita JIM

This is the front page cover of JIM Women’s section’s newest writing project, “Mum – My First School” written in the malay language. The first project was “How I Finally Wore the Hijab” in the year 2003 while the second book, “Why I Work” was produced last year.

24 writers (men and women JIM members, nationwide) contributed to this collection of articles about their respective mothers. How these mothers raised us, through thick and thin and eventually made us become what we are today, despite their individual imperfections. It is hoped that these reading materials would be useful as guidelines for would-be and young mothers, reminders for those who are already mothers themselves and a ‘chicken soup’ style of reading material for general members of society.

I contributed one article in this endeavour about my late mum. She was married at the tender age of 14. How, despite being illiterate (even us siblings were not aware of this fact until we could ourselves, read at school), as she did not have the priviledge to go to school, being orphaned at the age of 2, she was able to face the world and accomplish many things. Memorising great recipes and preparing the delicious meals, becoming a renowned seamstress in her community and sewing our own clothes, involving in a small scale business to sustain the family expenditure and many more. In a way, her perseverance and her strength to prevail in times of hardship, to be ready to face challenges, and especially her passion in trying new things, is embodied in me.

There is something special in each and every one of our mothers. Therefore, take great care of them, your parents and appreciate their presence while they are still around. When they are gone, never forget to pray and make doa for them.

May their good deeds be rewarded by Him and may they be placed with those who do good…Amin, Ya Rabbul Alamin.

PS. Today marks a special occasion for us. My lifetime partner, Ir. Haji Mohd. Sofian Ahmad who has always been a beacon of light in my life, always been so supportive in whatever I do, is 52 today…Over the weekend, Little Nuha Insyirah has presented him with a huge hug, two kisses i.e. on each cheek and a cute card written “Happy Birthday, Tok Wan!” (Tok Wan is Grandad in the malay language).