For the sake of brotherhood in faith...

“How are you, mum?” said a very familiar voice at the other end.

“Fine! How ARE you?” said I, sensing something amiss in the tone of my son’s voice.

“Just feeling like wanting to share something,” he said.

“Aha..”

“Yesterday, I was at the masjid for maghrib prayers. Was doing my solat when suddenly a little boy stepped on my glasses which I put neatly positioned just beneath my face during prostrating. He was running here and there just before it happened,” said he with a sigh.

Silence.

“I am listening,” said I, encouraging him to go on.

“After the jamaah prayers, I turned to see a man, maybe from one of the countries in Africa. He apologized and said that he will pay for the damage. I just nodded my head. Then, he asked me how much I paid for my glasses. I said more than a thousand ringgit.”

“What happened then? You don’t sound too happy.”

“Yeah! Because right after hearing my words, the man suddenly became offensive and lectured to me about Qada’ and Qadar.”

“Hmm..” I knew that something was not quite right, as I know my son’s attitudes and temperaments very well. Never, the one who likes to be lectured at and easily provoked.

“I lashed out. Telling him not to insult my intelligence. I know what Qada’ and Qadar is. As soon as I turned my heels towards the door of the masjid, I noticed all eyes in the masjid were on both of us. People from all over the world.”

The place where my son resides (where my other half and I hop over to spend weekend escapades or to attend to some other activities at the capital), is full of expatriates from the Middle East and Korea. So, the masjid would be full of Muslims from many nations across the globe.

I was quiet, allowing time and some space so my son could gather his words.

“Mum, I could not sleep throughout the night. I lay in bed thinking. We were all one, standing and then stooping in our prayers, devoted to God, the only One. Then, right after giving salams, I was there exchanging harsh words with another, my own brother in faith.”

Still, I did not say anything, wanting to let him pour his words.

“This morning, I had my glasses repaired. It cost me RM300. Then, just now, after the noon congregation prayers, the same man came over to me and apologized again, asking me how much I spent to fix my specs. I told him. Then he reached out to his wallet and handed me the amount. But I said to him, “Please take back your RM 100,” When he asked me why, I answered, “Because I lost my temper over such a small thing.”

My lips involuntarily curved into a slight smile.

“Then, we hugged one another, patted each other’s shoulders while the others in the masjid smiled a wide smile,” continued my son.

“Good to hear that,” I said in a low voice.

“Yes! And I am so overcomed with relief,” said he.

I did not say anything anymore. We talked about other things for a little while longer.

Deep inside me I was so grateful to Allah and was absolutely glad that my son had learnt an important lesson. The value of brotherhood and love amongst mankind (especially Muslims) far surpasses the petty things that we say we own in this short life.

A shining gem is gone forever...

“Mum, Shaykh Fathi Yakan has passed away,” said my son as I was busy jotting in the details of my visit to the industries where my students were attached for the past two weeks.

For a while, my fingers were numb and I put aside my pen, uttering a prayer for his soul.

Dr. Fathi Yakan, an electrical & electronic engineer by profession and holder of degrees in Arab and Islamic studies cum politician, writer, has passed away on Sunday the 14th of June, 2009.

He, whose books changed my perception and perspective of the Islamic faith – To Be A Muslim, amongst more than 35 other titles. A book which unveiled the obligatory duties of being a Muslim, responsibility towards oneself and towards others, which also continuously became my reference during my student days, and an everyday guide while being actively involved in the society through an NGO (JIM), even until now.

Fathi Yakan was born in the northern port city of Tripoli in 1933. He became involved in Islamic work in Lebanon in the mid 1950's and was a pioneer in the establishment of the Islamic Movement there. Yakan was elected a member of parliament in 1992.

His passing casts deep sorrow…A jewel may have just diminished..but for sure, its lustre and sparkle is still freshly ingrained in our minds…

May his soul be blessed, his good deeds, steadfastness and dedication for Islam be abundantly rewarded with jannah and rahmah by Allah…Amin.

May there be more ‘Fathi Yakans’ amongst us and in forthcoming generations…Amin.

PS. His time was due…how about us? The dewdrops in us…the seconds before we ‘dry out’ are ticking away…Are we ready for that moment?

Sowing seeds for the hereafter…

“Nurturing Quranic Generations” - that is the school motto. Recently turned 20 years of age, Institusi Pendidikan Al Hidayah is an educational institution set amidst bluish green limestone hills of Gunung Rapat, Ipoh, Perak.

The institution has produced students with strong foundation based upon a solid and integrated form of education, in tune with the concept of Islamic education which is wholesome (shumul) and balanced. A balanced and wholesome system of education connotes a system that encourages and inculcates a sound education in terms of spiritual, physical, developing the creative mind, guidance in the independence of thought and soul, nurturing social finesse and acquiring special skills, amongst others.

From its humble beginnings (its early years being in the 1980’s, was initially comprised of 3 rented residential premises around Rapat Setia, Ipoh), Al Hidayah now houses its primary and secondary school within 2 blocks of buildings within its grounds.

Al Hidayah has become the pride of Muslim based institution of learning in Ipoh, in this state of Perak because of its achievements especially in producing achievers of high merits in both academic and religious standings.

I am proud to say that my own son, Anas bin Mohamad Sofian who is now an engineer, with the drilling department of Carigali Petronas, off the coast of Bintulu, in the middle of South China Sea, was the product of this institution. Having been with the school since year 1 at primary until year 3 at secondary level, the day to day stories at the school with his friends, became the episodes (the storyline being totally fictional) that I shared in my second book, Sentuhan Muttaqeen. The setting for the novel was based on the school. Only the name of the school has been changed i.e. Institusi Pendidikan Al Muttaqeen.

The increase in the number of students intake from year to year in the learning centre has taken its toll. There is a dire need for physical expansion. I am greatly indebted to the Al Hidayah Institution for it had impacted generously in embodying values and virtues to our youngsters (especially my own son). Therefore, it is with this realization and sense of responsibility that I am extending my assistance for the institution in dissipating this call for kind hearts amongst readers out here. For, I believe that many of us are very concerned about upbringing and providing the best in developing our future and potential leaders. In particular, the musalla (prayer place) of the school need to be upgraded (with project costs amounting to RM 800,000). So too, are the other facilities.

Work in the expansion of the facility has begun. Progress has been very slow, impeded and stalled every now and then because of shortage of funds. If there are any kind souls who are willing to lend their hands in this noble venture, you may do so through the following:

1. Maybank – Pusat Pendidikan Al Hidayah Perak Bhd. Account number 558172005969
2. Muamalat Bank – Tabung Pembangunan Al Hidayah. Account number – 08040000803716

The following are contact numbers:
Mrs. Kamariah (school clerk) 012-5858861. School office: Miss Shahida 05-3129373

Allah has said, ““Help one another in righteousness and piety - and do not help one another in sin and injustice..” ~Al Maidah: verse 2~

And in another, “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in Allah's way is as the likeness of a grain which groweth seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah giveth increase manifold to whom He will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.” ~Al Baqarah: 261~

May Allah reward your generous souls…. Amin Ya Rabbul Alamin…

Remembering Teachers....

“Can you spare some time? Present a talk in a programme for teachers that we will be organizing in a few month’s time?” said Hajjah Norhayati Sidek on the other line.

“Programme for teachers? Are you sure that the audience will be comfortable with me? Because I am not really qualified. They are more experienced teaching in schools, for which I am at a disadvantage,” said I.

“Well! Just share whatever you have,” said the dear, old friend of mine.

I remembered the following verse from the Quran:

“Help one another in righteousness and piety - and do not help one another in sin and injustice..” (Al Maidah: Verse 2)

I knew I had to oblige to my friend’s request.

For weeks on end, I stole some time here and there, preparing for my talk i.e. a Powerpoint presentation entitled “Utilizing the Utmost from Teachers Based on Human Capital Values”. A mouthful title. I had to take a breather in between writing the full title.

For the particular purpose too, I had to study some materials. Amongst them, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and “The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness”, both books by Stephen Covey. Also, “The Empty Raincoat: Making Sense of the Future” by Charles Handy and another “Talent is Never Enough: Discover the Choices That Will Take You Beyond Your Talent” by John C. Maxwell.

Other references were also garnered to make the presentation due on the 24th May, to be as interesting as possible. I wanted to stress more on the practical aspects of harnessing the potent talents each and everyone of us possess. How to manage those talents and channel them towards doing good for the society at large and to be able to maintain a strong conviction and motivation throughout the journey of our life. There are some practical aspects that we may be able to follow and they were effective for me. So, I hoped to share with the audience based upon my own experiences.

The programme called Bicara Perdana at national level organized by Majlis Guru Islah (MGI or Islah Teachers Council if translated into English) was convened at the Hill City Hotel, Ipoh, Perak. And it was rightfully so that the Honorary Secretary of JIM, Haji Nahar Md. Nor officiated the function. MGI was his brainchild years ago.

Tears welled up my eyes as I listened to the poem ‘Kau Adi Guru’ penned and recited by Ibni Khalid Jurait, the representative of Selangor. I was sure that the hearts of many others were also moved, judging from the muffled sounds and tissue grabbings amongst those present. (The poem was written in the Malay Language, the meanings of which might not be as effective if translated in English, if not, I would have loved to share it here…)

I was also happy for Mrs. Siti Aishah Mahamad’s, receiving the Teachers Award 2009 (9 candidates from various states were nominated). Siti Aishah is an Excellent Headmistress, a post she held in three schools while at the same time, never foresaking her duties as an activist under JIM and holds the post of Head of Women’s Wing of Pahang.

Sadness prevailed amid video clips, when the award for “You Will Forever Be Remembered” was given to the late Dr. Ahmad Basri bin Md. Yussoff for his tireless efforts and deeds in guiding, teaching and enjoining good deeds through JIM. He, who was fondly known as Cikgu Basri was represented by 3 of his children, Naufal, Ariej and Daniel, who came in place of their mum, Puan Noraini.

My presentation was delivered in 45 minutes in all while another, also in the same time frame was given by Mr. Haji Mat Noh Supaat, District Education Officer who was also an experienced Headmaster for Cluster Schools. His talk was entitled, “Effective Leadership in the Teaching Profession”.

I was touched that my presentation was well received, the positive responses (as was told by the secretariat of the programmes), from the evaluation sheets filled in by the audience. Alhamdulillah, All praises be to Allah. By His Grace, may all our good deeds be rewarded in the hereafter...Amin.

Kudos to my old friend, Cik Hajjah Norhayati as the Director of the programme and her team members who had put in tremendous efforts in the preparations months before and in making sure the event for the day, a smooth sailing one...