A touching email..

I was skimming through the tons of emails that poured in. All of a sudden, my eyes rested on this email. Really touched my heart. Never have I felt so elated. As a writer, one feels very happy if what one has written can create an impact on somebody else’s lives or change reader’s mind set. All praises be to Allah.....

Thank you for making my day. (I am giving the English version, freely translated from the Bahasa Melayu version).

"I was walking past a shop when suddenly, my eyes caught sight of these words ”Jadi, anda mahu menulis?” (So, You Want to Write?). My mind could not stop thinking about those words. On impulse, I retraced my steps back to the bookshop. My hands were eagerly flicking the pages a few second later. It was as though a voice was whispering at my ears, “Buy the book!” Without hesitation, I took out an RM10 note and quickly walked over to the counter. As soon as I paid for the book, my heart was at peace. As though, I had acquired something precious and priceless.

As soon as I reached home, I feasted my eyes on the book, page by page, until right until the last sentence. So, that is how it is….My heart was saying. Is this what I have been trying to find? Is this what I have been craving to do all this while? From then on, the reality of the moment struck me and so I prayed to God that if this is the thing that would satisfy my hunger for a sense of purpose in my life, then please help me. Make it easy for me. All this while, all I had were only dead ends. I was sceptical of my own capabilities. But now, I am so happy. Even though I may not have started on something really great and to be proud of, everything has always been abandoned halfway through. But this time around…I am determined to begin on my first step."

(Sender's actual name undisclosed)

I have replied to this sincere sender that in whatever you do, do it really well and do it wholeheartedly. Write from your heart and your writings will touch the hearts of others..I do hope you will find whatever that you have been searching for all this while and I wish you well...

In the top 30 list....

Incoming short message, “Congrats! Read in the internet that your name is amongst top 30 writers, recipients of highest royalty from PTS Publications for the year 2008!”

Jolted, my fingers promptly replied, “Really? Wasn’t aware. Thank you for the info.”

“Of course I know! I am one of your number one fans,” was the subsequent reponse.

“Thank you again for your support and words,” said I.

I received another text message of the same nature from TM Lim, Chief Editor of Malaysia Harmoni.

Congratulatory messages also came from old hostel mates of mine while at Tunku Kurshiah College, Seremban decades ago. One of them is now a diplomat in Tokyo, Japan. Also from writer friend, Mr. Hamdy and another fellow organization, Mr. Khairul Fadly.The same greetings were received as responses in my blog entry from Nurazzah8 and also Madam Siti Rafidah Hassan Basri, both I have never met face to face but we have become blogger friends. Thank you all, for your kind words.

Dr. Danial Zainal Abidin (former Head of JIM in the state of Penang during the initial years of the formation of JIM) is the topmost recipient in the list of 30 top writers. It was his efforts in writing which inspired and motivated me to make a start on this venture. 2 of my first writings were then published in the book, “Bagaimana Akhirnya Saya Bertudung” (How I First Put On The Hijab) in the year 2003.

How about my placement in the ranking? Frankly speaking, something that is not really very big to rave about…Yes! Right at the bottom-most. Actually, I have never dreamt of this and it has never crossed my mind that I could get in any rankings at all for that matter. I write simply for pleasure and for the fun of it. Mostly because, I thought that I could do something in the dissipation of the message of Islam through writings. That is all.

Alhamdulillah, praises be to the Almighty. May this motivate me to continue in these efforts.

What is interesting is that, 2 religious figures are also in the rankings.

May there be more who would be inspired to come in and join hands in this venture….Amin.

Another precious gift...

Tuesday, 7th. July.

8.00 a.m.

My son-in-law called, “Mum! Nusaybah is wheeled into the labour room.”

“Okay! My prayers with you both,” said I, getting ready for my 9.00 a.m. lectures. My heart skipped a bit.

9.50 a.m.

My eyes kept creeping over to the elongated square face on my wrist. Then I bellowed, “All right class! I will be leaving you a softcopy of today’s materials and a few more. Let us call it a day. I need to be somewhere else. We will see each other again, Thursday afternoon.”

Puzzled looks.

“All right!” I snapped my fingers, putting my hands on the table, “My daughter is already in the labour room, her second one. I need to rush to Kuala Lumpur. I do hope you people will understand.”

Faces lit up. Smiles everywhere.

“OK! All the best!” bags flying, rumbling of chairs.

“Congrats Prof!” from faces, beaming.

“Thank you!” I returned their greetings.

11.00 a.m.

My other half and I hit the highway down south, while my lips were constantly praying to God, to make everything smooth and easy. The past few nights were filled with fervent devotion to Him. For them - my daughter and her other half.

1.37 p.m. Tapah R & R Area.

A call again, “Mum! You have a grandson! Exactly an hour ago..”

“Alhamdulillah! Praise be to God!” Mist covering my eyes as I turned to my other half and smiled.

Puzzled look, then a smiles all over as my other half patted my shoulders and squeezed my hand. We were back on the road. But not before my beloved called my son-in-law, congratulating him. Our hearts raced as fast as the car could take us down the highway.

3.00 p.m.

However, we could not see or hold our beloved new addition to the family.

“He needs to be put under observation for tonight. Nothing to worry, just a precaution,” said Dato’ Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin, the child specialist (who happened to be our dear old friend, decades ago while in the U.K.)

“He was silent for a few minutes. But he opened his eyes just seconds after coming out into this world,” said the father, my son-in-law, proudly showing us the picture which he managed to capture on his phone.

I have never felt so blessed! Another precious gift from Allah, The Creator, The Bestower...

Welcome, Ameer Ihsan! May Allah bless you and may you turn out to be a fine young man, steadfast in His path and savior of faith, Amin…