Reminder...

A good friend of my son has passed away in the early hours of last night. A very good dai' while in his prime - university days. A very good son, a very good soul.

My condolences to your mum and family members...May you rest in peace…May Allah accept your good deeds, forgive your misdoings and place you amongst those whom He is pleased with…Amin Ya Rabbul Alamin…

Al Fatihah...(Please click here...)

This is a good reminder to me too...Have I done enough when Allah says that it is time for me to flicker out? Still, the clock of life is ticking by...and the end is fast approaching.....

PS. I must apologize to all readers for not updating this virtual 'abode’ of mine for quite some time. Been running around….there are so many things to share however so little time to spare…

Aidil Adha Greetings...

Eid Mubarak! Wishing blessings of Eidul Adha to all..

May we live to emulate the spirit of sacrifice exemplified by the noble family of our Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) his son Prophet Ismail a.s. and his mother Hajar.

Besides the degree of sacrifice by the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, we should also ponder on how this noble and wonderful woman had been so steadfast, patient and true to Allah’s commandments. It was this brave woman who became the pioneer of a blessed Holy City, the destination of pilgrims from all over the globe during hajj and umrah.

Her acts of running in despair back and forth between the two hills, in search of precious water; while young Ismail lay crying on the hard and desolate desert sands, has been made one of the hajj and umrah rituals…

For an enlightening article on how we can reflect and act upon the examples shown by this great family, please click here

PS. Image was taken from here.

World Cup, Then and Now….

It was the summer of 1978. I was so up to my nose with the preparations for my A-Levels that was in a few days time then. I was sent to study at the Chesterfield College of Technology (now known as Chesterfield College), Chesterfield - a tiny market town in the county of Derbyshire. If one happens to travel by rail to Sheffield from down south, one might be able to catch a glimpse of the signature landmark of the place – the crooked spire of the town’s church, if one looks out of the left window of the carriage.

My other two housemates were cooped up in their respective rooms upstairs at the topmost floor, in the three floored semi detached house, silent and subdued. I had actually done most of the preparations. It was just a matter of going through the notes again and again as revisions. However, seeing others studying so hard sometimes make you ask yourself, “Why aren’t you studying too?” – if you understand what I mean…

After a time, I could not contain myself any longer. So, there I was, at the lounge area of the house (No. 10, Queen Street) rooted at the sofa, right in front of the TV, watching the games of the World Cup. The few hours in a day of occasional screamings and whatnots were actually food for my soul. The tension in me quickly ebbed away. My mind would be refreshed to take in the formulae, equations and theoretical facts to face the exams that was right around the corner. Argentina won 3-1 over Netherlands (2 goals made by Mario Kempes. A remarkable game it was indeed! And I had a great time, watching it all alone interspersed with intermittent activities - nail bitings, hair pullings, wrist wringing, hands in the air, at times punching the cushions or anything that I could lay my hands onto….it was a good thing that my housemates were so high up in the house…what with all the ruckus that I made…

And so, it is that time again this year. The place - South Africa. Today’s game was marred by a freak mistake made by the goalkeeper of England during the game facing USA. I am sure that he would not have wanted the incident to happen.

A quick reading of my one of my favourite websites Idris Tawfiq (an earlier entry about him on this blog can be found here – updates of which I obtained from time to time through email after registering at his website) made me ponder (read here)…

Idris Tafiq has said it well… Everything that happens is with His will.

However, my heart is constantly nagging - the biggest question still remains….the issue of Palestine and the fate of its people…would their cries of sufferings be drowned by the squeals and howls of spectators amid the goals scored during the World Cup?

Tears of regret…

My eyes were transfixed to the rectangular shaped talking machine at the far corner of our lounge. TV9 station was airing a talk show with Dr. Danial Zainal Abidin and writer Muhammad Alexander (MA) as guests. The issue was on signs of Doomsday and the emergence of Yakjuj and Makjuj. Coincidentally, I had just finished reading the two books written by MA. His first book – I borrowed from someone, then bought a copy together with his second book – Alexander the Great was Zulqarnain at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair, the week before. I managed to meet up with the writer to have the two books autographed by MA. Happiness!

“Amongst the signs of Doomsday that is fast approaching is the fact that numerous numbers of babies are being born from unmarried mothers,” said Dr. Danial. His statement made my heart stop for a moment. It set me thinking.

Just last weekend, I fulfilled the request from Raudhatus Sakinah (RS)- The Shelter for unmarried mothers, to conduct a writing workshop for inhabitants of the shelter of the Penang branch.

The air was tense and still at the beginning of the workshop. The RS girls needed some coaxing and provoking before their words could pour out. After 2 games, their minds then started melting. By mid afternoon, their fingers holding tightly onto their pen, were moving fast across the sheets of papers. Their heads down and intense, brimming with ideas. That was my intention. And those were the purpose of the series of games, specifically formulated during the workshop.

Later in the afternoon, their eyes were pregnant with tears, glistening waters streaming over like little brooks down their cheeks, when I asked them to remember and ponder upon the faces of our parents, their never ending love and care, ever since we first started to learn how to breathe. They read aloud their pieces, written straight from their hearts, in between sobs of great regret. It was intended to be so, to build up the atmosphere for them to realize the consequences of their past deeds.

While the girls were deep in their writing, I decided to have a chat with the organizers.

“Newcomers?” said I to Madam I, the manager of the shelter. My eyes roamed across the seminar room, registering the fresh faces in my mind. It has been quite a while since my last visit. My busy schedule has interrupted the once regular visits earlier on.

“Yes! The previous batch has gone back to where they belong,” said she, a queer smile curving her lips.

Puzzled with the odd smile, I asked, “How are they doing?”

I held out my hand and taking a chair, I sat very close to her and the wardens of RS. N who is now a happily married wife and mother of a little baby boy was there too. She was the former warden and had travelled all the way from Tanjung Malim, with her little baby by train, departing at midnight the night before and reaching Nibong Tebal at 4 a.m. that very morning. Such sacrifice! May Allah bless her…

“Some of them who returned home have constantly called us back, expressing their desire to be back at RS,” said one of the wardens.

“Why?” I frowned.

“Because they felt so lost and are also very vulnerable to fall back to their old habits. They were afraid. The values that we have instilled in them while they were with us here at RS, will slowly dwindle away amid hostile surroundings, uncooperative family members," said another one of the wardens.

“Influence from their old friends. We have always tried very hard to remind them to stay away and of the pitfalls of going back to their old habits,” said Madam I.

“But still, there are others who have moved on, continuing with their studies, at school and also at colleges,” said N.

“You still remember M?” said Madam I.

“Of course I do,” I quipped.

“She is now in her first year, studying psychology at a college up north, sponsored by her mum,” said one of the wardens rather proudly.

“How wonderful! Praises be to Allah,” said I, so overjoyed.

That is the situation with the RS girls who had to return to where they once belonged. Some are trying their best to maintain their dignity while others have moved on. We should do more to guide these young girls who have gone astray and to pull their hands back onto the straight road again.

This is the second time around. A similar writing workshop was held sometime last year. We intend to publish the collection of the girls’ writings. Writings of their experiences, the underlying factors that made them end up in situations most unbecoming and which we wish and should avoid. We hope that when the book gets to be published, it will act as eye openers for others, especially for the young girls and boys of our society, and for parents too. Things that they need to be aware of. To be forewarned against.

“Be Smart! Avoid Zina!”

May Allah grant us mercy and accept all intentions and our deeds...Amin

00000000000

A quick look at some of the responses that I could gather from the feedback forms right after the workshop:-

“Alhamdulillah, I have the opportunity to improve my writing skills.”

“I have acquired new knowledge.”

“This has made me become aware of the importance of being a person of good, here now and in the hereafter.”

“I got some good advise.”

“I have got ideas what to write in the future.”

“I can make use of writing to get rid of my stress.”

To read more on past and previous related entries in this blog on RS - The Shelter, please click here and here .

Slowly drying…

I was chairing a postgraduate viva session at one of the departments in the campus. Everyone was diligently paying attention when suddenly there was a knock on the door.

Dr. B, one of the panel members of the meeting and a programme chairman of the department, rose to answer and he then disappeared behind the door.

I continued the session which was nearly at the finishing line.

Dr. B returned to his seat, his face suddenly looking very drawn. There were traces of sadness in his eyes. All of a sudden, he said, “Excuse me. I am very sorry, I just cannot concentrate anymore.”

I cast him an annoyed look. So did the others.

“There has been a terrible accident. One of our department’s postgraduate students. At the main gate to our campus here. And she is dead. I have to be excused. I need to attend to her matters. Please go ahead with the meeting,” said he, as he rose up to go.

We listened and watched, electrified.

I came to my senses and summoned myself to say, “It is all right. We are nearing the end anyway, aren’t we?” I looked around at the other faces. Nods everywhere.

By the time I was back at my own department, the news had spread. Apparently, the hardworking student who was on her motorbike, was a victim of a reckless driver of a car, which sped across the red light right in front of the campus. It was such disheartening news…

I wonder what were in the minds of her housemates. Most probably she was with them, all day long the day before, talking, eating, laughing and the next day, she was gone…

I wonder too how her mum would cope with this news. So sudden…

I remembered something my son told me. A friend of his had been called back home. He was doing his housemanship training at a hospital back in the UK. During his undergraduate studies as a medical student at the University of Sheffield (both my husband and I studied there more than 30 years ago), he was diagnosed with lymphoma, a kind of blood cancer. He had undergone chemotherapy many times before and the cancer had come back. The doctors had done all that they could do. His parents has asked him to come back. Watching his message (here), I could not help holding back my tears….

That afternoon, as I was driving back home, I stopped the car momentarily at the junction of the campus main gate, waiting for the green light. As I turned my face towards the left, I could see the remnants of what used to be a helmet, the pieces scattered all over the side walk. I was in tears again…

As a Muslim, we are constantly reminded to ponder over a Hadith. In this hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to a man while he was advising him:

"Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth, before you become old; and your health, before you fall sick; and your richness, before you become poor; and your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death." ~Al Hakim and Al Baihaqi~

I am reminding myself. I do hope you are reminded too….

KPI...

It has been raining KPI’s for the past few months. Seems like the three letter item has become the buzz word. On the TV, in the papers, from our country’s VIP lips. At my department…

Ever since last year and being called in to be one of the the department’s KPI committee, I have been running around, bogged down with paper work (which explains why this space of mine has not been updated). Plus the fact that I have to put up with some members of staff who are lackadaisical in their attitudes and worst still – those who spit out unbecoming words, not befitting the academic titles that they have in front of their names. Am already up to my nose…the mere mention of the three letter word, gave me the jitters...

Last weekend, while attending a get together with other writers of a publishing company, the editors explained their new and upcoming projects. Then, it came…”Each of us as an editor, we need to fulfill our KPIs..” I felt like throwing up…

Too much emphasis, too much paper work, efforts. So much time and energy…

This weekend (Yes! On Sunday, while others are happily relaxing with their families) all the four of us will have to brace ourselves in preparation to face the highest authority of the university. For, the task of defending our school KPI lies upon the shoulders of the four of us (Prof. L, Dr. W, Mr. M and I). I do hope some of my dear colleagues will help too in offering some doas…

These set me thinking..how about the other KPI? The one we need to look seriously into? Our KPI with our own Creator? I shudder…

How about you?

Reminiscing Terengganu…

“There it is!” said I, pointing my fingers to a prominent structure, jutting out from the green avenue of firs and casuarinas along its sides. Dusk has fallen. The waves were beating on the shores, the glimmering sands hardly seen any more in the deteriorating light.

It was just the two of us this time. My other half and I. We were there once before. More than 20 years ago. Only at that time, we were there as a family. I still keep the photos and would glance through it every now and then. Just to reminisce…..

Back then, our daughter was about 7 years of age. Beside her, was her little brother, and he was nearly 2. I wanted to take a photo of the two of them on the beach, in the breeze, under the shadows of the casuarinas. Our daughter was ready to pose. As usual, our little boy could not stay still for more than a minute. Something in the sand intrigued him and he put his face down, poking here and there in the sand with the stick at the last second, just as my finger pressed on the button. And the camera went click…

Those were such wonderful moments. We had traveled to the east coast using our old and battered second hand car (a Nissan 120Y, with a plate number beginning with PAE something…), grateful that we finally reached the coastal shores. At that time, there was no highway like now. We stopped at Pantai Batu Buruk, spending the night at about one of the more decent hotels amongst the handfuls that were around at K.T. We walked along the beach; sometimes running, sometimes walking; at times playing hide and seek. The children were laughing gleefully.

Then, we were off to Dungun, stopping to put up the night at a very modest place. No TV, no air-conditioning and no hot water. Only the bare necessities and the most important thing was that the place was spotlessly clean. In the early hour of the morning, we were already up, enjoying the view of the sun rising slowly above the horizon, the rolling white waves amidst the waters so blue.

Suddenly, there was a lot of noise and commotion in the air. Our little son whom we believe could not understand a thing, was somehow feeling the change in the air. Both our children's faces were beaming as they ran towards the shore.

Yonder, we could see a group of men, the waters up to their waistline, flanking both sides of what made up to be a boat. Slowly, they were closing into the shore, the semi-circular shape that they made becoming narrower and smaller. Just then, we could see something else. Right at the centre from where they stood, there were fish! Yes! Fish! Fresh and gleaming like rainbow in the sun's rays. Here and there, jumping up towards the sky and landing back onto the shallow waves. The net beneath them was beginning to show as the group of men slowly pulled it up onto the sands. A typical scene back then, of fishermen pulling in their catch of the day. But not to us, city dwellers. We were mesmerized!

By then, our children were nearly hysterical with excitement. And so were the little groups of children and women of the village, who had gathered around. They too were jumping up and down along the shores. Smiling faces, everywhere….

This little piece of experience was a very valuable one. The closest thing that our children got to real life fish were the occasional visits to the aquarium. We also took them to the wet market at the Central Market of Ipoh once in a while to let them watch how the fish that they finally see at the dinner table were being handled.

I cannot imagine how life would be like for our children’s children…They get to buy clean fish at the local hypermarket; there is no doubt about that. But then, they will be deprived of the real joy in getting a first hand experience such as like the one we had…. (Research has found that all fish are diminishing and there will not be any more fish for us to eat in 40 years).

Who then should be blamed?

Bring down that wall!

My other half was watching the BBC news early this morning while I was summoning my might to start examining a postgraduate thesis from a certain university down south. All of sudden, my eyes were transfixed on a certain message scribbled on an ugly wall, flashed on the tube.

“WHY IS THIS WALL HERE?”

A commentator was presenting all the hype about the final fall of the Berlin Wall on the 9th of November twenty years ago (1989) and how the event has turned into a sort of worldwide celebration nowadays.

My eyes turned misty as I suddenly remembered about the plight of our brethren – the Palestinians holed up within the walls of the heartless Zionists.

Just then, an email forwarded from Dr. Hafidzi jolted me. And so, I am doing my part to educate others about the Apartheid Wall.

These are facts:

1. Israel's apartheid wall is three times the length of the Berlin Wall.

2. Israel's wall was ruled illegal by the International Court of Justice,sections of the wall have also been ruled illegal by Israel's high court.

3. Israel's wall mostly separates Palestinians from other Palestinians, not Palestinians from Israelis

4. Israel's wall confiscates Palestinian farmland and water resources in contravention of international law.

5. Israel's wall cuts off access of Palestinians from their other family members, deprive them of their rights of a decent livelihood, rights for proper education and even treatment in hospitals.

And so likewise, I am asking Israel and its counterparts - the same thing as what was flashed by the BBC news:

“WHY IS THE WALL THERE AT PALESTINE?”

I demand an answer!

PS. Remember the story of the little bird who tried to carry water back and forth from a nearby river in its tiny beak to save the Prophet Ibrahim when he was put on the stakes to be burnt by the cruel Emperor? The little bird was ridiculed by its friends (the eagle) because after all how much water can he carry to smother the flames? The bird’s heart may be tiny but it was a great one, for he replied, “This is the least that I can do. I have an answer that I have done my part when I will be questioned by Allah on the day of judgement, what have I done to help?”

So, why not do your part?

For resources on what little that you can do to spread this message, please visit:
http://www.endtheoccupation.org/article.php?list=type&type=317

Tell the Caterpillar Company (which directly profits from
CAT equipment being used to demolish Palestinian homes and orchards in
the path of the wall and in the actual construction of the wall) that what they are doing is WRONG. Click here

More resources:

http://tinyurl.com/stopthewall

http://www.endtheoccupation.org/downloads/09wall.pdf

<http://www.endtheoccupation.org/article. php?id=2380>

<http://www.endtheoccupation.org/calendar.php>.

Of quakes and devastations…

I love to watch the History Channel 555 on Astro. The series are eyeopeners, knowledge enriched as well as being therapeutic when times are taxing and academic commitments become so stressful and too demanding.

Was watching a slot on the Lost City of Atlantis which existed thousands of years ago, whereby it seems more recent studies suggests that it may be situated more towards the east; near the island of Crete. It is believed that the technology advancements during that civilization then were very advanced. The existence of sophisticated high rise buildings with indoor plumbing, extensive irrigation facilities, architecture, code of laws where men and women are of equal standing plus other richness of information. However, within a blink of an eye, the whole civilization vanished in a huge earthquake.

The devastation produced by the event was far worse than the one which afflicted the island of Krakatoa in 1883. Even then, the Krakaota produced a Tsunami reaching 120 feet high killing about 36,000 people. Skies were blackened for three days. The sound of the explosion was heard as far away as 3,000 miles. The one at Atlantis was 4 times that of Krakatoa. Just imagine? Good readups are available here and here.

And then, news came of the quake which hit the Samoas followed by Padang, Indonesia. Questions started to arise. Are those two earthquakes connected? (Read here).

Whatever, such news brought sorrow deep down in my heart. How fragile this precious earth is. How little there is beholding our lives. Only God knows how long more we can withstand watching our lives unfold before our eyes.

How true are the words of Socrates:
"Man's life is like a drop of dew on a leaf."

While our are hearts are still pounding, why not contribute some of the good things that God has mercifully bestowed upon us.

"And every one has a direction to which he should turn, therefore hasten to (do) good works; wherever you are, Allah will bring you all together; surely Allah has power over all things.” (Al Baqarah: 148)

Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) has taken up a mission called Misi Kasih Padang (freely translated as The Mission - Love Padang) to help those in need there. (Click here for more information).

Being in Malaysia, we have been spared of this catastrophe and for that, we are truly blessed by God. But then, who knows about the future?

Let the following words of the Quran below remind us of the fragility of our existence (Surah The Romans: 41-43):

“Disasters have spread throughout the land and sea, because of what the people have committed. He thus lets them taste the consequences of some of their works, that they may return (to the right works).”

“Say, "Roam the earth and note the consequences for those before you." Most of them were idol worshipers.”

“Therefore, you shall devote yourself completely to this perfect religion, before a day comes which is made inevitable by GOD. On that day, they will be shocked.”

Are we fully aware too that studies have shown that these catastrophes may strike again, anytime in the near future? (Read here and here).

Till then, we can only pray to God, to ward ourselves of these perils. Also to hasten in doing and promoting good deeds while we still can. I will continue to watch the History Channel 555, to remind me constantly of my existence and fuel my soul of the urgency to enjoin good.

Would you like to watch the channel too? Tell me if you have other enlightening information. Do share them with me. I would only be too happy and grateful…

True sense of independence…

Independence does not merely connote physical freedom from colonization but also surpasses that of mental and spiritual influence. From the Islamic point of view, does it mean that a person, race or nation is independent if it still upholds principles be it from the east or the west other than the Divine Revelations of the Quran and and sayings of the Prophet i.e. Al Hadith? Anything that is from the west is the best or anything that is from the east such as local practice and culture or that the supremacy of a particular race is considered pure and sacred and therefore must be adhered to at all costs? Even to the extent of having the right to do anything as one likes at the expense of injustice to fellow man or to discard the truth?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has successfully built an exemplary Islamic nation capable of governing a just society for everyone commanding respect, inclusive of non-muslims around the city of Madinah in every aspects of life. So why is it that Muslims i.e. us in this later generations cannot emulate the same model to be implemented today?

Islam came to rejuvenate mankind and to free them from colonization of their minds and soul. Listen to what Ruba’ei bin Umair has to say when confronted by Rustam, the Roman general most feared by friends and foes. Rustam had asked Ruba’ei, “Why did you come to us?”

Ruba’ei answered, “We have come to free mankind from the subserviency of one to another and instead instill one’s obedience to One God only, to bring the light of faith from the darkness of disbelief and to enlighted mankind’s narrowness of this world to the vastness of avenues of the hereafter.”

When mankind is able to obey solely the words of his own Creator, then only is he empowered with the spirit of independence in the real sense…

Only God knows best…

Happy 52nd Independence Day!

Points have been modified from the malay version of this and this.

'Sweet' mishap...

“We have to get out! Out! Right now!” cried my husband, turning his head to our children seated at the back of the car, amid the smoke puffing out of the car engines.

“My neck hurts,” said our daughter, scrambling out of the seat.

“What’s this? What's happening?” cried our young son, waking up from his sleep.

I was too numbed to say anything.

Just then, I heard a friendly voice, “911 paramedics. Are you all right?” Hands were everywhere, soothing, calming. Asking where it hurts.

“Everything seems to be okay! We would suggest you to get to the nearest hospital, just in case,” said one of the paramedics, gathering up all his things.

“I think we will be all right,” said my husband, still dazed.

The paramedic lifted his hat, as a sign of respect and was gone.

“Someone must have called them in the nick of time,” said someone in the little crowd that had began to gather around us.

“Are you hurt?” said a young girl, her face veiled with the look of concern, “Here bro! Call mum and dad!”

“Yeah! I just did! They’re on their way,” said a young boy, apparently the girl’s brother. They must have been traveling together with the elder sister behind the wheel of the van.

“Let me take a look at your driving license. Yeah! You and you!” said a police officer, looking at my husband’s face and then to the young girl. Both handed in their licenses.

“Good thing you had the insurance with that rented car. Cannot imagine the mess you will be in without it! Here is your report. Get to the nearest agent and you will get another car as replacement,” the police officer quipped and was then on his way. But not without making sure that all is well and everything was cleared. All these were settled in a jiffy.

(I was attached to the University of Calgary doing research at the Engineering Department for 3 months, sponsored by Asian Development Bank , back then in 1993. My family joined me during the last 2 weeks of my stay. We had traveled up north from Calgary to Edmonton, enjoying the tranquiities of landscapes, through the rolling wheat fields of the Canadian Prairies across the Saskatchewan River , then to Jasper, putting up the night in a log cabin at Pocahontas ; then passed by the spectacular Columbia Icefields stopping to take a ride on the Snowmobile, taken pictures of scenic turquoise waters of Lake Moraine (the most photographed lake in the world), spending nights at Lake Louise and Banff. We continued south west to Kelowna, further on to Vancouver, brought the rented car we were in onto the British Columbia (BC) Ferries across to Vancouver Island. From there, we ventured to Penticton enjoying the enchanted fruit farms of Lake Okanagan along the way. (The settings of this journey of which I shared in my novel “Beautiful Daffodils”) To save up on accommodation, most of the nights throughout the journey, were spent at International Youth Hostels of which we became members for a year.)

On that unfortunate day of the accident, at a small city called Vernon, we were on our way from Penticton back to Calgary i.e. our last leg of our journey which was a 7 hours drive. All the traveling must have taken its toll. My husband, after driving for more than 3,109 km, overall 38 hours day by day, spanning the 8 days of journey across the Canadian Rockies through the two states of Canada (Alberta and British Columbia) within a few days must have been overwhelmed with fatigue. My housemates said that we were crazy because they had been in Canada for two years and the furthest to the west they drove to at that time was as far as Waterton Lake Park . While my husband had just arrived a few days before. But we were adamant with the trip, to go through the adventure awaiting us...

Back to the story, the young girl was mothering my two children, constantly asking how they were, offering drinks and snacks.

I was looking at our rented car. Its hood, a total wreck! The van which we hit right in front of us was hardly dented.

“There they are!” said the girls brother, pointing to another car that was veering to the side of the road.

“Hi! I am so sorry that this happened!” said the father, getting out of the car, his hands held out to my husband's.

“No. It was entirely my fault. I must have been distracted for a second," said my husband, his hands grasping the fingers of the pleasant and nice man.

“You must be on holiday. I know how bad you must feel!” said the mum, as she too held out her hand to mine.

“Here! Let us send you to the nearest agent so you may be on your way!” said the dad.

And the next instant, we were at the counter of the nearest car rental agent, holding the keys to another rented car to replace the battered one.

“We have been to Malaysia before. Beautiful country. Hope you will enjoy the rest of your holidays here in Canada!” said the kind, old gentlemen, after asking us where we were from. The rest of his family were smiling their hearts out.

“Tell you what! Let us have our photos taken!” said he.

And so, I took one using our camera, while they had one taken too using theirs.

What a stark contrast to, about the same situation which my other half and I encountered barely three weeks ago, near our friend’s residence. That will be my next entry. After reading it and this present entry, please tell me what you think, okay?

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?

When Politicians Wag their Double Tongues…

This entry was first put up more than a year ago. However, I am posting it again today, as a reminder to myself as well as for others…Please ponder and put in some thoughts (This was an actual event, however names and places mentioned have been changed)....
Happy reading!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Have you been in this trade for very long?” my beloved asked.

“Yes! Since the seventies,” said he, the logo of his company emblazoned on the chest of his proudly worn uniform. His hands were pulling the cables and wirings, putting them into a hole in the wall.

“So many people, so many stories,“ J as he is known continued, “in fact, the previous member of constituent here has been calling me for assistance.”

“Is that so?” my husband said, nodding his head.

How deftly J's fingers moved, making adjustments here and there to the compact residence around Kuala Lumpur that my beloved and I had just acquired a few months prior to that day.

“Talking about your constituent’s representative, I have a story to tell,“ said J continuing the conversation.

I leaned closer to the wall while my beloved made himself comfortable near our storyteller.

“The member of constituency for this area was an old friend of mine. We came from the same kampung. Then worked in the same company. His position was somewhat lower than mine because of his mediocre education background. But then, after a few years, he got promoted to the post of assistant manager because of his connections and involvements in a once dominant and influential political party. I regarded that as his lucky streak and a gift from God.”

“One day, this old friend of mine whom I call Mat came to see me. He said that he was going to contest for a seat in the elections. If he won, he much desired to remain staying in the slums. He also promised to keep on using his old banger and to keep to his words serving the people in his constituency. Finally elections result were out and sure enough he won! Happily too, I shared his days of triumph."

Both my beloved and I were raptly listening to his words.

“Not long after that, I received a phone call from Mat, requesting me to upgrade and repair the wiring systems in a bungalow which he has just moved into only a few days after winning the elections. I was taken aback. He was eating his own words. But because he was my friend, I gave him the benefits of the doubt and lent my hand. I was surprised too when I glimpsed a brand new Mercedes at the porch of his ‘mansion’. I was actually thinking about what he said earlier on before the elections. About his promises.”

"One day, I went to settle my bills and then to my dismay I found out that my car had been clamped and taken away by the council. My attempts to appeal for a reduction was unsuccessful unless I could get hold of a letter of assistance from the Head of the Municipal Council or the local representative. I suddenly remembered my old friend and so, off I went to his office. I was told by his assistant that Yang Berhormat (YB) Mat had just left for a meeting at a place not very far from the location. I said very well! As I was confident I could easily get hold of my old friend Mat through the phone!”

“What happened then?” my husband said almost spontaneously.

“That is what I was about to tell. I was disturbed and angry!”

“For whatever reason?”

“Don't you feel that your friend might be lying when he says that he is on an overseas trip at that moment and is therefore not around?”

“Was that true?”

“Of course not! And this is what I wish to tell! God is Great and He was showing us signs. On that same night, I was walking back from prayers at the community masjid when suddenly we met! Yes! My old friend was walking in my direction. Little did he expect to see me there. Nonchalantly, I asked, “Just arrived from your overseas trip?”"

“I could sense his uneasiness in the face-to-face encounter like that. It was clearly written right across his face as he said, his voice stuttering, “Yes! Only just now!”“

"He walked on and I slowly followed in his footsteps. I was curious to know where he was going. At that time of night? I climbed onto a flight of stairs behind him and at the reception counter, asked the lady behind it, “The honourable member of constituency (YB), what is he doing here?”"

The lady receptionist said, “What honourable YB?”

“The one who came in just now, wearing the batik shirt and carrying a bag!”

“Really? Never knew that was one! He enrolled here just recently to learn English!”

“It was my turn to say “Really?” ““I was still dissatisfied and my hurt turned to anger. I would not have become hurt half as bad if he had just apologized and say that he could not help me. But he lied! He chose to lie. That was what hurt me most! I searched for his car and as soon as I found it, I punctured one tyre and then another. I was thinking if I let loose only one, he could simply replace it with the spare one. That was why I did for both. I felt much better and left for home.”

"Later in the night, I received a call. From Mat! Who else? He said, “Please come! Help needed! I have two flat tyres!”

"I calmly replied! “I am awfully sorry for I am in Singapore right now! Remember when we met just now? I was on my way to the airport!”

My husband and I pursed our lips in a twisted smile.

“That was it! For a long time, I have always abhorred the way certain people manage things. They tend to forget who they are and where they come from! Not respecting the peoples’ wishes. This is especially so for some who rose in their ranks not because of their capabilities and sound knowledge but because of other things…lobbying is one..I was simply too frustrated. It was largely because I knew Mat very well. I knew his family, his children, his ex-wife! Yes! Ex! Not only did he lie and broke his promises. Moved house, changed his car…worst of all, dumped his old wife for someone new! If he could lie to me, his old friend then what more to others?” said J letting go his floodgates of anger and hurt.

My husband and I were too dumbstruck to speak. We could only exchange glances to each other.

PS. The present situation at my homestate makes me want to puke!

The battle of greens and blues…

“Let us have our dinner out? Too lazy to cook!” said I to hubby Sunday evening, just now.

“All right! But where to?” said he.

“How about the ikan bakar (grilled fish) stall, towards the Changkat Jering toll?”

“Okay then. Get yourself ready!”

We were off on our way, the old road towards Simpang Empat, Taiping from Parit Buntar. Serenity. Peace. Then slowly, the atmosphere shifts its gear. Suddenly, the air was electrifying!

Colours everwhere. Vibrant flags. Green and white encircling. Occasionally, light turquoise blue. Then, dark blues with patches of red and symbols of the keris (malay weaponry). Dancing in the breeze. Hoards of people everywhere. Vehicles. Of various shapes and sizes.

Police personel were everywhere too. Left right, back and in front of us. Seemed like they already set camp months before. Blue trucks, red trucks. High end motorbikes and patrol cars. Like they have all swamped to the small town from elsewhere around the peninsula. I smiled to myself when my eyes chanced upon a police van with the words “Mobile Police Station” written on its side. I grew up at police stations in areas of the north, when my father worked as a police constable in the 60’s right to the 80’s. And all along, I have never seen a mobile police station unit as the like.

“It would have been fun if we had the opportunity to live in one like that!” I was saying to myself.

I was very much amused at the posters on display.

From the dark blue team, “Oppositions make use of children!” appeared on one, with pictures of children holding up placards saying, “Say NO! To I.S.A”.

From their opponents, “U.*.*.O…Ever since before, now and forever…always the same! BRIBERY!!” a dollar sign in place of the letter ‘S” for the equivalent word in the malay language.

“There it is! The stall,” I pointed my thumb, watching my hubby driving the car so patiently.

We parked at the side of the road, beside a police patrol car, written with the words ‘Crime Investigation Team, Kuala Krai’. Kuala Krai, Kelantan, the east coast state?

“Why come all the way from Kuala Krai?” I said, puzzled.

“Beats me!” said my hubby, his steps already reaching a glass container filled with fish placed under mounds of ice.

“You have jenahak?” hubby asked.

“No, bro! Only sea bass,” said a young man manning the stall.

“Grilled?”

“Afraid not, for today! Too busy. How about ‘tiga rasa’?”

Hubby lifted his eyebrows to me.

“Seems we are out of luck this time. But, never mind! It is okay with me,” I said, moving to the serving tables.

At the other table, next to where we were sitting, a group of young men were waiting for their menu.

We could not help overhearing.

“It is quite a challenge this time,” said one of the young men.

“Why do you say so?” said another, his jacket emblazoned in green and a white circle at the centre.

“Too much money has been thrown around. That does not include bicycles gven away for free, big packets of rice, batik sarongs and what nots!” said the first young man.

“Don’t you worry! The people right now are a whole lot smarter than of the yesteryears. They take whatever that is given. But when it comes to voting for their rights, they know what they want!” said another one of them sitting beside the first one.

“Never mind. It means we have to work even harder. Whatever, let us eat first. Refuel ourselves. Before we set out to intensify our efforts, out there!” the young man with the symbol on his jacket said, just as soon as their platters arrived.

My hubby and I could not help smiling to each other as we listened to these bravehearts, amongst the future leaders of our nation.

Talking about colours, green has always been my favourite, even since I was little. Very soothing, very refreshing…

Green. Always and forever…How about you?

In the midst of fog…

There is fog everwhere….My younger brother who resides in Brighton, England informed me of the impending weather…the bitter cold…..and the failing economy.

Further down the globe, in the land of Palestine, its people are being oppressed and subjected to unimaginable cruelty and carnage.

Back here too, sometimes, some of us are subjected to unfairness in treatment…at the workplace, office politics can be very mean; the backstabbings, the backbitings, stepping on other people’s head. Being victimized by ‘the beings’ and opportunists hovering over higher authorities, who frequently never understand or never even make an effort to understand what justice means…

In our daily efforts to uphold truth and combat evil and wrongdoings, there will surely be certain quarters who will be subjected to the same kind of treatment i.e. being oppressed and victimized. The same applies to the current political turmoil in the state of Perak, my late parents' birthplace, whose hometown was Kampung Gajah, which incidentally is nearby Pasir Salak, a landmark in history as the place where with the brave spirit of a real warrior, Dato’ Maharaja Lela delivered his blow in his fight against the British colonists.

What are these sufferings that we must endure when compared to the calamities besieging our brethrens in Palestine? Theirs are much, much more….no more bounties of the world, the face of death lurks in every nook and corner. But their spirits never die, their iman (faith) soaring high up in the sky. So, let their spirits be like beacons for us. Let us fight…rekindle the spirit shown by our forefathers Haji Abu Bakar Bakir (Gunung Semanggol), Dato’ Maharaja Lela and their likes. And let us keep on fighting!

In Him we seek refuge and unto Him we pledge ourselves.

"Do people think that they will be allowed to say, 'We believe', and will not be tested? We have tested those before them, and indeed, Allah knows those who said so, and indeed, He knows who are liars." (Al Ankabut: 2-3).

“And indeed, We will test you until We know those among you who struggle and are patient.” (Muhammad: 31).

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Three groups whose doa will be accepted by Allah: the traveler, parents and those who are oppressed.” (HR Abu Hurairah)

Of the same flesh and blood...

“You!” said I after greeting the class, raising my brows to a face; a face which was not in my lecture last week.

My class on the subject of Intelligent Systems at Masters level was already in its third week in the second semester.

“Who? Me!” said he, looking around, his index finger pointing to his chest.

“Yes! You!” I said again, folding my hands across my chest.

He smiled sheepishly.

“You were not here for the past two weeks! Where were you? And what is your name?” I perked my head.

“I have only just registered for this course. And my name is A*******.”

“Okay! Good! You have a lot to catch up though! You know that, don’t you?” said I, pursing my lips.

He nodded.

“Tell the class where you are from. Maybe the others would like to know?” I said, flicking through my lecture notes.

“Palestine,” he said, his voice could barely be heard.

There was a sudden quietness. All the other heads turned to his direction.

“I thought so,” said I.

“Any news from home?” I said, suddenly realizing and then regretting asking the question.

For he heaved a great sigh and shrugged his shoulders. His eyes were glistening as he dropped his face down towards the floor.

“Bro! We are with you. All of us. Our prayers and in our hearts. For Allah is with those who fight for His cause.”

“Insha Allah (God Willing)…” he muttered.

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

Hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There shall always be a group of people within my ummat, the truth they uphold, the enemies they resist, they would resist, they will surely resist and crush the enemies. Those who wish to stop them can never do so except for some ordeal tested by Allah until the final fate from Him. So they will persist in the struggle.

Then the Prophet’s companions asked him, “Where are these people?”

He said, “They’re in Baitul Maqdis and its surroundings.”

Listen to Mu’adz Zulkefly's Nashid and video clip on this subject. Clik here or here.

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

Allah shall be at His servants’ aid provided that the servants be at his brother’s aid – (Hadith Qudsi)

The simple pleasures of life...

“Where are we going, Tok Wan?” asked our little Insyirah.

“You want to take a ride?” asked her grandpa, my other half that is.

The little girl's eyes lit up as she smiled and nodded her head.

We were babysitting again that weekend. My daughter and son-in-law had to study as their ACCA exams were just round the corner. So we decided to take the little girl out for some amusement.

At the play centre, Berjaya Times Square, we watched the roller coaster as it rumbled past above our heads.

“What is that noise?” said little Insyirah, her arms grabbing her grandpa’s neck and then laid her head upon his shoulder. The roller coaster turned raound a pillar and exited through another hanging track.

“That was a roller coaster. Do you want to take a ride on the bumble bee?” I asked, pointing my thumb to a certain section of the play centre.

The 3 year old little girl looked at me and said nothing. There was a frown on her forehead.

Just then, her grandpa said, “This place is a little bit too noisy for me.”

“I don’t like it too, Tok Wan!” she said, her words pouring fast out of her tiny lips..

“Would you like some ice cream instead?” I asked.

The little girl smiled a broad smile and so the three of us walked hand in hand. We sat on one of the steps in a secluded corner, leant against the wall, licking our ice creams. And we laughed a lot. All three of us.

Children. Very innocent. Very pure. Sometimes entertaining them doesn’t need one to bore a hole in one’s pockets.

Tears well up my eyes whenever I think of the more than 30% of Palestinians who perished were children, killed and maimed in the heartless Israeli attacks. No ice creams, no laughters. Just masks of death staring straight into their faces….

Media Statement by Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM)

JIM MEDIA STATEMENT CONDEMNING THE ISRAELI ATTACKS ON GAZA, PALESTINE

Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) strongly condemns the onslaught of barbaric atrocities, rendered by the Zionist regime, towards the people of Palestine. This, yet another brutal wave of attacks are uncalled for and unsurpassed ever since the regime began to besiege the people of Palestine from their rightful homeland in the year 1948 and then occupied Baitul Maqdis in the year 1967. The people of Gaza had underwent undescribable pain and suffering since 18 months ago as a result of the closure of its boundaries by Israel, resulting in depletion of food and medical supplies, and as if that is not enough, the ongoing onslaught of Israel forces, equipped with their F-16 jet fighters and Apachee helicopter on innocent civilians are indeed inhumane!

The number of civilians killed in Gaza has surmounted to 300 people while 700 have been injured as casualties. This number will continue to rise as more people are trapped under the houses ruined under mortar attacks. Up until this moment in time, there are no signs indicating that these attacks from Israel will cease, as stipulated by their spokesman to the President of France yesterday. In fact, the military forces of Israel have been gearing their efforts at the frontiers of Gaza, ready to pounce their biggest attack ever at any time now. More destruction and death can be expected amongst the people of Gaza.

JIM rejects Israel’s claim that its most recent attack is an act of security measure and to protect itself. This is yet another lie concurred by Israel. For the past 6 months, Israel has been planning the attack, in fact, as soon as the period for ceasefire expired on the recent 19th of December. The missile attacks by the people of Palestine was used as an excuse to justify the attack by Israel. The excuse by this illegal nation of Israel is blatantly inhumane. The Palestinian missile attack were acts of retaliation to the endless provocations dangled by the Israeli armed forces including the occupation of the provinces in the Gaza district during the commencement of ceasefire agreement.

JIM wants to call upon the attention of people of global ranks and international standings to the fact that, the attacks were executed towards the last few days of the school holidays in Gaza, glaringly indicate that the zionist regime has treacherous motives to actually maximize their target victims amongst civilians, especially women and children who are residing within their homes. These attacks have also been seen to focus upon police stations, vicinities of which were nearby the bigger cities. This also clearly shows their intentions to hurt and kill as many civilians as possible in the exercise.

JIM urges the people of Malaysia to be wary of the western media which are controlled by the zionists, and also the statements by the leaders of the US, Israel, Egypt and powers that be of Palestine who are reeling away from discussing the real issues and hiding facts about the struggles of the people of Gaza and Palestine. These statements from them do not paint the true picture and are always one sided. JIM wants to invite Malaysians to look and learn about the basic facts and view this issue from more holistic perspectives, from factual and historical factors, basic human rights, freedom of speech, rights of women, children and the elderly or on whatever humanistic grounds that exist today. While we remember the historic 31st August as our day of independence for Malaysia; in actual fact, the date 31st August 1879 B.C. was the date of the Basel Conference in Switzerland, the date whereby the movement for the establishment of the country state for the Jews was signed. This was followed by the Balfor Declaration for the realization of this. In the year 1948, the illegal state of Israel was declared altogether by the U.S.

From that moment on, Israel became the proxy state of the U.S. supremacy. In the war of 1967 between the Arabs and Israel, the military forces of Israel have overpowered Baitul Maqdis (Jerusalem) and which has resulted in the cruel seizure of lands of Palestine from its people. The onslaught of ”Jewing” Palestine lands was officially launched.

The land of Palestine has since been incarcerated by 6 million Jews as a result of this Zionist act, while the people of Palestine has been reduced to mere refugees in a land that was rightfully their own. For 60 years, the people of Palestine have been put on stakes and then drenched in warfare. They are being subjected to numerous torture and cruelty by the ruling Israelis, denied any sympathy nor compassion in their plight.

Their elderly have been shoven away from their own home and land, their men beaten, left to die or killed brutally, their women raped and mutilated, their young blasted alive, their homes wrecked, burnt down and destroyed. The Jews have adultered Masjidil Aqsa, open firing the Islamic fighters and their leaders even when they are engaged and in the middle of their prayers and are unarmed.

The people of Palestine who dream of living their lives in freedom are caught and caged, for tens of years, confined to their small, impoverished, dark holes which they call home. They are subjected to treatment akin to animals in capture, only that animals may be more humane than the Jews (May the wrath of God be upon them!).

JIM calls upon the people of Malaysia to ponder upon these facts. At present, less than a third of the children of Palestine could get to finish their basic education while less than 9% could get through until their secondary level. 73% of the people of Palestine are unemployed. More heartrending is the fact that, the number of people of Palestine who are able to eat a meal a day is only 46%. A medical officer could only treat 1,700 patients. 3 million Palestinians became convicts in the biggest bastille in the world when they surrounded by the Israeli military forces against their will by a wall, measuring 720 km by 8-12 meters high. More than 11,000 Palestinians are being imprisoned by Israel. Some, for more than 30 years.

The numerous checkpoints put up by Israel armed forces at various locations have added salt to injury to the people of Palestine. This include Palestinian women, would-be mothers at their last trimester, who when subjected to severe trauma, to the point that they deliver their babies at the checkpoints. Reports have also been received about patients left to die in ambulances while on emergency trips to the hospitals, because of unnecessary interrogations.

The people of Palestine are in utter despair. Some are refugees at camps, without clean water supply, medical aids, food and proper sanitation. Their lives are much in distraught and their sufferings never ending. For tens of years, they have been denied of their rights to be at their homeland Palestine, which is rightfully theirs. Until today, 8,250 Palestinian houses have been destroyed and they have been driven away from their own homeland. 18,031 homes have been entirely destroyed on the Western Bank and Gaza. What kind of government, humans and civilized principle have been upheld by this so-called nation of Israel?

The reality today is, Israel has barricaded the borders of Gaza and refused to open the doors for supply of food, medical aids, fuel, clean water and any form of humane intervention. As a matter of fact, the conditions faced by the people of Palestine have forced them to resort to consuming the grass growing at the roadsides as food, in order to survive. Hence, in line with the Geneva Convention, the people of Palestine have every right to defend themselves from illegal occupation of foreign forces and supremacies.

As a matter of deep concern for the people of Gaza and on solidarity grounds, JIM calls upon the Muslim ummah to conduct special prayers on a grand scale with the main intention being to awaken the important realization amongst Muslims to gear up our efforts to assist our brethren who have suffered enough and are drowned in misery in Gaza and the land of Palestine. Muslims should earnestly feel the cry for empathy and utmost concern as this issue is associated with the Holy Land of Baitul Maqdis, on whose grounds stands the blessed Masjid Al Aqsa.

JIM will continue to step up its activities and upgrade its efforts to bring about fundings and donations via Tabung Bersamamu Palestin through relentless methods, campaigns, pleas, websites, talks and sessions at schools, offices, public venues, suraus, masjids and the like.

JIM hopes to gain the support of the whole of Malaysian society whom we believe will give generously towards this cause through this stated account: Maybank 562209608847 under the name Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia.

Moving forward, JIM urges Malaysian citizens to join hands in:

1. Conducting mass prayers (Solat Hajat) on a grand scale with the main intention to awaken the realization amongst Muslims to gear up efforts to assist our brethren who have suffered enough. What is more, the Holy Land of Batul Maqdis, on whose grounds stands the blessed Masjidi Al Aqsa, is something that is very close to our hearts as Muslims.

2.Launching and stirring up more efforts in fundings for the Palestinians through various efforts, campaigns, pleas, websites, talks and special sharing sessions at schools, offices, public venues, suraus and others.

3.Distributing leaflets and circulars in and around public places, dissipating the real and factual issues regarding Palestine.

4.Having sermons specially addressing the issues of people of Palestine and the call for their emancipation.

5.Calling upon the younger generation to equally assist us, opening their eyes about the fate and state of the Palestinians, and garnering their support through creative efforts, including sports and competitions such as footsal, Parkour demonstrations, walkathons, cyclathons and similar acitivities.

6.Voicing out our views (personal and groups) through blogs, maling-lists, alternative news media and mainstream media, international news media and newspapers, emails to the governments of the USA, the illegal nation of Israel, and the countries of the EU.

7.Capitalizing the package available in JIM on Palestinian issues whenever and wherever the need be.

8.Putting on the attire emblazoned with this issue of Palestinian, as a mark of solidarity and support for them.

9. Coming, attending and to lend support to the programme "Training of Palestinian Speakers" (TOPS) which will be held in the near future.

10. Attending mass gatherings, demonstrations, press statements events, etc. and putting on the ’Support Palestinian’ attire that may be purchased through Mr. Md. Nasir bin Tampoi, Executive Officer, JIM Central Committee Member, 014-3110628).

11. Offering oneself as a volunteer or relief aid with JIM or other NGOs to the Middle East.

Last, but not least, JIM wants to express their solemnest and most bitter sadness on the calamities and sufferings that have beseiged the people of Palestine at Gaza, at a time when the whole of the Muslim world are heralding the coming of the month of Muharram, the first month of the new year in the Muslim calendar (1430 Hijriah) and at a time when the curtains are about to fall for the year 2008, with the advent of 2009. Has this event symbolized that this new year means a never ending hardship for the people of Palestine? For these reasons, JIM urges everyone, from all strata, irrespective of race, colour, creed and kin throughout the whole of Malaysia to come forward, to speak up, and voice out, against all the atrocities and carnage that have been pummelled by the Zionist Regime, fueled with the consent given by the U.S., to be put to a stop; immediately.

Ir. Hj. Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin

Vice President (International Relations)

Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM)

02 Januari 2009 / 5 Muharam 1430H

On track....

There is something about trains. Full of nostalgia. Reminds me of moments of my childhood. Days when we get to travel as a family during the school holidays.

Back then, my father could not even afford to buy a motorbike, so public transport was the only option. The night before, I would lay in bed, trying hard to fall asleep. Then, I would be up very early, heart pumping with excitement. Happy and looking forward to the whole idea that I will be on the ferry, across from Penang to the mainland (even though we had to brave through and squeeze our way in between the crowds to get on the bus from home to the ferry terminal) then to be on the train! I can still remember vividly, the familiar mamak selling his curry puffs, wailing “Karipap! Pap! Pap!” (the sizes of which were bigger than ordinary) and carrying his rattan weaved basket all along the carriages. Yum! Yum!

Mum would also be lugging around her own extraordinarily sized rattan basket, full of things. Mum and dad had always inculcated in us the habit of being frugal in our ways. I remembered, there were 2 flasks, one containing piping hot coffee; the other, plain warm water. Plastic cups, plates, teaspoons, hard-boiled eggs, complete with a bottle of soya sauce to go with the eggs, a tiffin carrier containing rice and home cooked meals, usually of the dry kind, for fear of spilling when the journey gets a little bit too rough. Plus a lot of other knick-knacks. We would take the train down to Kuala Lumpur once a year, during the school holidays and would stay at our cousin’s place, which used to be one of the squarter houses at Kampung Kerinci, taking bath using water from the well, washing cloths, pots and utensils using rain water which was collected on a daily basis among other things. I wonder now, why it was, we did not complain and took life as it was. I wonder too whether the children of this era would be able to go through the same, without frets and frowns? While I was at boarding school in Seremban, we used the train to get home and back to school for the holidays. The sweet encounters I have shared in my book, “Seungu Lavendar” (Malay language readers, please click here and here for reviews). Those were happy days…simple days…Ah! For the simple pleasures of life…

So, one morning, while on my way to campus, I found myself at the railway crossing. Red lights blinking and the sound of the bell never-ending…A train! It was coming! So, I could not resist taking these pictures… Passengers in the train smiling, waving….Motorists, and the people waiting patiently by the crossing, grinning back too! Watching the train go by….What a sight!

Sadly too, this crossing would soon be gone forever. For, a flyover has been planned and work has started. These moments captured, would remain in my album. And….in my heart…

Trains remind me of another thing… The journey of our life. Trains always move. And to move, they need to be on a track, without which, they would be stranded or even worse, perish! Likewise, in charting our journey through life, we need to always be on a certain track, so we may not go astray…For Muslims, our track is the syariah….No compromise...No questions asked...

We must strive to always be on the correct track. May God’s guidance be there always, in our journey in life…towards our ultimate destination….Amin…

PS. Dr. Ez’s beloved wife has passed away in the evening of Eidul Adha. May Allah reward her good deeds, wash away all her wrongdoings and place her in line with those whom He loves…Amin. My condolences too to the souls who perished in the recent upheavals at Bukit Antarabangsa. Al Fatihah…