On our Anniversary: Our Greatest Assets: Inspire Others Everywhere for Allah Azza Wa Jala

17 years ago, Friday the 27th,at Majlis Islam Sarawak, Miri @about 9:30 am, witnessed by Ustaz Najib, Fauzi & Abdul Khalek, we were solemnized by Sheikhul Hussein as Husband and Wife with RM80 dowry. This is the happiest day in my life, after went through many episodes of love stories with my secret lover adorable Nana. It was quite a mixed feeling, though, casting another 'achievement' in the milestone without my beloved parents witnessing the 'lafaz nikah' with one blast. I am pretty sure, it will be very different if they were around. I remember, 6 months before the D-day, when Nana was with Bank Islam in Kuala Lumpur, I dared myself to release my intention with Nana's mom on Saturday in their house and said "...I would like to marry Nana...and, once we get married, I wanted her to resign from the Bank". Just like the legendary Hang Tuah, braving himself against the Sultan of Malacca's traitor, with his 'kris' at the frontline of the battle, then I was with my words, guts and RM 4000. Now, after 17 years had past and 17 years had been together, manuvering our journey through bumby road; beautiful scenaries; confronted with hurricane; crossed successfully various obstacles; breathing fresh memories and Alhamdullillah, praise only be upon the Al-Mighty Allah swt, for giving us 'Afi: Muhammad Afiq: Muhammad Asri: Muhammad Aiman & our only daughter Afiqah - our greatest assets. To them, this is our message:

Ready or not, someday it will come to an end. There will be no sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear. So, to your hopes, ambitions, plan and to-do list will expire
The win and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.It won’t matter where you come from, or on what side of tracks you lived, at the end.It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliantEven your gender and skin colour will be irrelevant.

So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave
What will matter is not your success, but your significance
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught
What matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered, or encouraged others to emulate your example
What will matter is not your competence, but your character
What will matter are not how many people that you knew, but how many feel a lasting loss when you’re gone
What will matter are not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for whatLiving a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

Sacrification - the Preparation for life thereafter

Eidul Adha or Hari Raya Korban or Hari Raya Haji is celebrated by all Muslims around the globe on the 10th of Dzulhijjah Hijr of the Muslim calendar or a day before Wukuf – literally means stand still – the day of resurrection of any individual Muslim performing Hajj in the Holy land of Arafah; the starting point of the Hajj and the climax of Muslims’ life in this temporary world. During these 3 days of Tashrik, Muslims were encouraged to make sacrifice as what had been asked to Prophet Ibrahim as by Allah swt more than 2000 years ago. This story was recorded in the Al-Quran for us to read, ponder and to most extend, practice.

We celebrated this year Eidul Adha at Rumah Sarawak, El-Haiyu El Ashar, Cairo with all the Sarawakian and other ElAzhar students. Alhamdullillah, we sacrificed two Egyptian Khibashs; Rumah Sarawak’s neighbor received 2 camels from the Sultan of Pahang and Rumah Kedah was the grand with 3 local cows and 4 Egyptian Khibashs. Sincere efforts and team spirit rendered and demonstrated by all the students and the officials had made all the sacrifices smooth and successful. By 12:30 pm we had our lunch of Kedah cuisine prepared mainly by the Rumah Kedah team.

To cut the long story short, the lessons that we learnt from the Eidul Adha are, there is no short cut in life. We have to work hard to achieve our dream - to make it come through for Allah swt.

The Journey of The Lifetime

The Hajj - a pilgrimage to Makkah – the journey of the lifetime, is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, an obligation that must be fullfilled at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who is financially strong, healthy and safe. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. In summary, the Hajj is associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from the 7th century, but the ritual of pilgrimage to Makkah is considered by Muslims to stretch back thousands of years to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim alaihisalam (as) . Pilgrims join processions of hundreds of thousands of people, who simultaneously converge on Makkah for the week of the Hajj, and perform a series of rituals. Tawaf, each person walks counter-clockwise seven times around the Kaabah; kisses the Hajr el- Aswad in the corner of the Kaabah. Subsequently, they perform Sa’i, which is runs back and forth between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah; drinks from the Zamzam Well; goes to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil. They layer move to Mina via Mudzalifah and throws stones in a ritual stoning of the Devil at the three jamraats. The pilgrims then shave their heads, perform a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate the three-day global festival of Eid al-Adha.

The above steps were demonstrated by the last but greatest Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in 632AD. He led his followers from Madinah to Makkah, which was the first Hajj performed by Muslims alone, and the only Hajj ever performed by Rasullullah Sallallahu alahai hi Wassalam. He cleansed the Kaabah, removed all of the idols, and re-ordained the building as the house of the almighty Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (swt). It was from this point that the Hajj became one of the Five Pillars of Islam. On the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims leave for Wukuf at Arafat, where they stand in contemplative vigil, near a hill from which Prophet Muhammad saw gave his last sermon Khutbah Wida’. The Wukuf is the highlight or the climax of the lifetime journey - Hajj. Pilgrims must spend the afternoon within a defined area on the plain of Arafat until after sunset. Otherwise, their pilgrimage is invalid. No specific rituals or prayers are required during the stay at Arafat, although many pilgrims spend time praying, and thinking about the course of their lives. As soon as the sunsets, the pilgrims leave Arafat for Muzdalifah, an area between Arafat and Mina, where they gather pebbles for the next day's ritual of the stoning of the Devil (Shaitan). Many pilgrims spend the night sleeping on the ground or back in their tents at Muzdalifah before returning to Mina. It is now the 10th of the month, the day of Eid ul-Adha.
At Mina the pilgrims perform Ramy al-Jamarat, throwing stones to signify their defiance of the Devil. This symbolizes the trials experienced by Prophet Ibraham a.s. while he decided whether to sacrifice his son as demanded by Allah. The Devil challenged him three times, which he refused. Each pillar marks the location of one of these refusals. On the first occasion when Ramy al-Jamarat is performed, pilgrims stone the largest pillar known as Jamrat'al-Aqabah.On the second occasion, the other pillars Jamraat Ula and Jamraat Wusta are stoned..The stoning consists of throwing seven pebbles

On the afternoon of the 11th and again the following day the pilgrims must again throw seven pebbles at each of the three Jamarat in Mina. Pilgrims must spent at least 6 hours at Mina for at least two days. They could leave Mina for Makkah before sunset on the 12th. However, it is better for them to stay on and perform the stoning ritual on the 13th before returning to Makkah.

After the Stoning of the Devil; the pilgrims shave their hair (for men) or at least three pieces of hairs; perform animal sacrifices to symbolize the almighty Allah swt having mercy on Prophet Ibraham a.s. and replacing his son with a ram, which Prophet Ibraham a.s. then sacrificed. Traditionally the pilgrims slaughtered the animal themselves, or oversaw the slaughtering.

Subsequently, the pilgrims travel back to Makkah, which is just five kilometers away, re-visit the Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, which symbolises being in a hurry to respond to the almighty Allah swt and show love for Him, an obligatory part of the Hajj. However, they could perform the Tawaf al-Ifadah after the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah. The night of the 10th is spent back at Mina. Finally, before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform a farewell Tawaf called the Tawaf al-Wada. They are encourage to make supplication before the almighty Allah swt at Multazam, expecially on another opportunities to return back to the holiest place on earth - the Masjid el-Haram.

11th December - A Pit Stop of My Journey

Beginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday: It is in the past and the past never change: Only I can change by choosing to do so: Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow: Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the best of it: But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today: Beginning today I will see in the mirror and I will see the person worthy of my respect and admiration. This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending with and someone I would like to get to know better: Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life: I value the gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with others:Beginning today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysterious that I encounter. I will face challenges with courage and determination. I will overcome what barriers there maybe which hinder my quest for growth and self-improvement.

Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at time: Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self image, my desire to succeed or my capacity to love: Beginning today I walk with renewed faith in human kindness: Regardless of what has gone before. I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future: Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart. I will welcome new experiences: I will meet new people. I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: Perfection does not exist in an imperfect world. But I will applaud the attempt to human foibles: Beginning today I will learn something new: I will try something different: I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer: I will change what I can and the rest I will let go: I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be. Alhamdullillah, without you the AL-Mighty Allah Rabbul Jalil, who am I today. Thanks for Your Blessing and Everythings.

Lat Collection

Datuk Mohamed Nor Khalid a.k.a Lat was born in a village called Kota Baharu in Perak, not to be confused with Kota Bharu the capital of Kelantan. He had a wonderful talent for drawing as a child and drew excellent comics. At the age of 9, his gifted talent began to yield his family income. His first real book was Tiga Sekawan, a story about three friends who banded together to catch robbers. The book was published in his sixth year at Jalan Pasir Puteh Primary School in Ipoh. His publisher paid him 25 Ringgit for his service. By 1968, Lat was earning 100 Ringgit a month from his work.
He later moved to Kuala Lumpur to become a cartoonist. Lat later joined the New Straits Times as a crime reporter but later on became a cartoonist. His first book Kampung Boy, an autobiography of his life was published in 1979 and sold thousands of copies within three months. Kampung Boy was published in France by a French publisher. An American edition of Kampung Boy was published by First Second Books in August 2006. This was the first of his books to be published in the United States. His second American release, Town Boy, is scheduled for release in October 2007. His cartoons reflect his view about Malaysian life and the world.
The main theme of Lat's oeuvre is life in multi-racial Malaysia, ranging from deeply personal memories ("Kampung Boy"), political satire (often lampooning the heated debates between the two major political parties, UMNO and PAS, as well as taking a satirical swipe at every major government policy as they are announced, living life abroad from the Malaysian point of view and the ever-changing relationships between the different ethnic groups. He often mixes his social commentaries with humorous passages and slapstick.

Paint

Paint is the essential guide to the most popular painting mediums; watercolor, acrylic, oil, colored pencil and pastel. Edited by Amy Jeynes, Paint is fifteen step-by-step demonstrations that you work along with top artists from blank paper or canvas to finished painting. It is full of quality photos and illustrations as guidance for you to move from the basic skills to the master essential intermediate skills. It is for intermediate artists looking challenge themselves with new mediums.
I bought Paint from Kinokuniya, KLCC, KL for ‘Afi and all. Art is one of 'Afi favourites apart from his innovative & creative talent in computering, skatebording, etc.

Naguib Mahfouzs' Collections

These are Nana's collection. She is really obsessed with the late Naguib Mahfouz, novelist and great Egyptian writer. She had finished the Harafish and planned to buy the 2005 collection called The Seventh Heaven. Born into a lower middle-class Muslim family in the Gamaleyya quarter of Cairo on 11 December 1911, Naguib Mahfouz was named after Professor Naguib Pasha Mahfouz , the renowned Coptic physician who delivered him. He was an Egyptian novelist who won the 1988 Nobel Prize for Literature and regarded as one of the first contemporary writers of Arabic literature, along with Tawfiq el-Hakim, to explore themes of existentialism. Mahfouz was the seventh and the youngest child in a family that had five boys and two girls. The family lived in two popular districts of the town, in el-Gamaleyya, from where they moved in 1924 to el-Abbaseyya, then a new Cairo suburb; both provided the backdrop for many of Mahfouz's writings. His father, whom Mahfouz described as having been "old-fashioned", was a civil servant, and Mahfouz eventually followed in his footsteps. In his childhood Mahfouz read extensively. His mother often took him to museums and Egyptian history later became a major theme in many of his books.The Mahfouz family were devout Muslims and Mahfouz had a strictly Islamic upbringing. In a future interview, he painfully elaborated on the stern religious climate at home during his childhood years. He stated that "You would never have thought that an artist would emerge from that family".

Before he departed this transitory world, in July 2006, Mahfouz sustained head injury as a result of a fall. He remained ill until his death on August 30, 2006 in a Cairo hospital.
In his old age Mahfouz became nearly blind, and though he continued to write, he had difficulties in holding a pen or a pencil. He also had to abandon his daily habit of meeting his friends at coffeehouses. Prior to his death, he suffered from a bleeding ulcer, kidney problems, and cardiac failure.
Mahfouz was accorded a state funeral with full military honors on August 31, 2006 in Cairo. His funeral took place in the el-Rashdan Mosque in Nasr City on the outskirts of Cairo.
Mahfouz once dreamed that all the social classes of Egypt, including the very poor, would join his funeral procession. However, attendance was tightly restricted by the Egyptian government amid protest by mourners.

Open House Eidul Fitri 2007

"Di Situ Bumi Di Pijak Di Situlah Langit di Junjung" itulah ungkapan yang kami sentiasa pegang dimana kami berada. Eidul Fitri 2007, alhamdullillah, kami sekeluarga sempat membuat 'rumah terbuka' untuk pelajar-pelajar Malaysia yang belajar dalam jurusan kedoktoran di Universiti Perubatan Iskandariah atau "Alexandria Medical University". Aton, Zainal, Ifa, Zul, Zana, Muaz, Din, Amirah, Saadah, Pie menjadi tetamu istimewa kami. Kehadiran mereka pastinya menjadi penghibur, mengubat rindu kami pada keluarga yang jauh dimata, tapi dekat di hati. Inilah dikatakan pengorbanan! Pengorbanan dari segi saikologi apabila tidak dapat bersama saudara-mara, rakan taulan dan keluarga tercinta. Hakikatnya, kita tidak akan mampu atau memiliki segala-galanya. Allah swt hanya menyediakan 1% nikmat untuk kita menjalankan kehidupan kita yang fana ini. 99% lagi akan kita nikmati di akhirat yang kekal abadi. Atas maksud itulah, kita perlu membuat persediaan yang rapi dengan bekerja keras melaksanakan tanggungjawab kita sebagai umat Nabi Muhammad saw dan hamba kepada Allah Azza Wa Jala. Samada kita bergelar pelajar, tukang masak, pegawai, jurutera, akauntan, pilot, doktor, penyapu sampah, pegawai kerajaan dan sebagainya, kita wajib menjalankan tugasan kita dengan sebaik yang mungkin dengan jujur dan amanah. Ini juga merupakan ibadah selain daripada melaksanakan ibadah-ibadah khusus seperti solat, puasa dan lain-lain kerana Allah swt.

Selain daripada dia orang, ada beberapa pelajar Malaysia yang belajar di universiti Islam yang tertua di dunia, Universiti Al Azhar, Mesir, kami jemput untuk menyerikan suasana Eid 2007. Merekalah adik, merekalah saudara, merekalah kawan, merekalah keluarga di bumi para anbiya' ini.

VVIP Visit to Building 46 Kafr Abdou

We were very grateful and touched by the VVIP visit – YB Dato’ Wan Abdul Wahab B Wan Sanusi, state assemblymen of Sadong Jaya, Samarahan , Sarawak and his entourage from the State Government of Sarawak to our humble apartment at Kafr Abdou. They were escorted by the Senior Sarawakian El-Azhar students Aminuddin; Adi and Idris. We shared some concerns and opinions about the Muslim community in Sarawak and their subscription to the Islamic principles and practices. Concerted efforts need to be exerted to enhance and promote the Islamic principles to the community.
Islam came to Sarawak in the late 50s’, however, the real sense of the understanding and better subscription of the true religion was only observed in the late 80s’. There were few Sheikh or religious teacher tried to spread the Islamic knowledge to the Muslims which was about 20% of the whole 1 million Sarawak populations in the early 70s’. But, the activity was confined to certain cluster due to skepticism; custom and communication. It was later in the late 70s’ where the Chief Minister then, Tun Abdul Rahman formed the first religious association named Angkatan Nahdatul Islam Bersatu abbreviated as BINA. The main objective was to promote the Islamic values to Muslim teenagers through various programs like martial art, visits, etc. Later, other Islamic association like ABIM came to Sarawak with the same intent.The entourage spent about 4 hours with us coincidently during the month of Ramadhan. Thank you Dato's.

Iftar at the King Farouk Palace, Montazah

Amidst the conditioned weather by the Mediterranean breeze, under the open crystal clear sky brighten up by the glittering stars and witnessed by the nostalgic Palace of the last king of Egypt – King Farouk, alhamdullillah, we had our iftar served by the friendly crew of Helnan Montazah with the local but exclusive Egyptian cuisine.
Iftar or breaking fast is one of the most awaited moments during Ramadhan especially for those who are fasting and it is said to be a gift given by Allah swt. It is advisable and sunnah (action verbally or physical or mentally following the one by the khatamal Nabiin Rasullullah saw) to start the iftar with dates – balaah or rotab or tamar and/or something sweet.

In Malaysia, we perform our Maghrib prayer together, than we continue with slightly heavy dinner. However, here in ELNG, the Iftar was a little bit elaborated with children games, cultural performances, clowns show and lucky draws. Honestly, sad to mention, the true spirit of Iftar which is considered an Ibadah and the holy month of Ramadhan in general had been diluted and smeared by these kinds of program.

This was our 2nd Ramadhan in Egypt - the land of the Anbiya'. Alhamdullillah, we, all seven of us managed to overcome this so called big examination of all Muslims with less hustles. We hope and prayed may Allah Rabbul Alamin accept our humble deeds and give us His Blessings.

In Our Opinion : The Road To Lailatul Qadar

Kita kebiasaannya bercakap, bercerita dan mendengar cerita tentang ‘lailatul Qadar’ atau malam el Qadar pada bulan Ramadhan, malah pertengahan Ramadhan. Pada ruangan ini saya bukannya nak bercerita pasal apa dia malam el Qadar. Lagipun, saya sendiri tidak mempunyai ilmu yang mendalam dan tidak ada ‘tauliah’ untuk memperjelaskan Agama Islam yang murni ini dengan lebih terperinci. Tidak ada ‘tauliah’ – satu persoalan untuk kita fikir-fikirkan? Adakah kita perlu ‘tauliah’ untuk bercakap mengenai keindahan agama Islam yang kita anuti? Rasullullah saw pernah bersabda semasa baginda wukuf di Arafah ketika menunaikan Hajjatul Wida’: “ sampaikanlah walau pun sepotong ayat”. Pada pandangan saya, ini adalah ‘tauliah’ malah amanah atau sunnah yang perlu kita pikul dan amalkan.
Anda semua sudah sedia maklum tentang kelebihan dan kemuliaan malam AlQadar ini. Apa yang hendak saya kupaskan ialah bagaimana sikap dan perhatian kita terhadap malam yang lebih baik dari sebulan tersebut. Bagi saya, malam tersebut merupakan bonus yang dihadiahkan oleh Allah Rabbul Jalil kepada sesiapa yang layak.
Adakah kita termasuk dari golongan orang-orang yang layak? Kalau tidak, kenapa? Tidakkah kita mempunyai cita2 atau niat untuk menikmati malam tersebut? Kalau Ya, sudah kah kita mempersiapkan diri kita atau membuat persedian yang lengkap ikhlas semata-mata kerana Allah Azza Wajala?

Sebutir intan yang bermutu tinggi dan mempunyai nilai yang tidak terhingga akan dikawal ketat dan disimpan didalam bekas yang kukuh jauh daripada pengetahuan manusia lain, tidak akan diperolehi dengan tidak berusaha bersungguh-sungguh dari semua aspek, iaitu fizikal, mental dan spiritual. Begitu juga dengan kereta mewah, villa, pangkat-darjat, makanan, baju-seluar dan lain-lain. Semua kebendaan di dunia yang fana tidak akan datang melutut dan dengan sekelip mata tanpa usaha yang gigih, konsisten dan komitmen yang tinggi. Malah, sesuap nasi, tidak akan diperolehi tanpa usaha petani, penjual dan tukang masak!
Dari segi sukan misalannya, iaitu sukan yang bertaraf antarabangsa seperti Olimpik diadakan 4 tahun sekali dengan tujuan untuk memberi peluang kepada setiap perserta membuat persediaan rapi untuk layak ke peringkat akhir. Bayangkan, seorang pelari pecut 100 meter terpaksa bekerja keras untuk membina mental, fizikal dan sikap selama 4 tahun hanya untuk berlari selama 10 saat bagi mencapai sebutir pingat emas yang hanya bernilai RM 1000?
Kita sedia maklum, Syed Mokhtar Al Bukhari seorang peniaga yang berjaya terpaksa mengharungi hidup yang sukar, menjaga kambing lembu, dll, sebelum digelar Billionaire.
Sahabat-sahabat Nabi Muhammad saw, hidup dalam kesengseraan dari semua sudut, berkorban pagi petang dengan harta, maruah dan masa sebelum mendapat gelaran Radiuallah Hu ‘An – iaitu Allah redha dengan mereka.Junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad saw, habibullah – kekasih Allah swt – hidup dengan penuh derita; di baling dengan batu dan najis; berlapar; dihina dan diboikot; dihalau dan jelik semata-mata untuk membawa manusia kerah kebenaran dan mencapai tahap keimanan yang tinggi sebagai bekalan di hari Akhirat.

Malam Al-Qadar perlu di cari semasa 10 terakhir Ramadhan. Untuk itu, kita perlu mempunyai fizikal, mental dan spiritual yang tinggi semata-mata kerana Allah swt. Dan, semua ini perlu di usahakan paling kurang setahun sebelum Ramadhan atau sebelum 10 malam terakhir Ramadhan.
Secara ringkasnya, untuk melayakkan diri kita dalam senarai Muslimin yang dianugerahkan ‘bonus’ malam Al Qadar, kita perlu memiliki Iman yang hakiki iaitu dengan kerja-kerja agama, memperbanyakkan ibadah-ibadah khusus secara istiqamah, berkasih-sayang sesama Muslim yang lain dan berdoa serta mengharap hanya kepada Allah Rabbul Jalil. Kejayaan hakiki umat Islam bergantung sejauh mana kita taat kepada perintah Allah swt secara bagind Rasullullah saw, iaitu Iman yang tinggi.
Kita juga perlu memperdalamkan Ilmu agama kita dengan ikhlas dan istiqamah. Orang yang berilmu jauh lebih tinggi dari orang yang beramal tanpa ilmu yang hakiki.
Selain daripada itu, kita perlu menjaga sunnah-sunnah Rasullullah saw dalam kehidupan seharian dimana juga kita berada. Untuk stamina berjaga malam sambil beribadah, kita juga digalakkan menjaga fizikal – kesihatan kita dengan beriadah dan menjaga makanan sebagai sumber tenaga. Allah Hu 'Alam

Karim Raslans' Hits

I like Karim Raslan, Cambridge-educated lawyer and a founding partner of Raslan Loong - one of Malaysia's leading corporate law firms. Nana bought these two books in 2007 at MPH, KLCC; Confessions of an Old Boys and Malaysia Dalam Peralihan,Ceritalah 1 - Malaysia in Transition. Coming back to Karim Raslan, he is one of Asia's leading commentator and an established writer and columnist with major international newspapers for Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, London, Australia. He also contributes commentaries on the Asia Pacific and Islam to magazines and television stations such as CNN, CBNC etc. A Fulbright scholar at Columbia University from November 2001 to February 2002, Karim has been working on a project entitled: Freedom of Expression in Islamic Societies.

Malaysia In Transition (MIT) : Karim Raslan explores the psyche of a changing nation as it hurtles its way through history and economics. Criss-crossing the country, he asks the vital questions that need to be asked and points the way to the many inconsistencies that still exist in present-day Malaysia. Always personal, always thoughtful, MIT is a measured, insightful guide to an Asian dragon now redefining its role as the fulcrum of Asia.

Confessions of an Old Boys (COOB): Dato’ Hamid is an MCKK (Malay College Kuala Kangsar) Old Boy and a civil servant (of course) who believes that working with the civil service is a privilege. Born and bred in the days of the British Empire, this Anglophile Malay man is captured at his humorous worst by Karim Raslan. Here he 'spills the beans' on his adventures dating back to the 1940s, from Kuala Lumpur to Monte Carlo, Los Angeles to Algiers, London to Temerloh Rest House and much more. Along the way Dato' Hamid tussles with a beautiful seductress-cum-diamond thief; is corrupted by a ruthlessly ambitious banker; and helps solve the murder of a billionaire businessman. In addition, all the time he wishes he were back at home tending his orchids and nursing his favourite cognac.
Shameless, exciting and funny, Dato' Hamid's life and adventures chart the financial, political and amorous relationships that have made Malaysia what it is today.

10.8.2007 minus 10.8.1999

Four years after Muhammad Asri departed his beloved and faithful mom’s womb to this temporary world, Muhammad Aiman joined the club on the 10th of August 1999. His presence brightened us with new light and sound. He was a smart adorable little baby who had brought us another joy and fun to our life.
Born with a soft character but gradually switched to an active extrovert kid when he reached 6. This little switch though has turned him to a supportive and participative person with any stage activities. Well, in other words, stage fright is not in his vocabulary. I remember during our stint in Terengganu, he was unanimously nominated the chief of his Lot 144 clan. With his small size bike, which was not proportionate to his bouncer-like figure, we will lead his clan around the neighborhood playing football and end up with few scoops of locally made ice-cream and fish ‘satay’.
Albeit his big size category, he has won many medals, prizes, gifts, lucky draws, certificates, etc.: During PETRONAS Ammonia Family day at Genting, he won the Best Dress award; won many lucky draws; achieved a Second Runner up during the Terengganu Gemilang Tae Kwon Do competition; a medal in Mathematic Challenge at BSA and many others. Believe me, he took cooking as part of his ECA in his school – British School of Alexandria http://www.bsalex.net/ and bet you guys, at his age, relatively speaking, he cooks well and passionate with it.

Back to the Nostalgic Miri

Miri a rich oil town – where it all begins – about 200 years ago when oil was found on-shore uphill of a place called Canada Hill. Since then, the Grand Old Lady was the first oil drilling derrick mobilized by the Anglo Saxon company to siphon up oil from the land of where I was grown up after both my parents passed away in 1976.

Miri was an unknown fishing village of a few families trading occasionally with passing ships.
The discovery of oil in 1910 on Canada Hill has significantly placed Miri in the world map. With the successful drilling of well Miri-1 in December 1910, the growth of the oil industry has transformed Miri from a small fishing village at the turn of the 20th century into a modern and prosperous town in the 21st Century. Since 1910, this Grand Old Lady located 150 meters above sea level, had witnessed various historic and physical development which had taken place in this oil-rich town of Miri, which now is not only known for the "black gold" but also its attractive tourism industry. It is believed that this well, started its first production on the 22nd December 1910 and continued pumping out the precious commodity for 62 years producing 658,650 barrels of oil. The "Grand Old Lady" was producing a mere seven barrels of oil a day before it ceased it service on the 31st of Ocotber 1972Due to its sentimental value to the residents of Miri, the Sarawak state government on July 10, 1985, restored the Grand Old Lady and accorded her status as one of the state's important historical monuments.

Like the Old Grand Lady, Miri has significantly influenced many aspects of me. It was back in December 1976, when my brother and I were flown by our adopted step sister to her humble small bungalow in a small town called Lutong from Kuching 7 days after my beloved mother departed this temporary world to continue her journey ahead of us. The night before her departure, 7.12.1976, she complaint deep paint on her chest and she was sent by my auntie Mariam to Kuching General hospital about 2 hours after that. She was hospitalized and was placed under Intensive Care Unit (ICU). I was mere small 11 years old innocent boy who knows nothing about what life was. I was a little bit worried though. Our neighbors rendered their hands to comfort us with our daily routine. After breakfast the next morning, one of my cousin rushed exhaustively conveyed us depressing news. The bright morning turned hazy, full of anxiety and chaotic. About an hour after that, my favorite auntie Mariam fetched us to the General Hospital. Travelling by car was a very lucrative thing for me then, but despite that, my mind was only with my beloved mother. When we arrived at the hospital, we were brought to the ICU and one of the nurses comforted me and said the doctor still trying their best to help recovering my mom. Then, hour after that, sitting nervously with my loose cloth, humble slipper and uncombed hair, thunder news came to us that my mom could not be recovered and pronounced death 3 minutes ago. She had passed away! Just like a sailor lost his boat in the middle of nowhere, the news shredded tears from my eyes and never stopped until the next day. Mom we missed you so much.

3 years after my father left us, and now, someone whom we relied on all aspects; who gave us love and care; who sacrificed her life to feed us day and night – I remember she will stay late at night preparing few local delicacies to be marketed by my brother early in the morning before he go to school. Apart from the small profit that she earned from that little effort, we relied on the monthly rental to survive the tough battle; she who gave us joy and strength – still clear in front of my eyes and fresh in my memories, she tutored my arithmetic homework with passion; she who will be there when we cried and scared. In the next episode of my journey, it was just like someone who were alone in the middle of nowhere floating tirelessly the big ocean, under the dark sky, threatened by stormy weather and suddenly a group of people came with their humble boat rescued you, from the cold of the ocean, from the jaws of fierce sharks and scary darkness, to continue your life. Nobody will disagree with me that, you will be so thankful with them and will forever ever and after remember their efforts and cherish their kindness in your life. Thus, Miri is so special for me. And, that is one of the reason, we always spent our vacation in Miri.

Nostalgic Miri: Thanksgiving

Celebrating Muhammad Asri and Muhammad Aiman Birthday at Udak Aerolz's house. Thanks to Sis Hjh Rahmah, Sis Hjh Hamiah, Bro Abu Bakar aka Chote and surely Aerol & family.

Can Or Not?

Reggie Lee is one of favourite cartoonists simply because its artwork and the cynical messages he tried to convey to the multi-racial population of Malaysia. I bought this Can Or Not edition from MPH KLCC, when we spent our vacation in Kuala Lumpur.

Nabi Daniel Mosque : Reminding Us Nabi Daniel & Luqman el-Hakim

Nabi Daniel is not really popular among the Muslims globally. However, there is one street within the Moharem Bek district in Alexandria, named after his name and popular with the second hand books & magazines of all aspects. Towards the south of this street, close to the intersection of the ancient Via Canopica and the R5 Street, one will find a mosque called Nabi Daniel Mosque or Masjid el-Nabi el-Danyal.

The present Mosque of Nabi Daniel was built at the end of the 18th century and restored in 1823 by Mohammed Ali. A smaller shrine, probably the mosque of Dzoul Karnein - the Sire with the two horns - preexisted on the site. Here in this Mosque, it is said to contain the remains of the scholar and venerated teacher Prophet Daniel and his companion Sidi Lokman el Hakim, a religious story-teller.
The Arab legend of the Prophet Daniel appeared during the 9th century and was told by two astronomers: Mohamed Ibn Kathir el Farghani and Abou Ma'shar . It is mentioned that "a young Jew, Daniel, was persecuted and chased from Syria by the idolaters whom he had tried to convert. An old man appeared in a dream urging him to go to war against the infidels and promising victory over all of Asia. Nabi Daniel acquired numerous followers in Egypt, where he had sought refuge, and built Alexandria. Obeying what the old man had ordered him in his dream, he made war against the infidels. After a successful expedition, he returned to Alexandria and died of old age. His body was placed in a golden sarcophagus inlaid with precious stones, but the Jews stole it to mint coins and replaced it with a stone sarcophagus".

Photo: The main entrance of Nabi Daniel Mosque, on the left is the ablution area

A Russian monk, Vassili Grigorovich Barskij , visited Alexandria in 1727 and 1730 and made a plan of the city. Near the Kom el Dick mound he drew a small Mohammedan shrine, among ruins, which could well be the predecessor of the Nabi Daniel Mosque. We cannot refer to his written description of the city, as Barskij's work is only partially translated and only fragments have been studied.
The Danish Captain Norden visited the town in 1737, but tried in vain to find the tomb of Alexander. Similarly, James Bruce 30 years later in 1768 looked for the tomb of the Great Macedonian, "asking the Arabs, the Jews, the Greeks and others, but none were able to show him the location". However, at the end of the 18th century, Sestrini was shown the sarcophagus in the Attarine mosque as having been Alexander's tomb.

Photo: view from inside - the entrance of the mosque

In 1803, a Russian prelate from Kiev, the archimandrite Konstantios, tried without success to locate Alexander's Mausoleum, noting that he… "looked in vain for… the tomb of Alexander the Great, the tomb of the man whose life's course was above the faith of common mortals...;" he continues, saying that "until the 15th century the location was known but now even the tradition of this tomb has been lost...", adding that "beyond any doubt the remains survived under the great masses of the city's ruins". It is interesting to note that, strangely enough Konstantios, in his writing, and Barskij in his plan do not mention either of the Mosques. Were they have shown one of the Mosques as being the location of Alexander's tomb, and was it because of bigotry or because of their superior knowledge of history that they do not even mention these humble Mohammedan shrines as possible remains of the famous Mausoleum?

Photo: view of the mihrab. The carpet is being replaced.

A new impulse was given to the legend of the tomb of Alexander the Great in the middle of the 19th century. In 1850 a certain Scilitzis of the known Greek family in Alexandria, dragoman-interpreter to the Russian consulate of the town, produced a fantastic story.
It happened that, while guiding some European travelers entrusted to his care, he entered the crypt of the Nabi Daniel Mosque. He "descended into a narrow and dark subterranean passage and came to a wooden worm-eaten door. Looking through the cracks of the planks he saw a body with the head slightly rose lying in a crystal coffin. On the head, there was a golden diadem. Around were scattered papyri, scrolls and books. He tried to remain longer in the vault but he was pulled away by one of the monks of the Mosque, and notwithstanding his repeated attempts to return, he was forbidden the area of the crypt. Scilitzis apparently made a written report to the Russian Consul and to the Greek Patriarch of Alexandria.
It is obvious that Scilitzis had read Dion Cassius and may have had access to the subterranean passage under the Mosque, but he is not telling the truth. How can we believe that in the humid climate of Alexandria, papyri and books could have survived for over two millennia?

Photo: The door to the crypts or the tombs which is about 10 meters right infront of the main entrance.

Unlike Ambroise Scilitzis's story, which may be described as an enormous hoax, we cannot dismiss as such the written report of Mahmoud Bey el Falaki. This learned Egyptian astronomer and engineer visited the crypts under the Nabi Daniel Mosque some ten years after Scilitzis while trying to carry our the difficult task of drawing a map of the ancient town as ordered in 1865 by the Khedive Ismail. In Mahmoud Bey's report, he says that: "During my visit to the vaults under that building I entered a large room with an arched roof built on the ground level of the town. From this paved room inclined corridors started out in four different directions. Because of their length and their bad state I could not survey them entirely. The rich quality of the stones used in the construction and numerous other indications confirmed my belief that these subterranean passages must have led to the tomb of Alexander the Great. I therefore, contemplated returning and resuming my investigations, but unfortunately this was forbidden to me by a superior order and all the entrance ways were walled up".

Photo: the staircase that will bring you down to the crypts area.

El Falaki was not an archaeologist, so we can be skeptical about his conclusions, but one would not question his sincerity and he must be considered as a reliable witness.
His description raises some questions: Who decided and why, to force El Falaki to suspend his survey of the subterranean passages? Falaki was working for a project sponsored by the reigning Khedive. Why did he not appeal to his powerful patron? Why did he drop his investigation?

Photo: the top view of the Nabi Daniel crypt.

But, before the end of the 19th century, the story must be taken with reservation though, there was allegation of a discovery made in 1879 by a chief mason and the Sheikh of the Nabi Daniel Mosque. The story was that while doing masonry work in the basement, they were supposedly to enter the vault and reach an inclined subterranean passage. They both walked for some distance and could discern some monuments made of granite ending with an angular summit. The mason wanted to proceed further but the Sheikh ordered him to return. The entrance was walled up and the mason was asked not to reveal that incident. About 6 meters down, finished with marble and granite, one could find at least two other chambers on the north and on the east side of the so called Nabi Daniel's crypt. Sidi Luqman el-Hakeem's crypt is on the right side of the Nabi Daniel's crypt attached to the marbled wall. Allah hu Alam

Imam Shafi-ee Masjid

Muhammad ibn Idris ibn al-`Abbas, al-Imam al-Shafi`i, Abu `Abd Allah al-Shafi`i al-Hijazi al-Qurashi al-Hashimi al-Muttalibi ,the offspring of the House of the Prophet, the peerless one of the great mujtahid imams and jurisprudent par excellence, the scrupulously pious ascetic and Friend of Allah, he laid down the foundations of fiqh in his Risala, which he said he revised and re-read four hundred times, then said: "Only Allah’s Book is perfect and free from error."

He is the cousin of the Prophet - Allah’s blessings and peace upon him - descending from al-Muttalib who is the brother of Hashim, `Abd al-Muttalib’s father. Someone praised the Banu Hashim in front of the Prophet, whereby he interlaced the fingers of his two hands and said: "We and they are but one and the same thing." Al-Nawawi listed three peculiar merits of al-Shafi`i: his sharing the Prophet’s lineage at the level of their common ancestor `Abd Manaf; his birth in the Holy Land of Palestine and upbringing in Mecca; and his education at the hands of superlative scholars together with his own superlative intelligence and knowledge of the Arabic language.

He was born in Ghazza or `Asqalan in 150, the year of Abu Hanifa’s death, and moved to Mecca at the age of two, following his father’s death, where he grew up. He was early a skillful archer, and then he took to learning language and poetry until he gave himself to fiqh, beginning with hadith. He memorized the Qur’an at age seven, then Malik’s Muwatta’ at age ten, at which time his teacher would deputize him to teach in his absence. At age thirteen he went to see Malik, who was impressed by his memory and intelligence.

At the age of twenty, he went to Madina and remained there as a student of Imam Malik till the later’s death in 796. He also came into contact with other learned men from whom he acquired knowledge of the Holy Qur’an and the Traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. Imam Shafi-ee possessed a very sharp memory and knew the whole of Imam Malik's Muwatta by heart. In 804 he visited Syria and from there proceeded to Egypt where he settled down. As a pupil of Imam Malik he was received with great honor and respect by the Egyptians.

In 810 he went to Baghdad and there he was surrounded by a large number of students who were eager to acquire knowledge of the faith and practice of Islam from him. The Shafi-ee school of law emerged from these students who practiced and propagated the views and rulings of Imam Shafi-ee through their writings and preaching.

Imam Shafi-ee wrote several books, the most well-known of which is called Kitab-al-Umm, which is a collection of writings and lectures of the Imam. A number of his students have also collected his writings, lectures and rulings in the form of books, or quoted him in their books. Baghdad in Iraq and Cairo in Egypt were the chief centers of Imam Shafiee's activities. It is from these two cities that teachings of the Shafi-ee school spread in the 9th century of the Christian era.
During the time of Sultan Salahuddeen (Saladin), the Shafi-ee doctrine was the most prominent in Egypt, and to this day the Imam of the Al-Azhar Masjid is always a Shafi-ee and the Shafi-ee Madhhab is industriously studied along with that of the other three schools of the Sunnis.
During his life Imam Shafi-ee also suffered from political intrigues. For instance, after studying under Imam Malik in Madina he was sent to fill an office in Yemen, where he was accused of political involvement which resulted in his arrest. He was taken as prisoner to Harun al-Rasheed. The Khalifa however found him innocent and the Imam was honorably released.
Imam Shafi-ee died in the year 820 in Egypt. The above photos were taken inside the Imam Shafi'ee mosque in Fustat, Cairo where the tomb of the famous Imam Shafi-ee placed. Let us pray to Allah swt that His blessings will always be with him. Aameen.

15.7.2007 minus 15.7.1995

Born in 15th of July 1995, sandwiched between his eldest brothers and younger brother Muhammad Aiman & sister Afiqah, this genius, cute and extrovert little baby is the third member of our family. Jovial, talented and has entertaining feature, has made him -Muhammad Asri the center of attraction amongst his friends, relatives and Yayasan Yusuf clan.
He was born in Miri, grown up in Bintulu for 5.5 years and spent another 6 years in Terengganu before he moved to Egypt.
In sync with his name - Asri – literally means ‘with regards to time’, is very committed with his assignments; punctual; active in extra curricular activities like futsal, football, marathon, Tae Kwon Do, Athletics; Badminton, Ping Pong, Chess and mind you, he is potential orator. Perhaps a future Yayasan Yusuf’s lawyer!
He has won several medals, trophies, prizes and certificates during various competitions that he attended in schools as well as others. Recently he won Champion title during the 16 KM Montaza – Quatbay marathon organized by Rotary Club Alexandria chapter. Really, these achievements contradict his skinny feature!! Keep it up, son.
Like his brothers, he had went through a strenuous bumpy road; suffocated by the unhealthy climate and confronted with thorny obstacles. Again, I must mention this was due to my poor navigation skill in which alhamdullillah, the water is clam, the wind blow softly over the beautiful garden of one of the Yayasan Yusuf members. Despite all those bad experiences, he is very persistent, obedient, and diligent with the gifted positive proactive attitude as well as soft kind heart. He can easily shed his tears tough, even he missed his homework. In his school - the British School of Alexandrai http://www.bsalex.net/ he is one of the macho kids admired by the 'ladies'. Now, for his birthday present, we fix his teeth with Dr. Amr stainless steel braces. Go Asri...!

Can Or Not & Be Serious

I love Datuk Lats' collection very much. I have bought this Be Serious LAT at MPH KLCC during our summer vacation. Please browse further to read Lat's biography.